12. Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

ETHAN

P ractice is in full swing, but my mind is anywhere but on the ice. We're running drills, but I keep missing passes and messing up plays. The coach shoots me a frustrated glance more than once, and I know I need to snap out of it.

But how can I focus when Mia is constantly on my mind?

She's been avoiding me like I'm some kind of plague. Every time I try to approach her, she slips away, disappearing into the crowd or finding some excuse to leave. It's frustrating as hell, especially when all I want is to talk to her, to figure out where we stand.

After another failed attempt to catch her after practice, I decide I need advice. Amanda's the only one who might understand this mess. She knows about us—well, about that night. And she's the one who initially thought Mia and I would be a good match.

I head to the locker room, pulling out my phone. With a deep breath, I dial Amanda's number, hoping she's available to talk.

She picks up after a few rings. "Hey, Ethan," she says brightly. "What's up?"

"Hey, Amanda," I reply, trying to keep my tone casual despite the knot in my stomach. "Can I talk to you about something?"

"Of course," she says, instantly serious. "What's on your mind?"

"It's Mia," I admit, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion. "She's been avoiding me like crazy."

"Why?" Amanda asks, her concern evident in her voice.

"I think it's because I mentioned wanting to tell Ryan about us," I confess, running a hand through my hair. "She's been distant ever since."

"Hmm," Amanda hums thoughtfully. "Maybe that was too much too soon for her."

"Yeah," I sigh. "But I thought we had a connection, you know? That night..."

"Sometimes, connections take time to develop," Amanda offers gently. "Maybe Mia needs a little more time to process everything."

"I've been trying," I admit, frustration creeping into my voice. "But every time I think I'm getting closer, she pulls away."

"Maybe she's scared," Amanda suggests. "Scared of getting hurt again, or of things getting complicated with Ryan."

"Yeah," I mutter, feeling a pang of guilt. "I didn't think about how it might look to her."

"It's okay," Amanda reassures me. "Just be patient with her. Give her the space she needs to figure things out."

"I've been so focused on trying to talk to her," I say, realizing Amanda might be onto something. "Maybe I need to step back."

"Exactly," Amanda agrees. "Let her come to you when she's ready."

"Thanks, Amanda," I say sincerely. "I appreciate your advice."

"Anytime," she says warmly. "And Ethan?"

"Yeah?"

"Remember, relationships take time," she advises. "Be patient, and things will work out."

I nod, even though she can't see me. "I'll try."

After we say our goodbyes, I sit there for a moment, mulling over Amanda's words. Maybe she's right. Maybe I need to back off and let Mia come to me. It's hard, though, when all I want is to talk to her, to see her smile again, to know where we stand.

And it doesn't help that I can't get that night out of my head.

But for now, all I can do is focus on then next game and hope that Mia comes around soon.