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SpencemetDave’seyes, anger building inside him. “Yousure he’s not…”
“Yes.He’sinVancouver—my brother confirmed it.Shewon’t talk to me orLauren.When’sthe last time you spoke with her?”Dave’sblue eyes flashed.
Spenceshrugged. “Maybethree weeks.Notmy choice.”Theexcuse sounded weak the second he uttered it.
“Idon’t give a shit.”Davelooked away for a second. “Mysister’s shutting herself off; you’re going through the motions—granted, at an exceptionally high level.Lookme in the eye and tell me this has nothing to do with your relationship, andI’llback off.”
“No, you’re correct.Imade a mistake…” he took a breath.
“Didyou cheat on her?”
“Never!Itwas…”
Daveheld up his hand. “Idon’t care what caused this… this riff, freeze, split, whatever.Justfix it.Ifyou care about her the wayIthink you do, don’t let her walk away.”
Spenceheld his gaze for a long moment.
“Messagereceived.”
56
Kimcrossed another day off her calendar.Thedays, then weeks dragged by, and she knew she’d created a void by refusing to seeSpence, even as a friend.She’dcut him off because she didn’t want to risk her heart.Sherefused to acknowledge him in public or allow their eyes to meet.Coward…Ican’t let myself get pulled into another off-and-on relationship likeIhad withFinn.NotwhileSpenceis so conflicted about his priorities.
Sheburied herself in academics, completed her term-long academic assignments, scheduled four interviews for a summer internship, and looked forward to playoff hockey.TheSunsclinched the division and had a chance to grab home-ice advantage in the conference semi-finals.Shelaughed when she rememberedDave’sexpression when she told himnot to winthePresident’sTrophyfor the best record in the league.Oldmyth, but he didn’t deny it.Sistershave their superstitions, too.
Thechance to watch her brother compete in home playoff games cast a bright light over the future weeks… the only bright light.
Whenshe metDavefor lunch,Kimmentioned the playoffs—careful not to project beyond the opening round.
“I’massuming you want to sit near the ice?” he asked.
“IfMomandDaddon’t want them.Orunless you have someone who wants them?”
“No,Itold you those seats are yours, except when our parents visit.”Davepaused to take another bite from his grilled chicken salad. “Iwon’t be surprised if they decide to stay home and hope theSunsplayVancouverin theFinal.”
“Seriously,Dave?Ican’t imagine either missing the playoffs.”
“Yeah, surprised me, too.ButDadsaid they’d rather visit in the winter,”Daveagreed. “YouknowMomdoesn’t likeTampain the late spring or summer.However, they both admitted that changing planes, dealing with delays, and crowded flights exhaust them.”Helaughed quietly. “Dadsaid they’re not as young as we think.”
“Doesthat worry you?”Kimasked. “Thatthey don’t want to travel?”
“Notreally,Kimmy.Wefly on chartered jets, and it’s a hassle.Theyrefuse to consider private flights.”Heshrugged. “It’snot like they’ve never attended any playoff games.”
Kimnodded, quelling her disappointment.Inanother world, she would have looked forward to introducingSpenceto her parents—putting the ghost ofFinnbehind.Now, she didn’t know if or when that would happen.
KimrebuffedSpence’sattempts to talk, sending his calls to voice mail.Sheignored numerous texts.Hetried to catch her between classes with no luck.Hesent bouquets of sunflowers, sweet-talked her neighbor into delivering fresh sweet potato pancakes, and convinced his friend in media relations to slip notecards into the packet of game informationKimpicked up before each game.
Hedidn’t ask or receive feedback from his “couriers.”Heglanced atKimwhen she took her seat behind home plate but never caught her expression when—if—she opened his cards.Spenceknew he’d lose his game focus if she frowned or crumpled the card.
Theonly positive?TheStormSurgekept winning, and the national organization hadnotreplied to the conference’s recommendation regarding theNationalChampionship.
“That’sa good sign, rightCoach?”ToddquestionedRamirezduring a meeting with the senior leaders.
Thecoach shrugged. “Iconsider it a plus that they didn’t jump on that recommendation.Thiscould mean they’re taking time to consider our school’s track record, reputation, and quality of athletes.
“Soundspositive,”Spencemurmured.
“Eyeson the prize,”Ramirezreminded as he stood to signal the meeting’s end.
