But I won’t hear those words from either of them, likely ever, and maybe that’s for the best. So I nod and force a smile even though Britt can’t see me.
“Thanks,” I say, my voice quieter than it should be.
“Call me when you get settled,” she says sleepily. “And if you need anything…”
“I know,” I say. “If I need you, I’ll let you know.”
“K. Have a safe trip,” she says.
I thank her, end the call, and watch Ashbourne disappear in silence.
When I get into the Morgantown airport in West Virginia, it’s nearing four thirty and I’m tired as hell. Staring at myself in the mirror in the men’s room, I make an effort to wash my face and try to make my hair look more put together by running my fingers through it with some cold water. I straighten my shirt to my best ability, opting to leave the first two buttons undone.I’d taken off my tie and vest at the Norfolk airport and stuffed it in my bag. The tux has to be returned Monday, and I should have no issue as I don’t see myself being here more than a few days, though Caroline didn’t mention a return trip, but I supposed that’ll all get hashed out after I sign my contract. Worst case, I pay the shop for the damn tux and don’t worry about returning it.
My phone goes off with a text from Caroline telling me one of the Rioters—my teammates—is picking me up.
Vance Harding. I’ve heard the name, but I don’t know much about the guy other than he’s a beast on the ice. His record is solid, and I’ve heard rumors that the NHL was looking at him, but being as he’s still playing for the Rioters, I guess it was just a rumor.
Not long after Caroline’s text comes through, I get one from an unknown number.
Caroline said you needed a ride. I’m outside rideshare. Silver Jetta.
Cool, thanks! I’m on my way!
I stare at my reflection once more, taking in the sight of me. The lights in the bathroom make me look paler than I really am. I keep looking, expecting to wake up from this crazy dream at any minute.
This… this is everything I’ve ever wanted.
So why do I feel strangely empty inside?
Maybe because I need a fucking sandwich or a coffee or something. I’ve barely eaten all day and the flight was too short for them to pass out snacks.
Yeah, that’s probably it.
I take one last look, nodding and accepting that this is as good as I’m going to get. Once I get settled into my hotel room for the night, once I sign my contract, I’ll grab something to eat. I’m not sure eating when I feel this nervous is a good idea.
I find the silver Jetta and waste no time opening the door and letting myself in.
“You must be Alex,” he says, and I take a minute to look at him directly in the eyes. My dad always said no matter how nervous you were, if you looked a guy in the eyes, you’d show him the opposite. That you weren’t some weak, frightened pussy. You were confident. And depending on how they met your steadfast gaze—with a handshake or if they looked away—you’d know if you were an equal or a threat.
So I stare at Vance Harding with borrowed confidence, and it knocks the damn wind out of me.
His brownish blonde hair is windblown and his expression is nearly unreadable. I can’t tell what he thinks of me, if he thinks anything at all, but I think he’s hot as hell. His photos don’t do him justice.
I hold my hand out to shake his, holding his gaze.
“And you must be Vance. Captain, right?”
He chews his lip, his gaze flashing to my hand before he takes it, meeting my gaze once more. His grip is hard, rough. My dad would say it’s a good handshake, but it feels like a threat.
I don’t want to piss this guy off.
“That’s right.” He squeezes my hand tight before dropping it.
I relax as he pulls out of his space and my heart drops. I watch the world pass by out the window. Thankfully, I’m not headed to Reading directly. Caroline said we’ll be meeting at a hotel conference room to go over everything.
I keep waiting for the relief, the excitement to hit again.
But it doesn’t. In fact, I feel numb.
