“You should call her,” Hailee suggests.
“I messaged her last night. She hasn’t even read it. What?” I ask when she snorts a laugh.
“It must feel really weird not having a woman immediately drop to her knees for you.”
“If she’d done that, we wouldn’t be in this position.”
“I know you don’t want to believe this, but Bea isn’t a puck bunny. That night you met her, it was her first game. She had no idea who you were or what you could offer her. She didn’t go out that night with a plan. She’s a good person who is just trying to live her life on her own terms.”
“You seem to know a lot about her.”
“Because I took the time to listen.”
I scrub my hand down my face. “You blindsided me.”
Hailee nods. “Yeah, I did. And for the record, I’m sorry. But I had a decision to make, and in that moment, the inconsolable woman in my office needed support.”
“Inconsolable,” I echo. “Is having my baby really that bad?”
“She’s scared, Rett. This wasn’t a part of her plan as much as it wasn’t yours. She hadn’t been able to contact you and yet you’re the only person who can truly understand what she’s experiencing right now.”
“And I called her a liar.”
“Yeah.”
“Shit,” I hiss. “I need…I don’t know what I fucking need.”
“That’s why I’m here. You might drive me crazy, but you are a fantastic hockey player, and the Vipers are lucky to have you on their team. I’d like that to continue for as long as you want to be here. But you’ve gotta sort yourself out or you’re going to find yourself on a plane out of here, assuming someone else wants you.
“Right now, you have an opportunity for a fresh start. Spend time with Bea, focus on your future, your baby, and take stock of everything that is important to you. Is it the bunnies and the partying, or is there more?”
I drop my gaze to my lap and take a moment to absorb what she just said.
It has never been about the bunnies or the partying. They’re a distraction. If I don’t have them then…I’m sitting home alone…
“What if she doesn’t want to spend time with me?” I ask quietly, reluctantly voicing my fears.
“What? Why wouldn’t she? You’re Everett Donnelly. Everyone wants to spend time with you.”
I glare at her. “Nice try.”
“What? I’m not above stroking that ego of yours if I need to.”
“Thanks, Hailee,” I say, my voice raspy with emotion.
“Aren’t you glad you got out of bed to see me now?” she asks with a grin.
“I wouldn’t say glad. You’re tolerable at best.”
“I brought coffee and good ideas.”
“You want me to date my baby momma.”
“Exactly. Perfect idea. Once you’re ready, we’ll drop the news and turn you from a fuckboy to a family man. Then everything?—”
“Whoa…family man? What have I missed here?”
Hailee’s shoulders tense.
