Page 56 of Breakaway
The noise of footsteps outside her door made it obvious that someone was listening. And she didn’t think it was her uncle. He would’ve surely burst in and told Travis off to protect her from having to do it herself.
“Aunt Trina?” she called. “You can come in.”
“Good,” Trina said with a large sigh, as she snuck in the room. “I was beginning to feel weird, listening through the door.”
At least that made her chuckle. “Why were you creeping outside of my room, anyway?”
“I was honestly just walking by, but I heard you in distress.” Aunt Trina sat on the bed next to her. “I don’t want to pry, but are you okay?”
Morgan shook her head. “Not even a little.”
Aunt Trina winced. “I didn’t mean to overhear, but from the sound of it, you’re still upset with Travis?”
“Yes. We’re done.”
“I guess you aren’t moving to Wilkes Barre now? Or will you still take the job?”
“Nope.” Her chin trembled, but she did her best to blink back her tears. “I know I said that I was moving for the job, not for him. And that was true, but I don’t think I could bear...” She couldn’t form the rest of the sentence, and turned to Trina, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Oh, sweetheart, come here. I understand completely.” Aunt Trina wrapped her arms around Morgan, stroking her hair in a way that reminded her of her mother. It was the final straw, and with a sob, Morgan allowed her tears to fall, while Trina gently rocked her back and forth as if she were a child. “You’ve been so strong, keeping everything wound up so tight. Just let it out.”
Morgan didn’t know how long she’d stayed in her aunt’s comforting embrace, but eventually she raised her head. Aunt Trina’s t-shirt was soggy. “I’m sorry, Aunt Trina, I’ve made your shirt all wet.”
“Don’t be sorry at all. That’s exactly what aunties are here for.” Aunt Trina produced a tissue as if by magic, and handed it to Morgan so she could wipe her eyes and blow her nose.
“At least the kids will be thrilled that you’re staying,” Trina said, clearly hoping to throw something positive on the situation.
“About that.” Morgan hadn’t prepared to break the news yet, but now she needed to. “I’m still moving. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me, and I’ll miss you all, but I need my own space.”
Aunt Trina’s smile slipped a little. “I had kind of hoped this meant you’d be staying. I’ve really loved having you here, but I understand. But where will you go?”
“I’m moving in with Katie. She doesn’t live that far from the practice facility, so I’ll still be close by.”
“I’m sorry things didn’t work out with Travis,” Trina said, as she rubbed Morgan’s back. “I know it’s tacky to say it’s probably for the best, but...”
“At least I found out what he was like, before I moved all the way to Wilkes Barre.”
“Yeah, very true.”
“So, my uncle—does he know?”
“Yep. He figured as much, after you came in so upset last night, and then he saw the...” Trina trailed off, no doubt seeing the look of anguish on Morgan’s face. “Anyway, he’s at the gym, working off his aggravation. And let me just add that it’s a good thing Travis is four hours away.”
Morgan nodded. She knew Aunt Trina was right.
“I’m sorry about the job, too. I know how excited you were about the internship.”
“Yeah.” She shrugged. “I just can’t go out there now. Seeing him on social media is one thing, but I don’t think I can run into him with girls hanging all over him. I’ll find a similar position here; it just might take some time.”
“Oh sweetie.” Trina hugged her tight.
She couldn’t help the tears falling again. She missed her mom, her life was a mess, and now this amazing job opportunity was gone, too. And on top of everything, even though she was hurting, she really did miss Travis.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Travis
Travis sat alone in the quiet Falcons locker room. He had spent many a morning sitting here, trying to keep the room from spinning as he was hungover from the night before. Anyone who talks about those as the “good ol’ days” had their priorities skewed.