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CHAPTERTWENTY
Logan
“Got ya,” Chuck says, jogging after me in the hotel lobby.
It’s the middle of the night, and I’ve got an overnight bag gripped in my hand. I could throw the straps over my shoulders, but I’d rather hold it like this. Squeeze it tight. Let out some of the rage. The anger at the phone call, at whatMichelsaid.
“I thought I heard your door open,” Chuck says. “Disappearing on us again?”
“I’ll be back in time for the game,” I tell him, “but I need to take care of something.”
Chuck runs a hand through his wild red hair. “Listen, man. If you don’t want to tell the others what’s going on, that’s cool, but we’re theold menof hockey. We owe it to each other.”
“You’re going to be the oldmansoon, my friend,” I reply.
“Wait, you’re retiring?”
“I’m finishing the season, but then, yes. Yes, I am.” I let out a breath. Maybe it’s the idea of seeing my woman again after what feels like years. The fact it’s only been two weeks seems ridiculous to me. “In fact, I’m going to have a baby with the love of my life.”
Chuck gawps. “Holy… Whoa, man! That’s great!” He leaps forward and throws his arms around me. “That’s seriously great news.”
After a pause, I awkwardly return the hug. “Don’t tell anybody. I mean it. It’s complicated. I need to handle some things before anybody can know.”
“Say no more, partner,” Chuck says, miming zipping his lips, “but I mean it. Hell yeah. A kid! Look at you, man. You’re smiling again. She must be one special lady.”
I let the smile grow wider. “Yeah, she is. She’s perfect.”
* * *
I’m not smiling when the plane lands in Cali. I’ve spent the flight handling business and making arrangements. On-plane Wi-Fi has helped me get alotdone. Hopefully, all the nasty pieces are in place.
As I disembark the plane, I think about what I’ve got to do and the path ahead. Michael believes something like this can be settled with money. He thinks the big superstar Logan Ice can throw cash at the problem, and suddenly, like magic, there’s no problem anymore.
He’s wrong. I’m not settling this with cash. There are some things money can’t solve, and this is one of them. Walking through the airport in my shades and hat, I’m relieved I managed to sneak through without being recognized.
Michael is waiting for me, awkwardly standing beside his car. I remember what Emma said about him telling her about my mom. I wouldn’t have opened up to his daughter had he never done that. I never would’ve felt so fused to her that night. The night we revealed the truth. Webothwant this. Need this. We’re both going to fight for it.
I swallow guiltily when I reach Michael. From where he stands in the early morning sun, I can see how pale his cheeks are. He looks like he’s on the verge of a breakdown. Or slowly recovering from one. He looks far worse than the last time I saw him, the night I took his daughter’s virginity.
“You didn’t have to come,” he says, stepping forward.
I raise my hand, clap him on the arm, and do my best to smile. There’s so much he doesn’t know, like inside jokes with his daughter and the heat we’ve shared. As we stand in the Cali sun together, I remember the lake. The long games of hockey.You’re an animal, Logan.It’s funny. He didn’t call me Logan when we were kids, but in my memory, that’s the name I hear—the name I chose. Maybe for childish reasons, but it’s still mine.
“It’s good to see you,” I tell him, “despite everything.”
He sighs. “I still don’t know what you think we’re going to do.”
“I’ve already done it,” I reply. “All we need to do is attend the meeting. It’s at your office, right?”
He tilts his head at me, his eyes curious. “Yeah, but we’ve got some time.”
“Good. I’ve got the correct details, then.”
“You’re not making any sense.”
“Do you think I came all this way to half-ass this,Michel?” I snap, thinking of what he told me. Some people think they can do any damn thing they want. Some people think they can treat people like dirt. “If you’re going to do something, do it right.”
“But what can we do? Believe me. I appreciate you coming. I didn’t think you would. I’m ashamed, honestly. You’re the only wealthy person I know, but you said money can’t fix this on the phone last night.”
