She squeezes my arm.“I’m glad we did this.”
“Me too.”
We’re strolling to our cars in the parking lot, slow and unhurried.As we near hers, she stops and turns to me.“So…back to Griffin.”
I shield my eyes against the sun as I look at her.“What about him?”
“Does he have any interest in making things serious?”
I look out toward the water.“He’s been really clear from the beginning that this was going to be a summer-only thing.Once hockey season starts up, he’s gone.He says he doesn’t have the time to devote to a relationship.Which I understand.So…I don’t think he does have any interest in making it serious.”
Claire frowns.“That’s so surprising.The way you two looked together was honestly perfect.I thought you two had already sealed the deal for the long-term.”
Her comment warms me, but it also stirs up that confusion I don’t know how to untangle yet.“I’d be his girlfriend in a heartbeat.I’d be his fiancé, his wife, the mother of his children.”A sigh escapes me, and I meet my sister’s knowing gaze.“I am so in love with that man, and I haven’t said that out loud toanybody.”
She squeezes my arm again, giving me one of the warmest, most genuine smiles I think I’ve ever received from her.
“That’s what sisters are for.”
She pulls me into a hug before the tears start to fall.In Claire’s arms is the last place I thought I’d have a revelation, but something big comes to me under the warm afternoon sun.
Being in Bayshore doesn’t feel like I’m running from something.
It feels like I’m just arriving.
CHAPTER TWENTY
GRIFFIN
Neil calls at eight thirty in the morning on August first.
I’ve been waiting for this call.It’s Contract Deadline Day.I didn’t go into Cleveland this morning purposefully because I needed the distance from the Crushers in case things go south.
My stomach is in knots.Casey is at the kitchen counter with me, sipping coffee, realization all over her face.
“It’s Neil,” I say before I answer.I don’t put it on speaker phone this time.I need to be the only one who hears this news right now.
“Let’s get this over with,” I say to Neil in lieu of hello.
“This will be very quick,” Neil says.His voice is unreadable, and I swear to god he pauses for dramatic effect.“You’re still a Crusher.”
I pinch my eyes shut, relief jolting through me.“Marchetti decided to renew?”
“He did.Now it’s on you.I’ve sent the renewal contract via email for you to look over.Let me know if you accept the terms.”
I clear my throat, squeezing and releasing my left fist as I settle into this reality.I’m still with the team I love in the city I love.Thank God.
“Yeah.I’ll look it over.”I sniff, trying to beat back a wave of emotion.“Any major differences from the last one?”
“A small raise, which I don’t think you’ll mind.Other than that, all standard.”
“Great.Thanks, Neil.”
I hang the phone up and turn to find Casey watching me with her hands over her mouth.She’s dying to get excited, but I can tell she needs the green light from me.
“They renewed you?”she squeaks.
I jerk my head in a nod and the smile explodes on my face.She shoots her hands into the air and whoops, bounding my way.Then she’s in my arms, legs wrapped around me, showering me with kisses.
