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“No, it’s not that.” But she doesn’t offer any further explanation, either, no matter how long I stare at her expectantly.
“Is there something you don’t feel like telling me?”
“It’s nothing big. That’s why I didn’t say anything.”
“But…” I wave a hand, gesturing for her to keep going.
“But… I’m going on a date later.”
“Really?” I’m surprised. She hasn’t mentioned anything about wanting to get back up on the horse or anything like that. Granted, it didn’t take me long to get back in the saddle, but Kyle and I weren’t engaged, either. We weren’t as far along in our relationship as she was in hers. And technically, what happened with Soren and Ash wasn’t a date. I didn’t think I’d ever see them again.
Her cheeks go pink and she can’t stop herself from giggling. “I don’t even know why I’m so flustered. I really need to chill out.”
“What’s his name? What’s the story?” I nudge her before she can answer and put on a fake scowl. “Why haven’t I heard anything about him before now?”
“Don’t get the wrong idea. I met him on one of those dating sites. Hinge. We clicked and he seems really nice. We’re just going for coffee, nothing big or involved.”
I have to give her credit. She’s actively getting out there and trying to find somebody new. “He’ll be lucky if you decide he’s good enough to go out with again.”
She rolls her eyes, but laughs gently. “Maybe I should bring you along. My hype woman.”
“Last I checked, I don’t have any plans.”
“Really, I should get moving. I want to get home and grab a shower.” There’s a trembling in her voice. Excitement. Considering the absolute mess she was after the break up, seeing her like this is a joy.
“Text me as soon as you get home. I want to hear all about it.”
“Yes, Mom.”
“You better be careful,” I warn as we climb the stairs out of the rink. “Mouth off to your mother like that, and you’ll end up grounded. You wouldn’t want to miss your date.”
15
HARLOW
If I didn’t know better, I would swear it’s Christmas morning as I hurry from the car into the building. I don’t think I’ve been this excited about getting to work since the first day I stepped through these doors. It feels like half a lifetime ago, even though it’s been less than half a year. I’m starting to feel like I belong. My days have fallen into a pleasant, challenging routine.
Today, though, is anything but routine. Because today, two of our missing team members have returned. Not permanently — there’s a chance they’ll both be needed again by the Orcas. The option to be called back to Seattle is on the table, and I can imagine it must feel like living in limbo, waiting to see what will happen next.
But for now, they’re back. The team is together again. My guys are together again.
Hence the flutter in my stomach as I head to my office and drop my things off. Hence the extra time I took getting ready this morning, like I was preparing for a big date or something. That’s sort of what it feels like.
It also feels like it’s been too long since I’ve had everyone together, and I have no doubt that’s what tonight will turn into. So yeah, I spent a little extra time in the shower this morning.
I run my trembling hands over my freshly curled hair on my way to the rink. The team is already on the ice, getting put through their paces by the coach. “Come on, let’s see some hustle! Just because we’re having a good season doesn’t mean we get to phone it in at practice!” He notices me and lifts a hand, grinning, but he’s surrounded by his assistants and too busy to chat. That’s alright. I get the feeling I’d be giggly and flushed anyway, which would probably be a dead giveaway to my excitement. I doubt I could explain it away.
I take a seat, eyes glued to the action on the ice. Everybody seems to be in good spirits, but I’m sure part of that has to do with the way the season’s gone so far. There are still bumps in the road, but all in all the team’s been playing at a much higher level than I’ve watched in films from previous games. And when it comes to mindset, there’s sort of a snowball effect. When you’re feeling good, you play well, which makes you feel better. It’s easy for the guys to have fun, even to joke as they race each other back-and-forth. It’s enough to make me smile in relief and maybe a little bit of pride. I know I helped them get to this place. I sort of feel like a proud mother.
Until.
I notice it before Coach Kozak does. The way Ryder checks Ash. The look they give each other. Soren circles them and mutters something — I see his lips move, but of course I can’t hear what he’s saying from this far away. When Ryder scowls, the heart that was soaring just a moment ago sinks like a rock. Something’s wrong.
It could be nothing more serious than a little rivalry. Discomfort. We haven’t really gone into it, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Ryder’s success in the absence of his teammates left him feeling a little cocky. Like the team didn’t need their stars to kick off a winning season. I’m sure the disappointment he already felt when he didn’t get called up by the Orcas has played into it. Like even though he wasn’t good enough to be offered a two-way contract, he can still lead his team.
No doubt that’s part of what’s behind the dirty look Ryder shoots Ash before he skates away.
Note to self: get to the bottom of this, fast. Maybe I can cool things down before there’s an explosion big enough to alert the Coach and everybody else on the team.
