I didn’t even know it was jacket weather outside. She watches me for a beat before saying, “You’re quiet again. And trust me, I get it. But I need to know what you are thinking?”
Trying to smile at her, because she deserves all my smiles, I force the edges of my lips up. “Officially, I’m past the thinking stage. I’m numb.”
She takes a few more steps forward until she’s next to me, brushing her hand against my face. “You can’t hide in here forever.”
Sighing, I rub a hand over the back of my neck, and mumble, “I got an attorney. He’s not exactly a good one. He had a lot of bad reviews online. He’s more like a legal clerk with a law degree, but he’s willing to take the case. With no money, I didn’t have a lot of options.”
“Well, that’s a huge step.” While she tries to sound cheery, I can tell her words are forced because she’s missing the matching glint in her eye.
I offer a noncommittal shrug. “I have my first meeting with him this afternoon.”
“Good. What time should I be ready?”
Blinking, I do a double take as I rewind what she said. “Koren, this is my mess. You don’t have to come. Seriously, I don’t want to drag you into this.”
“I know I don’t have to. I want to.”
Sighing because finding words is so incredibly hard lately, I look away. “This is going to get ugly. I’m probably not going to win. And even if I do, everything is going to be public. I can’t have you bear that burden.”
She lowers herself onto the chair next to mine and reaches for my hands. “Can you just look at me?”
I do.
“I’m not here for an Instagram-perfect life. I’m here for you. Even when things are hard.”
My eyes sting, and my blinks come fast, holding back my emotion. I hate this whole thing so much, but one thing it’s showed me is who is truly on my team. I squeeze her hands and say, “I don’t deserve you.”
“Yes, you do.” Her voice is soft, insisting, before her lips bend into a small smirk. “Now, let’s go get coffee before this meeting starts, because I’m going to need some brain fuel.”
She starts to stand, but I squeeze her hands tighter, tugging her gently back until she lands in my lap. She doesn’t resist, fitting exactly where she belongs and wraps a hand around my neck. I stare into her eyes and say, “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For everything. I love you.”
“You’re welcome, and you have to stop acting like you’re alone in this.” She leans forward, pressing a kiss to my cheek, so soft it makes my eyes close for a moment. “I love you for always.”
twenty-four
Koren
I’ve lost track of the number of weeks it’s been as everything has been a blur. When the email from Elijah’s lawyer comes through, Elijah is sitting on the edge of his bed with the unread message glowing on his screen. I don’t doubt he’s holding his breath, and he doesn’t move at all. Honestly? I don’t blame him.
We both know how fast the world turns on someone. This whole experience has changed him so much. He’s quieter now, softer around the edges, but stronger in the places that mattered.
“Do you want me to read it?” I’m a little afraid because I don’t actually want to read it. What if it’s bad news, and I’m the one who has to tell him?
“I can do it.” He moves his thumb over his phone to open it. Part of me wants to read over his shoulder because I can’t stand the pressure in my chest. The other part knows he needs a private moment, and he’ll tell me when he’s ready. I study hisface. His lips part, his face pales. Tears spring to my eyes. This doesn’t look good as the color continues to drain from his face.
At last, he whispers, “The league cleared me.”
I whisper back. “Meaning you can play again?”
“I can.”
“It’s a miracle.” My throat goes so dry, I struggle to speak, and tears fall freely down my cheeks. I reach over to wrap my arms around his neck, ready to celebrate but he’s stone-cold quiet. “What’s wrong?”
“Bill was suspended indefinitely from league operations. The Granite Ice board is forcing him to sell. Apparently, they already have someone who has stepped forward with an offer—Blake Anton, his rival. If Bill doesn’t accept it, and can’t find another buyer, the league can force a third party to manage the sale, and Anton could end up with his team.”
