She deleted my number. Maybe it shouldn’t surprise me. She made a choice years ago and it wasn’t me. I got angry, hurt, and what started as not speaking to one another for a few weeks morphed into months and then years of silence.
I was so busy with Avery and the NHL that I could almost forget she existed. At least for a few hours every day.
The truth is I thought about picking up that phone and calling her often. Or texting. Or just showing up at a game to support her.
I didn’t. She hurt me. And I guess I took it harder than I wanted to admit at the time.
Still, knowing that she basically erased me from her life fucking stings.
And I don’t know how to fix it.
But she matters to Avery, so I have to make an effort. Even if it’s as nothing more than a casual friend.
“That good, huh?” Bray laughs, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I grunt. “You’re the captain. You tell me. Did Coach say something?”
He shifts, standing straighter, then shakes his head. As far as captains go, he’s the best. He makes sure he’s always available for us. He’s quiet and focused, and he’ll do whatever is necessary to make sure we’re all in the right headspace leading up to the puck drop.
Is that what he’s doing now? I almost laugh. Definitely.
“No one’s mentioned anything, but I have eyes. And yours never stray from her. Especially when she’s talking to Dirk. They used to date or something?”
I grunt again. “No comment.”
The decisions Adeline made after the day she stepped off that elevator and out of my life still confuse the hell out of me, but Dirk is the most difficult one to process.
“You’re even grumpier than usual.” Brayden studies me, seeing far more than I’d like.
The two of us don’t spend a ton of time on the ice together. If he’s doing his job, he’s hanging with the other goalie, taunting our opponents, pissing them off, scoring. He’s got his father’s attitude. He’s cocky as hell when he’s in his gear, and he’s got the talent to back it up. He’s covered in tattoos and he’s always trying to get the rest of us to let him ink us up. Because yeah, that’s another of his talents. He’s an incredible tattoo artist. I’m fortunate to have him in my life. He’s an incredible friend, so I try not to be too much of a dick to him. I’d hate for him to trade me in for someone happier like our center, Bobby. He’s always smiling and joking around.
“Just stressed. Haven’t heard a fucking word from Tabs, and Avery keeps asking for her. We’re gonna be on the road soon, and what if she just fucking shows up? Could Vivi handle that?” I pull on my hair and slam my eyes shut. When I’m not thinking about the woman in the room next to me, these are the thoughts that haunt me at night.
Brayden squeezes my shoulder. “Sorry, man. I didn’t realize how much you had on your plate. That fucking sucks. I get the whole parental disappearing act. I relate more to Avery in this situation than you, but you should talk to my dad. He certainly has experience there.”
I offer him a tentative smile. “Thanks. Yeah. Maybe I will.”
“As far as Vivi—” Brayden pushes a hand through his dark hair. “She’s been good with Avery, right? I know Coach was worried about her dropping out of school…”
Strapping on one leg pad, I peer up at him, waiting for him to finish his sentence, but he almost appears lost. “She’s a good kid,” I assure him as much as myself. “And Finn’s at the house more than I am at this point.”
He laughs, the tension on his face easing. “Well, wherever Hopie is.”
Lips pressed together, I dip my chin. “Exactly. And Hope’s great. Winnie too.”
“If you’re worried about security while you’re gone?—”
I shake my head and stand. “Knowing Beckett and my father, that house is a fortress.”
Bray coughs out a laugh. “So fucking true.”
I breathe out, my chest relaxing a little. “Thanks. I needed that.”
“Not sure I did anything.”
“You checked in. You cared. And talking through it made me realize that Avery will be fine. She’s in the best place she can be. The only way it would be better is if I was home with her instead of here.”
Bray arches a brow. “That’s not practical.”
