“Yeah, me. I'm getting old, I guess.”
“You're twenty-seven,” Ethan points out.
“And I feel forty after that game.” I strip off my gear, trying to act casual. “You guys have fun. I'll catch the next one.”
Cole, who's been quiet through all this, catches my eye. Instead, he just says, “Good game tonight, Nova. Best I've seen you play in a while.”
“Thanks, Cap.”
“Whatever you're doing, keep doing it.” He claps me on the shoulder. “This is the player we need you to be.”
Sudden emotion comes over me. Cole doesn't give compliments lightly. And he's right. I did play well tonight. Better than usual. Because I had something to play for beyond just winning.
“I'm trying,” I say honestly.
“I can see that.” He studies my face for a moment. “Enjoy your night off. You earned it.”
22
Avery
The hotel bar is half-empty, most of the team having already left to celebrate their win at some club downtown. I'm nursing a glass of wine, sitting across from Jennifer in a leather booth, trying to look relaxed when internally I'm a mess of nerves.
“That was an excellent game,” Jennifer says, swirling her martini. “The coverage has been overwhelmingly positive. Liam's performance, especially. Two assists and a goal. The social media engagement is through the roof.”
“He played well,” I agree, keeping my voice neutral even though my heart rate spikes at the mention of his name.
“He's been playing well consistently lately.” Jennifer leans back, studying me over her glass. “Whatever you're doing with him is working. He's been much better behaved. More focused. The board is impressed.”
I take a careful sip of wine. “Just doing my job.”
“Well, keep doing it.” She smiles. “You've managed to accomplish in a few weeks what we couldn't do in months. Liam Novak actually showing maturity? That's PR gold.”
Guilt twists in my stomach.
My phone buzzes on the table. I glance down.
Liam: Where are you?
Me: Hotel bar with Jennifer. Can't leave yet without seeming suspicious.
Liam: How much longer?
Me: I don't know. I still haven’t told her I’m staying behind.
There's a pause, then another text comes in.Tell her I texted you saying I want to stay a few extra days. Act worried about what I might get up to.
I read the message twice. It's actually not a bad idea.
“Everything okay?” Jennifer asks, noticing my attention on my phone.
“Actually, “ I make my expression concerned. “Liam just texted. He says he wants to stay in Toronto for a few days. Personal reasons, he said.”
Jennifer's smile disappears. “Personal reasons? What kind of personal reasons?”
“He didn't elaborate.” I set my phone down, letting worry show on my face. “I'm just concerned about what he might get up to without supervision. We've made so much progress lately.”
“And we can't afford to lose it.” Jennifer's jaw tightens. “Did he say why he wants to stay?”
