THIRTEEN
Summer:
Merry Christmas! we’ll wrap early
Me:
Merry Christmas
Was too optimistic
What time you thinking? It’s supposed to snow. It’d be better if you rode with me
Still here. Maybe go without me?
I’ll wait another hour
I’ll meet you there, okay? I don’t think we’ll be done anytime soon. I may be here forever if he’s waiting for me to get a spark of inspiration
All right. Text me when you’re leaving. Roads are getting bad
Hey, just got here. Have you left yet?
No
Hannah said dinner is in an hour. Do I need to come rescue you?
It’s nearly 5. Sign of life request
An hourand a half since that emoji.
I pocket my phone.Again. The fabric’s probably worn thin from how many times I’ve repeated the motion today.
“Was that Summer?” Mia asks. Fox leans in on her other side, arm hooked over the back of her chair. “She’s not coming, is she?”
“I haven’t heard from her in a few hours. Have you?”
Mia shakes her head.
“What’s wrong?” Helm’s voice carries across the table. “Your face is weird.”
Great. Now my worry, disappointment, and annoyance (at that damn producer, not Summer) are on full display. I drag a hand over my mouth.
“Thanks,” I deadpan.
But he’s already moved on, asking Ada about her son. She grumbles something about custody schedules and turns back to Natalie.
Volk is on Natalie’s other side, plating her food before doing the same for himself.
I still can’t get a read on the two of them. I’ve heard the guys gossip about what happened between them last season, but Volk’s stayed close-lipped, not confirming anddefinitelynotsharing details.
Volk catches me watching and raises his glass slightly. “You are playing well.”
Something’s changed, and I’m trying not to think too hard about what. I’m notthatsuperstitious. Still, I’m playing the best hockey of my career. Five games, four goals.
“We all have been,” I say.
“Yes. But you’re locked in.” He grabs the wine bottle and refills Natalie’s glass, topping off Ada’s too when she nods. “It’s good for the team.”
