Stassi looked out on the ice, then toward me. “I know he’s been through a lot.”
“I’ve heard.”
“Don’t let his struggles take over though.”
I furrowed my brows. “What do you mean?”
“Being in a relationship with someone who openly wears their pain can sometimes feel overwhelming, as if you always need to prioritize their wants and needs. Just make sure you’re looking after your own wellbeing too.”
Make sure you’re taking care of yours too.It struck a nerve.
I’d become so accustomed to being the peacekeeper, putting others first, that I’d forgotten how to prioritize myself, which was why I’d bubbled over earlier. If I wanted a future where I felt whole, I had to find balance—supporting Austin without losingmyself and my mental health needs. Because if I didn’t take care of my own needs, I’d end up empty, with nothing left to give.
“I often used to do that with Alex. I went through a lot in my previous marriage, so I felt like our relationship was him constantly checking in to see how I was, but over the years, I learned that I have to give him the same.”
“Thank you for sharing that.” I looked at the rink, then back at Stassi. “We aren’t really married though, so it won’t matter.”
“Right.” Stassi smiled as Auburn and her friend joined us.
“Charlie, this is my good friend, Emma. She’s practically like an aunt to Austin and helped raise him.”
Emma gave me a brief, almost dismissive handshake before immediately turning her attention to Stassi and sitting down beside her. The interaction felt cold, but I wasn’t quite sure I could pinpoint why.
Auburn was on the other side of Emma, and she leaned down and pointed to the rink. “Warm-ups are starting.”
I looked up, and Stassi asked, “Have you ever been to a hockey game?”
I shook my head. “No, never.”
She laughed. “They’re fun to watch.”
Auburn leaned over again. “Ledger and Austin are on opposite teams.”
The arena wasn’t as large as the ones I’d seen on TV in bars, but it had a charm of its own. The lights dimmed, casting a warm glow over the ice as the players skated out. A handful of pucks were scattered onto the rink, and the players were dressed in different colored mesh shirts, distinguishing their teams. My eyes followed Austin as he skated out, wearing a red mesh shirt that fit snugly over his broad shoulders.
Stassi nudged me playfully. “My husband’s the one with the messy brown hair, right next to Austin.”
I barely registered her words because I couldn’t take my eyes off Austin—the way he moved with an effortless grace. He launched the pucks with precision, making it look easy and natural.
Austin dropped down on the ice, his knees splayed apart as he leaned forward, moving in a way that made my jaw drop.
My eyes widened, and before I could stop myself, I muttered, “Is he... humping the ice?”
Stassi burst out laughing beside me. “He’s stretching.”
Oh, hell no. That’s not stretching.My mind betrayed me as an uninvited thought flashed through it—that’s exactly what I wish he was doing if I were under him, his hand wrapped around my throat...
Heat rose up my neck, and I snapped myself out of it, glancing around nervously.
Get a grip,I scolded myself, feeling mortified.His mom is sitting right next to me, for God’s sake.
“Austin,” Emma shouted.
It must’ve gotten his attention because he stood up and skated in our direction.
With a gloved hand, he gestured, pointing to us and telling her to come down. Emma looked around at Auburn, who looked at me.
Whatever. He must be close to his aunt.
