“That’s not true!” Mom’s face flushes pink. “We just think you’re better off?—”
“I know you want what’s best for me,” I interrupt as gently as I can. “But you have to trust me to know what that is. And it’s Jordan. It always has been. I’m not going to risk losing him because you don’t want Ivy and me to grow up. Frankly, Dad can be mean and manipulative, and you just let him get away with it. Well, I’m not going to anymore, but even so, I’m still going to be your daughter. I’m still going to come around. Loving Jordan doesn’t mean I won’t love you—it just means I get my happily ever after.”
“There’s no such thing,” Mom whispers.
I stare at her and she stares back. It’s hard to consider that my parents might not actually be in love. Maybe they just co-exist and that plays a part in how badly they want to keep Ivy and me on a bit of a tight leash.
But that’s not my fault.
“There is for me.” I give her a quick hug. “I love you, Mom, but I have to go.”
With that, I turn and head out to my car.
I have a plane to catch and a man to apologize to.
Chapter 36
Jordan
Madison Square Garden is always loud. I have a love-hate relationship with playing here. The fans are rabid so being the visiting team can be challenging. At the same time, it’s one of the most famous arenas in the world, and every little boy dreams of growing up and getting to play hockey at MSG. I’m lucky in that sense, and I try to keep that in mind as we skate out for the warm-up, but it’s a struggle to focus.
All I’ve been thinking about is Victoria.
What I’m going to say when I see her.
Whether or not I should bite the bullet and buy her a ring.
What I’ll do if she refuses to stand up to her parents.
If she doesn’t love me enough to try…
It’s making my head spin.
“Jordan.” Jude’s voice is low next to mine as we wait for our turn to shoot a few pucks at the net.
“Yeah?” I glance up at his strange tone.
“You should skate a lap.”
I frown. “What?”
“Go skate over to the glass by center ice.”
“How come?”
“Would you just listen to me for once?”
“Geez, chill. I’m going.” I turn and start toward the glass.
That’s when I see her.
Big green eyes watching me intently.
Soft wavy hair curling around her shoulders.
Sweet lips slightly parted.
Victoria.
