“I’m sure you’d find a way,” she says, narrowing her eyes. “But listen, if you follow me to my next gig in Tucson, I’m calling the cops.”
“Mama, where’s Dad?” Laddie asks, melting my heart. I remember the first time he called Liam ‘Dad.’ I thought Liam’s face was going to split in half for how hard he’d grinned.
I point out to the far end of the ice, where Liam is doing some very suggestive-looking hip stretches. “He’s right there, honey. Number ninety-one.”
“Why’s he ninety-one?” Laddie asks, squinting. “He was a different number in Chicago, right?”
“Yes. Good memory.”
I smile, brushing his hair back. “He used to be number nineteen. But when he came here, someone had already claimed that number, so he changed it. One-nine became nine-one.”
“Ohhh.”
He says, reaching into my popcorn box again. I sigh and just hand the whole thing over.
As the teams disappear down the tunnels for their pre-game talks, the arena shifts into full show mode. Lights dim. Music swells. A hype video plays across the jumbotron, and Liam getsa lotof screen time.
Every time his face flashes across the massive screen, the crowd roars.
Boston loves him already.
And honestly? I get it.
He’s playing better than I’ve ever seen him.
Confident. Sharp. Focused.
It’s like the weight he carried in Chicago finally slid off his shoulders the moment he stepped onto the ice here.
This city was desperate for a stronger defense, and Liam Callaghan arrived, immediately giving them hope. People are already wearing his jersey, so I feel like it’s a good sign.
Hell, I’m wearing his jersey tonight too. Ninety-one. I’m pretty sure my heart does a weird little flutter every time I look down at it.
After the video, there’s some other pomp and circumstance, but then there’s a little commotion in the aisle to the right of Laddie.
A security staff member is trying to get my attention.
I lean over Laddie. “Hi—can I help you?”
“Are you Emma Reyes?” he asks.
“Um… yes?”
“Could you come with me for just a few minutes?” His smile is warm, reassuring. “I’ll make sure you’re brought right back.”
I look back at Talia with an inquisitive look, but she seems just as confused as I feel.
“Listen to Auntie Tal for a bit,” I tell him, brushing his curls. Then I crawl over him and follow the man up the stairs and out of the arena bowl.
My pulse is skittering.
“Is everything okay?” I ask as we walk. “Did I… forget something at security?”
He chuckles. “No idea, honestly. I was just told to escort you to the ice.”
“Theice?” My voice jumps an octave.
We step into a staff corridor, turn twice, and then push through a door markedStaff only.
