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I laugh. “I wouldn’t say that.”
He nods. “I get it. I’m sorry.” Then he chuckles. “You do realize I couldn’t hold a stick upright much less connect it with a puck if my life depended on it, right?”
I smile. “Everyone starts somewhere.”
A silent moment passes between us. It’s usually when I wake up. “So is this it…some kind of closure?”
He looks up, alarmed. “Do you want it to be?”
“No,” I say honestly.
He grins. “Me neither.”
32
Did you read it this time?” my fiancé asks.
“Fuck you,” I mutter, setting down the magazine next to the new contract.
“No thanks. Last thing I need is to be trapped into child support in a year.”
“Tricking people into lifelong regret is your thing, Troy. Not mine.” I pick up the pen and sign the document he’d given me “ample” time to review.
He’d even allowed me to put in my own clause. I only had one.
One I hope is all it will take.
He collects the papers and folds them back up. “About the other part we talked about...it's tomorrow night.”
My stomach sinks. “I know.” I twist my ring. “I'm ready.”
“And you know why it has to be this way?” he asks for the third time.
“Yes, Troy. I get it. Damage control.”
Which is ironic since I’ll be wrecking my chance with Chase forever after I do this.
“And don't try anything cute. You signed an NDA.”
“Read that too, Troy. No one will know about our agreement.”
“Great. Sleep tight. Breakfast will be sent up at eight, and then we leave for the airport.”
I stare out the window until he closes the door behind him, then rush over to it and lock it.
My body is cold. My heart hammers against my chest when I think about how tomorrow night is going to go.
Maybe I’ll get lucky and have a meltdown right before and Troy will take pity on me.
Maybe he’ll see that same young woman who was afraid to ride the elevator alone. And waited for her so she wouldn’t have to be so scared.
On Wednesday night I’m going through my pre-game routine in the locker room, avoiding the usual shit talk and camaraderie. Slaps on the back with unwavering confidence. I don’t need any of it right now. I need to get through tonight and continue my search for Pepper.
A surge of energy courses through my veins as I lead my team onto the ice through the tunnel. The roaring crowd that I’ve grown used to over the years is somehow louder tonight, awakening me. It’s like they know I’m not focused and they’re upping their levels to gear up mine.
It’s not going to work.
I’ve tuned you out before. I can do it again.
