He chuckles.
I know he’s not laughing at me, because it is a ridiculous scenario, but I frown at him anyway. “It’s not funny.”
“It kind of is. Because that would be my wife too. I totally get where you’re coming from. At the same time, at some point, you have to say what’s on your mind. Communication is important, especially at a time like this.”
“Yeah. I know. I don’t like it, but I know.”
“Maybe we’ll win tonight, everyone will be in a good mood, and you can chat with her. Especially since she’s singing the national anthem.”
I always love when Lexi can come to games, but that’s amped up tonight with her singing the anthem.
“Good idea.”
“Now, eat something. We have a game to win.”
I laugh and dig into my pasta with more interest.
I’m excited any time I get to hear her sing, and this will be especially fun. I asked Coach to put me in the starting lineup so I can be on the ice while she sings, and he said he would.
Now that I’ve made the decision to talk to her, I can focus on hockey.
We need this game.
Two losses in Seattle means we’re down three games to one, so we need to win tonight and the day after tomorrow when we play in Seattle again. It’s a lot of pressure, and we’re all feeling it, but it’s almost a relief to be worried about something other than Lexi and her pregnancy.
When they announce her and she walks out onto the ice, we all immediately start tapping our sticks.
Her voice is as beautiful and powerful as ever, and when she’s done, the crowd is effusive in their admiration and applause.
She’s a star.
That’s what makes this so hard.
How the hell do I ask her to step away from it?
She’s beautiful and brilliant and so incredibly talented.
What she does is important to her, and while I don’t want her to give it up, I just want her to put it on hold for a little while. A year. Is that too much to ask? My gut tells me yes, which is why I’m being careful, but it’s hard to sit back and not give input on something so important.
Our eyes meet and she gives me the same sweet, private smile that’s been captivating me since the first time I saw her.
I’ve loved her through all of our ups and downs—and there have been a lot of them—so I’m confident we’ll get through this.
At least, that’s what I have to keep telling myself.
Because the alternative is unimaginable.
Chapter Nine
Lexi
* * *
The Sidewinders won game five, which is great, but they’re still down three games to two, and they have to game six in Seattle. The team is leaving first thing in the morning, and I wish I could go too, but Sasha just told us we’re playing a gig in L.A. tomorrow night as a kind of practice show to see how the new stage set-up and set list goes over.
Zaan seems annoyed when I tell him about it, which isn’t like him, and we get into an argument.
“What’s wrong with you?” I demand, following him into the bathroom as he’s gathering up his toiletries.
