Chapter 43

Chapter Forty-Three

Haydn: Sorry.

Ophelia: For?

Haydn: Leaving before you left me. Pausing because I couldn’t face the alternative. Maybe because the fear is stronger than the love I have for you.

Ophelia: But also because hockey is more important, and you don’t want this to throw your game.

Haydn: No, Pia. If I had to choose between the game and you, it’s always you, baby. Nothing is more important than you—except maybe the fear of losing you.

Ophelia: You still think I’m going to choose him?

Haydn: He’s the love of your life. Of course I do. And I should be able to live with that, you know? Because all I want is for you to be happy. But there are days I want to swing by the house and beg you to choose me. Choose me because I can’t see a future without you in it.

Ophelia: You hurt me. You left, and you hurt me.

Haydn: I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to be a placeholder. And I feel like you’ve been keeping me in limbo.

Ophelia: It’s not like that. I just . . . Constantine signed an NDA on my behalf after the accident. I was in critical condition and he was the one making decisions for me. This prohibits me to talk not only about the accident but also my relationship with Keane. My brother thought that once Keane woke up, it wouldn’t matter. After his pretend funeral, his parents reminded me of the NDA. I can’t talk in depth about my relationship with him, the accident, or disclose much of what I know about him.

Haydn: That’s . . . enforceable? I mean, they’re dead. Does it even matter anymore?

Ophelia: Probably not. I’ll check with Constantine and a lawyer. Then I’ll ask Keane if it’s okay.

Haydn: He’ll probably blink once because I threatened him. I told him if I found out he hurt you in any way, I’d kill him.

Ophelia: He never hurt me, but just so you know, he’s talking more. So it’ll probably be a “maybe.” That’s one of his favorite words.

Haydn: Interesting. Are you taking care of yourself?

Ophelia: I am. I have to go to the doctor, by the way. Apparently, I need a physical and some vaccines to take the Andes assignment. Something about high altitude and diseases.

Haydn: Let me know if you want me to go with you. I know how much you hate doctors.

Ophelia: Thank you, I’ll probably go next month.

Haydn: Go out on a date with me.

Ophelia: I’ll think about it.