I leaned back in the chair admiring the draft myself. It was the one with the signs that cheered for him as he glided through the ice. “Thank you.”

“Can we talk for a minute?”

I pushed off the desk and stood, daunted by what this could be about. “If this is about the night you stopped by at my job drunk, don’t worry, I’m not holding it against you. You had a tough week.” I honestly felt bad for the guy. And I was slightly annoyed he was pulling August into his problems, but the more I thought about it, the more I was happy for him to be back on the ice.

“It’s not that. I’ve been wanting to apologize for what happened on Prom night. I mean I know I did that whole apology thing on national television…but I wanted to actually tell you I’m sorry.”

I didn’t think I needed this apology anymore. August had done enough for me to get past it. But this—coming from the offender himself, was somewhat freeing and I was grateful regardless. “It’s okay. I’m over it.”

“No. Harper, it was stupid and selfish and I was…well, I was an ass like Aug—I mean, like I said on the ice,” he laughed nervously.

My face dropped. So they’re still playing this game with me…

“No worries. Really.” I cleared my throat and looked away, feeling hurt that August wasn’t the one in here apologizing for lying to me about who he was. I’d thought after last night…he had to have known that I knew who he was.

I was honestly too scared to call his name out last night incase my presumption was incorrect.

“No, it wasn’t cool and I need you to know that.”

“Is there anything else?” I didn’t care for any more apologies. It was August I wanted. And I needed someone to tell me it was him all along.

“Actually, there is. Can I ask you for a favor?”

“I suppose.”

“There’s a Coach’s post-game party next Saturday. I mean the game is Friday, but the party is the next day. Will you be my date? It’s kind of black tie at the Brooklyn Park Tavern.”

I stared at him. Confusion swirling in my head.

What was I supposed to do? Was this Troy asking me out to attend with August or with him? Was he planning on all of a sudden showing up after missing weeks of games and practices?

If I said no, because there was no way I was ever attending any party as Troy’s date ever again…would August wonder why I turned him down?

“Sure, why not?” I answered meekly. One thousand percent sure I was going to regret this response that slipped out of me.