Lianna looks up at her uncle. “She’s dramatic.”
“Tell me about it.” Alyssa punches his arm. “I would, but I’m in a lot of pain today.”
“We have to go to practice too or we’d do it,” Oli offers.
“I’ll watch her,” I volunteer with a smile. “Grey promised me he’d rest today. He’s sore from PT.” And fishing, and all the other things he did yesterday—including kissing me. That kiss. I’ve never been kissed like that before.
“Really? Are you sure?”
Grey winces as Lianna struggles off his lap, then she walks up to me. “I have to know one thing first.” Her brown ponytail swings with each little step. “Who is your favorite Disney Princess?”
I suck my teeth. “Oh man, this is hard.”
“There is one right answer.” Grey smirks into his mug.
“Uh Mulan, duh,” Andre says.
“She’s not a princess, she’s a warrior!” Lianna glares at him.
Oli slaps his bicep. “Duh.”
My eyes lift to Grey who’s pinching his fingers like he’s ringing something. “Belle. My favorite is Belle.”
Lianna scrutinizes me before her small face breaks into a smile. “Okay, Momma, he can watch me.”
“Phew, real touch and go there for a second.” Alyssa laughs giving her a hug. “Thank you so much. I won’t be long, I swear.” She walks over to her brother, whispering something in his ear, and his eyes lift to me before she kisses his cheek.
“Come on, we have to head out to practice.” Andre tugs Oli’s shirt. “I mean, unless there’s anything else anyone in this room wants to say before we leave.”
“What are you talking about?” Andre ignores Oli’s question, looking at Grey.
“Andre’s right. We’re having an affair.”
“Grey!” Andre grits his teeth. “That’s only funny when I do it!” Oli glares at Grey and I don’t know how he remains so calm. Oli frightens me, and the look he’s currently giving his friend could kill.
“Fine!” He looks down at the table before drinking his coffee. “I need to tell you something.” His eyes flick to mine before looking at Andre.
Oli sits back down. “What’s up?”
“I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted. Everything has been really hard. I haven’t handled it well. At all.” He taps his mug on the table. “I haven’t told you the truth about my injury.”
Oli reaches out, grabbing Grey’s hand giving it a squeeze. “What is it?”
“I won’t be coming back,” he says softly. “I’m retiring.”
Oli lets his hand go, shaking his head. “What?”
“My doctor told me that if I hurt myself again, I’m at risk for permanent injury. There’s so much scar tissue, and the muscles aren’t as strong. If I get hurt again, it could be bad. It’s too risky to play.” Oli’s quiet for a moment. I can see it in his eyes as he stares at the table. It’s like his mind is filing through solutions.
Grey’s eyes lift to mine and I can see his heart breaking. I hate it. This man has been through enough, and I wish I could make this better for him. Hockey is Grey’s life, and after what he told me yesterday, I know how much it hurts not being able to play again.
“I can’t believe this.” Oli shakes his head. “Does Atlas know?” Grey looks down. “Really? After all the shit you gave me?”
Lianna’s head picks up. “Uncle Oli said a bad.”
“I know he did.” Grey smirks.
“Sorry,” Oli says to her. He thinks for a moment, and I already know what he’s about to ask. “You sure? Maybe if you see a specialist and they?—”
