Of all my former teammates I could’ve run into first, I’m glad it’s him. Rowan was always the rock for the younger members of the team, and he took his leadership role very seriously on and off the ice.
“You too, man. You look good. A little old though. Is that gray I see?” I tease, pointing at a few streaks in his hair.
Rowan rolls his eyes, my comment bringing a small laugh from his wife, Tanya.
“I aged 10 years after being your captain,” He deadpans.
“I missed you too, big guy.” I really had. The nerves I felt about running into my former teammates had dissipated just by seeing Rowan. That and the woman who hadn’t let go of myhand since we walked out of our room. We step out of the elevator into the area outside of the conference hall.
“So, are you going to introduce this lovely lady at your side, or do you plan on just keeping her hidden away from us for the rest of the night?” Rowan asks.
“I’m Violet. Mason’s girlfriend.”
Pride fills my chest at Violet’s words. I’m not sure I would ever get over the feeling of her saying she’s mine.
Recognition flashes over Tanya’s eyes. “We met a few years ago, didn’t we? In Chicago?” I feel Violet tense at my side as she nods. Tanya lets out a small squeal before turning her attention to her husband. “I told you. I told you they were endgame, didn’t I? I’m never wrong.”
“It seems like everyone else in our lives knew it was coming before we did.” Violet shakes her head.
“Nah, we knew too. We were just too stubborn to admit it. At least we got there eventually.” I place a kiss on her temple before directing my attention back to Rowan. “I heard you guys are killing it this season.”
“Hopefully it continues that way into the playoffs. Gotta make my last season count.” Rowan pauses waiting for my reaction.
“You’re retiring?”
“You can’t be surprised. You were the one chirping at me a few minutes ago about how old I was looking.”
“You’re actually serious?” Sure, thirty-four was on the older end of NHL players, but Rowan’s never had a major injury.
“Tanya and I had a long conversation about it, and I realized it’s my time. Plus, I don’t want to miss a second of my daughter’s life, so it all made sense.” Rowan rests his hand on Tanya’s stomach, and I finally notice the small bump.
“Holy shit, you’re gonna be a dad? That’s amazing.” I give Tanya a small hug and pat Rowan on the back. He’d always talked to us about how much he wanted to be a dad and now he finally got his wish.
Rowan is beaming at his wife. “Thanks man. We’re both really excited about it. I’m sure retirement will be an adjustment though. Got any pointers for me?”
“I never thought that anything would compare to the thrill of being out there on the ice, but I’ve been coaching at my alma mater recently and it’s been really re—” I’m cut off by the one person I had dreaded seeing the most.
“That’s incredibly noble of you Mason.” Kallum’s voice is dripping in sarcasm.
What a fucking dick. You would think after years of not playing on the same team he would’ve finally gotten over our one-sided rivalry. I guess not everyone changes with time. “Kallum. Nice seeing you again.”
“You too. Though I can’t lie, I am a bit surprised to see you here at the Rangers gala...” He trails off, meaning to imply something like, ‘Wild seeing you here since you’re not on the team anymore.’
“Connor asked if I could make a speech for his philanthropy award.” I shrug.
“Speaking of which, we should probably head in and see if we can try to track him down,” Violet speaks up, likely feeling as repulsed by this man as I am. “Nice seeing you again Tanya. Rowan.”
thirty-nine
. . .
Mason
I seeConnor seated with his family. He greets me with a warm smile before throwing his arms around me.
“It’s good to see you again, man. I’m glad you decided to take up my offer and bring a plus one.” Connor takes Violet’s hand into his and brings her in for a hug as she introduces herself. “Oh, trust me, I know exactly who you are. Mason couldn’t shut up about you when he was on the team. Or after. I’m just glad to see you guys finally together.”
“She definitely made me work for it.” I tease receiving an elbow to the ribs as she rolls her eyes. “It was worth it though. She’ll always be worth it.” Violet’s cheeks turn pink. I take it that I’m forgiven.
