It’s been a week since I last saw or spoke to Garrett, but it feels like an eternity. I miss my boyfriend. I hate his father for putting me in this impossible situation, for forcing me to break up with him. I broke his heart. The words still echo in my mind—I want to explore my options and find someone better. But no one is better than Garrett Graham. Saying that nearly destroyed me. The pain and betrayal in his eyes made me sick to my stomach. Garrett makes me feel safe, allows me to be vulnerable. With him, I feel whole.

The only good thing about all of this is that the team is winning again. As captain, he now has a real shot at leading them to the championship in his first year. At least something turned out right.

My best friend, Allie Hayes, storms into my room like a hurricane, eyes locking onto my outfit. “You’re wearing that?” she asks, staring at my old pajama pants and my sweatshirt with the cut-off collar. I shake my head and point at the dress hanging on the door. “No, I’m wearing that.”

She unzips the garment bag, revealing a silver, strapless, floor-length gown. Her eyes light up as she gasps, clearly impressed. She helps me get ready, styling my hair into a perfect updo. When we arrive at the auditorium, I head straight backstage. I don’t want to see anyone, especially MJ or Cass.

And honestly, I don’t want to sing either.

All I can think about is Garrett’s face when he walked out of my dorm. I have to remind myself I did this for him. So he could keep his Jeep, his hockey, his home. So his father wouldn’t cut him off. Because Garrett would choose us over hockey without hesitation.

He belongs on the ice. He needs to show the world his talent, to prove that he earned his place—not because of his father’s name, but because he deserves it. I wanted him to be happy, even if that meant I had to break into pieces.

And now, here I am, dressed for a night I don’t want to live, pretending I’m fine when, inside, everything hurts. But I can’t take it back. He needs to move on, and so do I.