Page 63 of The Puck Bunny

Filing into the locker room after Friday’s game, I walk with Finn. It’s become our ritual.

“Congrats on the two assists,” Finn says, tapping my pads with his stick.

I take a seat to undress. “It’s step in the right direction,” I say, but I really need to make the goals. Next game. As long as I keep my head into hockey and block out all other distractions.

After I shower and dress and talk to some media, I catch up with Jonas near the exit.

“You ready?” he says.

“I’m fine. What about you?”

He snorts and we head out the door.

The tension ratchets up the closer Jonas and I get to The Tea Party. Him, for obvious reasons. Me? Because I’m hoping Sara will be there—which makes me a dick.

I know she’s the distraction killing my game and I don’t know how to deal with that.

“Thanks,” Jonas says after a few beats while we walk. It’s only a couple of blocks and we have our hats down and scarves covering our faces.

I blow out a cloudy breath of air into the cold. “You know what you’re going to do if it’s a positive match?”

“No. I’m fucked either way.”

“Or you could make the best of it and it could turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you.”

He gives me a skeptical look and I challenge him with a raised brow. “It’s obvious you care about her, man. Just admit it.”

“I’m too young for this. She’s… all wrong.”

“Whatever plans you had or timeline you thought was best, forget about it. None of that matters. As for Mindy being all wrong, I’m not sure why you think that, but I’d say you’re at least conflicted on the point.” I pause until he looks at me. “Besides, you don’t have to marry her to do the right thing by your child.”

I can’t blame him for being concerned and afraid. I nudge his shoulder. “You could end up with a little hockey player; someone who’ll look up to you.”

He gives me a lukewarm grin. “Didn’t think of it that way.”

We arrive at The Tea Party’s glass door and stop outside.

“This is it,” he says.

I glance inside and can’t see if Sara’s in there because it’s pretty crowded. I’m a fucking idiot. I can’t even focus on my teammate’s important problem for five minutes without her distracting me.

I follow Jonas to the back of the bar. Mindy and Sheila are huddled together when we approach and disappointment drops like a lead puck in my gut. No Sara.

That’s a good thing.

Jonas takes a seat, pulls his ball cap lower and doesn’t bother taking off his jacket or scarf.

I do the same because I’m not anxious to be recognized. I haven’t been out since the last time I saw Sara here.

“Let’s get this over with,” Jonas says.

Mindy starts crying, accusing him of being cold hearted and I can’t disagree.

I kick him under the table.

“Sorry,” he says. “How are you doing?” He stares at her belly and she sits up, a tentative smile showing.

“I’m good. I got pictures of the baby from my last ultrasound.”