Ashton skates over to the plexiglass, waving at Nova. “Hey, babe.”
“Dada!” Zeke points at Ashton.
Ashton glances over his shoulder, eyes wide, his face turning ghastly as he searches for Luca, who is still in the center of the ice warming up. “Kid nearly gave me a heart attack. Thought someone might be sneaking up on me.” Ashton is a bit breathless.
“Break a leg!” Kensley shouts at him.
Nova pales in her seat. “That’s for theater! Don’t shout that in here unless it’s at the other team.”
“Sorry! Sorry!” Kensley holds her arms up. “Just trying to cheer you guys on.”
“A little too enthusiastically.” Nova glares at Kensley, and I swear I see a bit of jealousy burn right through her.
Ashton glances over his shoulder once more, and when he realizes Luca isn’t watching, he blows Nova a kiss. “See you after the game, babe. Are you coming tonight to the after-party?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Nova says.
Nova and Ashton are quite adorable together. While I know Luca won’t be happy with the news, maybe I can help smooth things over after they tell him they’re dating. It’s not like Nova is in high school anymore. She’s eighteen, an adult, and in college.
At least she’s making good choices. Ashton isn’t a bad option in terms of boyfriends, although I’m not sure I’d have thought that a few months ago.
Ashton points at Zeke. “Love the look,” he says, giving a wave at my son.
Zeke’s swimming in the child-sized jersey we managed to snatch up this afternoon. It’s over his winter clothes, and he’s still swimming in it.
“Catch you later.” Ashton skates backward, showing off as he heads back toward Luca, who is practicing shooting goals.
The team then returns to the locker room before entering the ice arena again, this time for the game.
I can’t help but feel butterflies in my stomach. I want Luca to do well, to win. Is this how he feels before every game? I also don’t dare admit to anyone that I’m disappointed Luca didn’t come over and say hi to Zeke or to me during practice. But we came here to support him, not make it about us.
The game ends with a final score of 1-3. The Narwhals win, and Luca is flying high, given that he scored two of the three goals tonight.
He skates over to us after the game, and my heart quickens, surprised he noticed us. He barely paid us any attention tonight, but maybe that’s what he needed to win.
“Hey.” Luca waves at Zeke, who just stares at him.
Kensley and Nova head out together, leaving me standing alone with Zeke. I don’t mind it. They’re both getting ready to head to the party. I’m getting ready to take Zeke home to bed.
“It’s past his bedtime,” I explain when Zeke cuddles into my arms and his eyes flutter closed.
“Go, take him home. Don’t wait for me tonight.”
“Have fun at the party.” I don’t even ask if he’s going. I’m assuming that he is. The rest of the team is going to the old place where we used to live. Chase is hosting the party along with his new roommates, who also play for the Narwhals.
“Thanks,” he says, and his smile is genuine. His eyes flicker for a moment. “Are you okay with me going?”
“Just don’t hook up with any puck bunnies, but I’m happy you’re going out with the guys.” I am glad he has friends and he can still go do things with them. Just because we’re married and I have Zeke, doesn’t mean that he has to give all of it up. I don’t want that for him.
He laughs under his breath. “Don’t worry. I hear my room in the old house isn’t vacant any longer.”
That doesn’t make me laugh or smile.
We had good memories in his bedroom. The new house, all I feel is cold and distant in our new room. I can only blame myself for that frigidness.
“Bad joke?” Luca offers a crooked grin, and my stomach dances with those little butterflies.
“I miss those days,” I say, wishing the plexiglass wasn’t the only thing standing between us.
