Page 67 of Date With Skates

I try not to be sad about it, but it is sad. And I feel the sadness from Connor, too.

“I’m sorry,” I say.

He shakes his head. “Don’t be. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Thank you for letting me meet her,” I say, taking his hand.

“I’m just glad you got to meet her on a good day.”

“Too bad I’ll never get to meet Spike,” I say.

“Oh, please. You don’t really mean that.”

“No, I’m serious! I was hoping to meet the little guy.”

He huffs a laugh. “Maybe when we’re in town next, I’ll make plans with Jayden.”

“Sounds great,” I say, but I don’t know if I really believe it.

I was relieved when he told me he wouldn’t be taking Spike to live with us, and that he had already talked to Jayden about taking him full time. The thought of roaches escaping in my house and getting into my bed has me wanting to throw up. And I just know that if I met Spike, Connor would make me hold him, and I’m not into that. Sure, I would have liked to maybe look at him and poke his head just to get a feel for him because Connor loved him, but he still freaks me out a little.

Of course I feel bad, since Connor referred to Spike as his bestie, but he’s the one that told me Spike wants to live with Jayden. You know, since he speaks bearded dragon, and all.

We leave the facility and grab lunch, then we head back to our hotel until he has to go to the arena for the game.

I meet Nico there, since we both have tickets. He’s finally able to make it to a game between his tour dates. I give him a big hug when I see him, which isn’t as often as it used to be. We don’t argue as much as we did before, because now we really miss each other.

Nico stands and shouts at the ref more than me during the game. Seems Roman is finally rubbing off on him, and he’s learning a little something about hockey.

The Tornadoes win 6-3. They’ve been doing amazing so far this season, and I really hope they make it to the playoffs again.

Nico and I walk out, hand in hand, and head to a restaurant not too far to wait for Roman and Connor.

We have a drink and chat while we wait for the guys to show up. When they do, they take their seats and we have a nice dinner together.

“I’m so glad we got to do this,” I say, looking around the table.

“You know, so am I,” Nico says.

“I’m sorry, did you think you wouldn’t enjoy the night?”

He rolls his eyes. “Never know with you.”

“Guys, come on,” Roman says.

I grin. “We’re just messing around.”

“Yeah, we love each other.” Nico takes my hand. We look at each other, and then we start to laugh.

It’s true though. I do love him. And I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it weren’t for him. I owe him everything. He’s the reason I met the love of my life, the man I chose to settle down with, who spoils the absolute hell out of me.

Maybe I should stop being so mean to him…

Nah. That’ll never happen.