Page 74 of Open Net

“When will we see you back on the ice?”

I knew everything I said would be blasted across the internet, so I had to choose my words carefully. I didn’t want to give too much information.

“When Coach clears me.”

Carl laughed and I joined in. He knew what I was doing and was respectful enough not to push things.

“How do you feel about Derek Aston’s performance?”

I pretended to consider his question. “He’s doing a great job. We’ve played some tough teams and he’s held his own.”

Carl thanked me, freeing me from a painful interview. Emma stood at my side the whole time, letting me squeeze her hand for support. We made it a few more feet before someone called Emma’s name. I turned to see someone from the local news station. They took a special interest in the wives and often did lifestyle pieces about them. Emma smiled and waved at the reporter who approached us.

“How’s life as a mother?”

Emma sighed, just enough for me to notice and stepped toward the reporter.

“It’s been a beautiful challenge.” She said it with a light tone and the reporter laughed in camaraderie.

“How are you managing balancing a newborn, the charities you support, and cheering on the team?”

Emma’s smile never faltered. “I have a lot of support. The Pride has been amazing. I’m so grateful for the team. They’re family.”

The reporter tipped forward. “What’s the most challenging part of being a new mom?”

I almost interrupted, ready to make an excuse and run, but Emma stood tall. “It’s been hard. Much harder than I expected. From labor and the birth to losing sleep and trying to find my new normal. It’s been challenging.”

The reporter eyed her dress. “But you look so great. What’s your secret?”

Emma chuckled. “Lots of support, and a really great makeup artist.”

They both snickered and Emma stepped back, thanking her for her time as if it was a sacrifice for the woman to do her job. Emma was always so gracious with the media.

I pulled her close and kissed her cheek. Love and admiration filled me. She’d been so much stronger than I would have been. “You were perfect.”

She smiled and continued walking toward the doors. I knew she was just as desperate to get inside as I was.

“Letang! Letang!”

I sighed but kept my smile in place. I stared at the wall of flashing lights to try to find who was calling my name. A man pushed his way to the front and stuck a tape recorder out toward me. “Letang, is it true you’ve been kicked out of your house?”

Emma and I looked at each other. I could see the panic in her eyes though she didn’t let it show anywhere else. She remained poised and her smiled never wavered.

I laughed and she joined me. “Where did you hear that?” I blew off the question and hurried toward the entrance ignoring all other reporters.

Once we were safely inside and away from prying eyes, Emma pulled away. She dabbed her eyes, blinking quickly. I reached for her, but she stepped back. “Don’t.”

“Emma, what’s wrong?”

She shook her head. “I thought I could do this, but I’m so tired. I’m sick of pretending. I’m sick of smiling and pretending I’m fine.”

I didn’t know what to do. The last guy had thrown me off, but I thought we’d handled it well enough.

“Look, I can have my publicist make sure that guy doesn’t run anything about us.”

Emma’s shoulders drooped. “You still don’t see it.” I stepped toward her, but she held up her hand. “No, Olli. I need space.”

I scanned the area, smiling at the people who were passing through. “What can I do?”