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“I tried to tell you when we were sitting in my truck, but you cut me off.”
“Why didn’t you say, ‘Evie, I need to tell you something and we’re not moving until I do?’”
He swipes the sleeve of his suit coat over his damp forehead. “I don’t know. I’m sorry I didn’t.”
“You should’ve told me the first night we met. Or at least the night you took me out for pizza. I don’t even know who you are.”
“Evie, that’s not true. You know everything about me except—”
“Except for what you do every single day.”
“That doesn’t mean you don’t know me. You know the important stuff.”
“I dare say hockey is the most important part of your life.”
“Maybe before I met you. But now you’re the most important part.”
“Right.” I let out an ironic laugh.
“Why are you here?” He repeats his earlier question, reminding me I never answered.
“My dad is your coach.”
“One of the assistant coaches?” he asks, sounding hopeful.
“Nope. Coach Carling.”
“Your dad is Coach Carling.” I can’t tell if he looks impressed or horrified.
“Yes.”
“Fuck.” He grits the word out between clenched teeth. “But your last name is Bruschi,” he says, as if that’ll change something.
“After Tillie was born, I legally changed my last name so I’d have the same one as Tillie.”
“Evelyn?” My mom walks toward us, looking concerned. “Is everything okay?”
“Hi, Mom. Everything’s peachy.” She wraps her arms around me, forcing me to uncross mine to hug her back.
“Hello, Mrs. Carling.” Darius is as polite as ever. “Evie and I were just talking.”
She smiles at him. “It’s nice to see you, Darius.”
“It’s nice to see you also. You must be proud of your husband.”
“I am. He’s worked hard to achieve this milestone.” She turns to me, placing her hand on my arm. “It’s time to go sit down. I’ll show you where your seat is.”
My eyes flick to Darius. I can’t wrap my head around what I’ve learned in the last ten minutes. I’m sure he’s feeling somewhat the same. That’s why I nod at my mom and let her escort me away.
“We’ll talk more later, Evie,” Darius calls out, but I don’t look back. I don’t feel angry or betrayed, I feel numb. And somehow that’s the worst feeling of all.
CHAPTER16
DARIUS
Fuck.Fuck. Fuck.
I watch Evie disappear with her mom and I’m helpless to do anything to stop her. She’s here for her father and so am I. But once this event is over, there’s nothing that’ll keep me from her.
