Page 110 of Line Change

“You’re a popular guy today,” Wes says to Elias.

“Hi guys. I didn’t realize you had company.” She starts to back out of the room.

I glance over at Elias. He’s got his arms crossed, and he’s scowling, or attempting to, yet his eyes tell a different story, one that says he’s happy she’s here, even if maybe he doesn’t want to admit it to himself or us. This just got interesting.

As much as I want to know what’s going on between them it’s none of my business. None of our business. But it is time for us to go.

“We were just leaving.” I get to my feet.

“See ya later, Elias,” Wes says, following me toward the door.

“Mads and I will come by tomorrow.” Hunter gets up too.

“Have fun,” Holt says.

“You guys don’t have to leave on account of me,” Ansley says.

“Nah. Go on.” Wes beckons her into the room.

“Thanks,” she says.

We’re silent as we walk down the hallway.

“Wonder how long that’s been going on,” Wes says when we make it to the lobby.

“She’s leaving at the end of the season though,” Holt says quietly.

“Do you think that’s why he says he’s going to retire? So he can follow her to New York?” I ask.

“No idea. He hasn’t told me anything.” Hunter runs a hand down his face as we step out into the warm April afternoon. “Do we really think he’s going to give up hockey?”

“I imagine some of it is the injury and not knowing if he’s going to be one hundred percent again,” Holt says as we head toward where we’re all parked. “Hopefully, once he starts physical therapy, he’ll change his mind. But maybe he needs to talk to someone …”

“Yeah good idea,” Hunter says, blowing out a breath. “I hate this for him.”

Me too. Me too.

We come to a stop in front of our vehicles.

Hunter snaps his fingers. “Seb, before I forget to tell you, there’s a house on my street that just went on the market. If you were”—he shrugs—“interested in a bigger place.”

My eyes light up. “Really? I’ll have to talk to Sutton about it.”

Of course we’re going to need a bigger place. And if it’s in the same neighborhood as Hunter and the rest of my friends, even better.

“I’ll text you the address and the name of my realtor.”

“Thanks.”

We say our goodbyes, and I get into my car to head back to the condo.

Later that night when Sutton and I are curled up on the couch watching her favorite reality TV show, I fill her in on what Elias said about possibly retiring.

“I feel so bad for him,” she says, absentmindedly rubbing her belly.

“Me too.” I tug her closer to me. “Ansley came to see him when we were there.”

“Ans came to visit Elias?”