That pulls a laugh from me, and I kiss them both gently before leaving them to their homework as I head downstairs to make dinner.
Two Weeks Later
I pull my phone from my pocket when I reach the tunnel, leaving my players with Garrett as they warm up for the championship. During games, I keep my notifications silenced for anyone but Ellie and Natalia, and they know not to call me unless it’s a true emergency. So when I realized my phone was ringing, I immediately stepped off the ice.
As I’m exiting the rink, eyes fixed on my screen, I’m shoulder checked. I stumble backward, my head snapping up to find none other than Bodhi stepping onto the ice.
“Hey, Coach.” He shoots me a cocky grin. “Good luck out there today. Hope there aren’t too many steals, though. I know those are rough on you.”
“Shut the fuck up, Bodhi.” I sigh, bored, but when I see the name flashing on my screen, my cheeks split into a grin. I hold up my phone to show him. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to take a call.”
I allow enough time for him to register who’s calling before I slide my thumb over the screen and hold it to my ear. “Hi, angel. Everything all right?”
I leave Bodhi on the ice, stuttering and gaping like a fucking idiot.
“Hudson,” Ellie hisses into the line. “My mother is here.”
My blood runs cold. “What the fuck?”
“I know, I know.” She sighs. “She just texted me—she was in attendance and wanted to see if we could talk. I didn’t tell Nat because I’m afraid if she sees Mom, she’ll cause a scene.”
She absolutely will. Nobody hates Candace more than Natalia.
Fuck it.I was hoping to share my news with the girls tonight after a big win, but I will not allow my ex-wife to fuck up the entire game for me, or for Ellie.
“Tell her to meet you near the door to the tunnels right now. I have twenty minutes before I have to bring the team back down to the locker room. I’ll let you both through the doors and we’ll hash it out right now.”
“Are you?—”
“Yeah, Ellie. I’m done with this shit.”
“Okay,” she breathes. “I’ll see you soon.”
I hang up, pacing the tunnel as I wait for the two of them. It takes about ten minutes before there’s a soft knock on the doors to the locker rooms. I shove them open as Ellie and Nat slip inside.
“She’s just behind us,” Ellie says.
“Do not hit anyone, Natalia,” I warn.
“No promises.”
I keep the door propped with my foot until I hear her voice calling Ellie’s name. Opening it wider, I watch Candace’s face morph to shock when she spots me. It’s faux surprise, because of course she’d fucking know I’d be here, and the way she’s dressed is telling.
Fitted black pencil skirt, sky-high stilettos, a sweater that’s a size too small. Her pin straight, cherry-red hair is brighter than her natural color, and she’s wearing far more makeup than she did when we were married.
I think her goal is to look younger, and she’s failing.
“What’re you doing here?” she spits.
“It’s a job requirement,” I mutter, stepping aside to let her in the tunnel. I shut the door behind me, and Ellie steps between Candace and Natalia. “I have under ten minutes, so let’s get this over with. What do you want, Candace?”
“I wanted to speak to my daughter.”
“I gathered that,” Ellie murmurs. “But why are youhere?”
She throws her arms up, designer purse swinging. “I knew you’d be here, and I had no other options. I haven’t been able to get a hold of you for months! I haven’t seen you in almost a year.” She softens, taking a step toward her daughter, though Ellie moves right back. “You look good, honey. Have you lost weight?”
Natalia scoffs. “I swear to fucking?—”
