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“I’m looking forward to that.”
There’s another voice echoing through the other line. “Listen, man, I gotta go,” Holden says. “But I’ll see you after the game tomorrow night.” He clears his throat. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
“I won’t.” I already feel better. “Thanks for listening.”
“Any time.”
* * *
MACKENZIE
I’m in my office when I hear the soft tap at the door.
“Come in,” I call out and my Mom walks in, giving me a soft smile when she sees me at my desk.
“Am I interrupting?” she asks.
I shake my head. “Just answering a few emails,” I tell her. “Is everything okay?”
She pulls the door shut behind her and sits down at the chair opposite me, the desk between us. There’s a strange look on her face that I can’t quite place.
“Danny’s here,” she says.
For a minute I say nothing. Maybe I didn’t hear right.
“What?” I ask. “Why?”
“Your father had two drop outs. He called in two new players. One of them’s Danny.” She twists her hands together. “He didn’t talk to me about it because I would have told him he’s an idiot. He just doesn’t think sometimes.” She looks up at me, and I realize the expression on her face is fear. “I’m so sorry. Please don’t let this come between us again.”
“Does Isabella know he’s here?” I ask. Because yes, Danny hurt me, but he hurt her too.
And she hurt me. It’s a mess. And I have no idea why Dad wouldn’t have anticipated this.
Because he’s an idiot. And he doesn’t hold a grudge so he doesn’t think anybody else does either.
She shakes her head. “She’s going to throw a fit when she finds out,” Mom says. “And she has the semi final dance off on Sunday night.”
I know this. She has to fly directly to L.A. after the exhibition match so she can be in L.A. on Sunday. Justin has already flown back. “Can you talk to Dad?” I ask. “See if he can find somebody else?”
“I have and it’s too late. Even if he finds somebody they won’t get to practice with the team.” She grimaces. “I’m so sorry, honey. I know Danny hurt you more than anybody.”
“I was a kid then. It feels like old history.”
“Really?” There’s hope in Mom’s voice. “Because I feel like we’re just getting you back. I don’t want to lose you again.”
“You won’t,” I tell her. “I promise.”
And it’s not a lie. I’m over what happened. All I want to do is think about the future. With Eli. I’m pretty much avoiding the ice so it won’t be hard to avoid Danny.
Isabella, on the other hand, won’t be able to.
“Are you going to tell her he’s here?”
She nods, looking resigned. “I’ll tell her tomorrow morning.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks. I think I’m going to need it.” She reaches for my hand. “Thank you,” she says. “For being so calm. For being you.”
