TRAVIS
I’m having the kind of week where nothing can get me down. Not even a loss to San Jose. We played well and got a lot of shots on goal, but the pucks just couldn’t find the back of the net today. Despite the loss, the team is in good spirits as we get on the jet to head home. After three games this week, we’re all looking forward to a day off tomorrow.
It’s perfect timing for me with Hannah’s sister coming into town. I cannot wait to meet her. I’m almost as excited as Hannah. She’s been smiling and singing around the house all week. She’s nervous though, too. Some of those nerves are likely about our married but not together situation, but I also get the sense that’s just who Hannah is with her sister, and that she’d be micro-planning every last detail regardless of me. She’s the eldest, the protector. The amount of things she’s shielded Wren from are probably too numerous to count. I admire that about her so much. How different might my life have been if I’d had a Hannah as an older sister?
Coach is standing in front of his seat at the front of the plane. As I approach him, he reaches out and cuffs me on the shoulder.“Quite a week you’re having, Bennett. Have you been eating your Wheaties?”
It’s a joke I’ve heard him tell dozens of times to basically every guy on the team. Yet it still makes me smile.
“Nah, I’m more of a Cocoa Pebbles guy.”
He lets out a hearty laugh. “Well, whatever it is you’re doing, keep at it.”
“Yes, sir.”
Smiling, I head back and drop into my seat beside Nick. He gives me a chin nod, phone pressed to his ear.
Around the plane, guys are doing the same thing: calling home or texting with their families. It’s going to be late when we get back, but we’re used to the drill. So are our families and friends.
I pull out my phone to text Hannah. She’s the closest thing I have to someone waiting for me. Except she’s likely passed out already.
I’m not surprised by the text she sent me. She’s taken to sending them before and after games, wishing me luck and congratulating me. Or in tonight’s case, apologizing.
Hannah
Sorry about the game. Tough loss.
Me
Still a good night to be Mrs. Bennett?
While I’m waiting for her reply, a call from an unknown number pops up. I’m fairly confident it isn’t her but not confident enough to ignore it. I hit accept and bring the device to my ear.
“Hello?”
An uneasy feeling takes root in my gut as soon as the voice on the other end speaks. It’s the perfect mixture of arrogant andpretentious, perfected over years of being the world’s biggest asshole. I’d recognize it anywhere. Even if his words didn’t confirm his identity.
“Hello, son.”
Silence hangs heavy on the line.
“Dad,” I say the word with as much disdain as I feel for him.
“You’re a hard guy to reach these days.”
“Not hard enough, apparently.”
He ignores the diss. “I’m going to be in town in a few weeks. Let’s have lunch.”
“My town?” Does he even know where I live?
“Yes, Moonshot.”
I want to ask why he’s going to be in my town but it’s in direct contradiction to giving a shit.
“Sorry, I’m busy that day.”
“I didn’t even tell you the date.” There’s an edge to his tone now. A little of his usual disdain slipping through.
