Page 101 of Put a Rink on It

Schurbatski was grumpier than usual, getting pissed at us for ignoring his directional commands and shooting shots he missed.

Gavrielidis couldn’t make a pass to save his life.

Markou had a chip on his shoulder and forgot we were his teammates, not an opposing team.

Coach wasn’t happy and stormed out at the end of practice after tossing his clipboard on the ice. It’s the most unpleasant emotion I’ve seen him shed.

I got clocked in the shoulder, so it was back to the trainer for me. The bruise is angry, a fitting end to the morning practice. Thankfully, it’s our only practice for the day until morning skate before the game tomorrow. We all have to pull our heads out of our asses, or the playoff run we’re on will end.

A message notification interrupts my doom scrolling. An immediate smile leaps onto my face.

Ships

I found a dress!

I start a response, but hers keep coming.

Nope, you can’t see it

Yes, you’re going to love it

Thank you for giving me this

Also, for the record, cookies and cannoli martinis pair well together

How was your day?

I hit the CALL button, wanting to hear her voice.

Nope, needing to hear her voice.

She answers after two rings, but I don’t let her get a greeting in.

“My day was shit, but your messages made it better,” I admit freely. I don’t have to hide my feelings.

“Do you want to talk about it? My ears are open. Can’t say I’ll retain the info, but if you need to vent, I’m listening.”

Gah, she’s adorable. Drunk, sober, in my bed, on the couch, in my arms, cooking breakfast, organizing notes. Everything about her warms my heart.

Which sucks because I’m not supposed to be falling for my fake fiancée. For this woman who’s doing me the hugest favor in the world, but I don’t get to keep.

How could I keep her when I can’t be the one to give her the life she wants and deserves? At least not emotionally. Financially, sure. But emotionally? That’s up for debate.

“I want to hear about your day. Whatever parts you want to share.”

“Wait. I forgot to tell you what I decided.”

A flash of worry ripples through me at her ominous tone. “Tell me.”

“Minnesota. I want to get married in Minnesota. At your lake. Sunset might be a bit too late in June, but we’ll figure out the timing.”

I sit up from my prone position. “Not Vermont.”

“I said Minnesota twice. And mentioned the lake. I’m not that drunk to confuse the two. Jeez.”

“Pipe down,” I cajole with a laugh. “I needed to be sure you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.” There’s some rustling over the line. “I want this day with you as a memory. For everything we’ve shared over all the years of our friendship. Like a cole-cal-cul…whatever that big word is where everything comes together. The perfect ending.”