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Guilt hits me like a gut punch and I frown. “I’m sorry, I should have visited sooner. I just—”
“Nope,” Jesse says sternly, cutting me off, his expression telling me he’s serious. “We knew what this was when we started. It’s going to be hard, and I’m going to be constantly whining about it, but I’m never upset at you. Just the situation.”
“We’ve never talked about it,” I say, the realization only just hitting me.
“You’re right, but that’s because I didn’t think there was much we could change right now.”
“Right now?”
“You’ve got your business, and I’ve got hockey. But I can come to you during the offseason, and I’ll be retiring in a few years,ifthey re-contract me. It’s not forever.”
“When you say you’ll be retiring, you mean…?”
“I won’t be playing anymore, so I can come to you.”
My jaw drops so low, I almost have to lift it off the floor.
Jesse chuckles. “Why is that so hard to believe?”
“Because you hate this town and everything it reminds you of.”
“Wrong. I hate Mossman Hills andalmosteverything it reminds me of. Anyway, this has only just begun. Who knows where life will take us.”
My stupid eyes water, and I scrunch my face to hide them. But fail.
Jesse smiles sympathetically. “I mean together,” he says reassuringly. “Who knows where life will take ustogether.”
“I knew that,” I lie.
“How did this become a sad conversation? We’re supposed to be talking about New! York! City!” He punctuates each word with a hand gesture, making me smile again.
“You’re right, and I’d love to come. I can’t wait.”
Having a set date to see Jesse is almost worse than not knowing when I’ll next see him. The anticipation kills me, and by the time the day arrives, I’m a nervous wreck. Especially considering the Tate and Alex issue I have hanging over my head.
“You all set?” Jesse asks as I wait to board my flight from Seattle, after a short layover.
“I am,” I half lie. I’m definitely ready to see him, but I’m not sure I’m ready for all that it entails. “I can’t believe you’re taking me to New York,” I add with a smile. “I didn’t think I’d go there in my lifetime.”
“Technically I’m nottakingyou to New York, and I hate that. But I’ve arranged a car for you when you get here, and Pippa will meet you at the game.”
“Thank you. It’s a shame Pippa won’t be able to actually sit and watch with me,” I say softly. “She said she’d be working.”
“She is, but the other wives are lovely, and—”
“Yes, of course.” I cut him off, trying to keep the worry out of my voice. “I can’t wait.”
Flight 348 to New York City is now boarding. Please make your way to gate 12.
“They’ve just called my flight to board. I better go.”
“Wait! Ah, before you go. I have a jersey for you. Two, actually. One with my name, one without. They’re both yours and,” he trails off and I picture him running a hand through his hair, “you can wear either. I know having my name on the back is a big deal and—”
“Jesse?” I cut him off, ending his concern. “I’ll wear your name. I want to.”In fact, I’m feeling kind of giddy about it.
“Okay,” he says quietly, unable to hide his happiness. “Thank you. I’ll see you soon.”
Who knew the jersey thing was such a big deal.
