“It’s hard.”
She nods. “I said I’d go to their stupid fucking wedding next month, but like ... how?” Her voice breaks with emotion. “I’ll just cry and hide in the corner the whole time.”
I drop my brows. “Fuck them and their wedding. Why would you put yourself through that?”
She shrugs. “If I skip it, it seems like I’m not over it, and if I don’t skip it ...” She laughs as a tear trails down her cheek. “I prove I’m not over it, I guess?”
I can’t miss pregame warm-ups. But I also can’t leave this conversation.
Gloves tucked under one arm, I reach out with my free one and brush my thumb over the tear. Her eyes widen as she holds my gaze.
“Just get through tonight. You’re a beautiful, strong woman and he’s a piece of shit. If it’s hard to be in the same building as him, grab an Uber and go home. Get some ice cream. Buy yourself something you really want.”
Her shoulders drop with a deep exhale. “Yeah, that’s ... not a bad idea. I want to be able to sit in the stands and look like I don’t care, but ...”
“You’re not a soulless sack of shit like him, and you do care. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
A corner of her lips quirks into a smile. “Are you just really good at pep talks?”
“I’m not bad, but I also know Macintire. We used to play on the same team. I fucking hate him.”
“Why?”
I shift on my feet, nervous the locker room is empty out there. “Long story, and I have to hit the ice. Text me if you want to watch Severance later.”
“You want to come over to my dad’s?”
I balk. “He’d love that. I meant we can watch them at the same time. Me at my house and you at yours.”
“Oh.”
Was that flicker on her face disappointment?
She nods. “Yeah, that sounds good, actually. I don’t think I have your number, though.”
“I’ll get yours from Melina.”
“Beaumont?”
The yell in the locker room means I’m missing warm-ups. I head for the door, looking over my shoulder at Talia.
“Catch the game if you can. I think you’ll enjoy it.”
Chapter Seven
Talia
* * *
Lucien swipes a hand across his mouth, wiping away the blood running from his nose. I haven’t been able to look away from this game since I got to my dad’s house and turned it on.
The first minute Lucien and Kyle were on the ice at the same time, Lucien was chirping at him. He’s been relentless, flying toward Kyle every time he starts a shift. He’s in the penalty box for the third time tonight, and every fight has been against Kyle.
I shouldn’t like it, but I do. It feels damn good to see Lucien pounding on my horrible ex. Kyle’s a little shorter than Lucien’s six foot two, but he’s much leaner. Lucien is dominating him.
D-men don’t usually have lightning-fast reflexes, but Lucien does. He bobs and weaves like a boxer. He’s fast and fearless. I’ve never seen anyone take the punches he can without reacting.
“Beaumont seems to be trying to get thrown out of this game,” one of the TV announcers says.
