Paige grins at me. “That’s the spirit, Cappy.”
Rochelle turns around on the bench. “And it’s a surprise show. Like, not even officially announced.”
“That’s the best part. We’re VIPs in our country andin the world of Solace. After interviews and treatments, we just go.”
“Late showing,” Rissa adds, counting on her fingers. “But not late,late. You all can duck out early if your precious routines start whining.”
I smirk. “You say that like you don’t ice bath religiously.”
“That’s different,” Riley says for Rissa. “She’s dramatic andresponsible.”
I keep ripping into my gear, hanging it in the cubby behind me, and allowing my breathing to settle back to normal. I went super hard on the ice after missing those two open net shots.
Maybe Violet won’t mind sitting at the arena sometime, watching me practice. I’m sure I can get her some skates and access to the rink, but I don’t know if I should be mixing my personal and professional lives more than I already have. That could put a bad taste in the team’s mouth, and I’m not sure that’s something I’m willing to do.
Violet has my head so fucked up, but in the best possible way. I need to make sure I keep my boundaries clear with her andwith myself. I told her that communication is important, and I need to make sure I’m doing the same.
Fuck.
Maybe I’ll give her some room in my dresser. Tell her she’s moving in with me, not ask, and we’ll go from there.
I shake those thoughts from my head and refocus on the locker room.
The name Solaceis being tossed around left and right. A free concert would have anyone buzzing, especially since it’s a top artist like her. And her music is always so on point. It hits those feelings that you don’t know how to put into words. Those feelings you want to talk about, but you’re afraid you’ll make a fool of yourself. So, you keep the emotions in and just sing along with everyone around you, like you can’t feel it hitting deep.
I sit back against the bench, letting my gear hang behind me like I earned my right to be here. Like, I didn’t just miss two open net shots. Like, my brain isn’t filled with thoughts of a woman instead of the entire reason I’m in Milan.
I let the idea of the concert settle over me. Music, lights, something loud to block out all the other thoughts. And I’m doing it all with my team. I’d offer for Violet to go with us, but she isn’t an Olympian, so she probably wouldn’t get in.
Maybe I can threaten her ex to give up his spot. She said he was here playing on the men’s team.
No. Don’t be fucking stupid.
Paige kicks my knee with her foot. “You’re coming, right? No vanishing captain act?”
“I’ll be there.” And I mean it.
My phone buzzes in my bag, but I don’t bother checking it yet. I sit here, surrounded by the sounds of chaos. Letting the plan exist, and my team fill the room with their laughter and excitement for all the things coming our way.
Tomorrow’s game determines what vibe we’ll carry to the concert, but at least we are all in this together.
I slip my phone from my bag and check the message. It’s from Nora at Keisha’s care facility. She’s having a rough day, but started to perk up around lunch.
Sometimes you have to take the good news with the bad and hope the next day is better.
Unable to stop myself, I pull up the conversation between Violet and me, noticing she hasn’t said anything for a few hours.
Skye:Hey, just wanted to let you know I’ll be back at the hotel later tonight if you want to stop by.
When she doesn’t answer, I send a follow-up.
Skye:The team is going to the surprise Solace concert. Sssshhh, don’t say anything. But maybe you could find a way to sneak in, too?
The text status finally changes to read, and the little bubbles start rolling around the bottom of my screen to tell me she’s typing.
I get butterflies in my stomach. Actual butterflies. I find myself looking around the room to make sure nobody is paying attention to me.
Violet:I am touring the Teatro alla Scala opera house, or I’d say yes. I’d love to stay tonight! Let me know when you’re back at your hotel room. *water splash emoji
