Page 58 of Westward

“Oh, right. I forgot.” A few things rolled through my mind, and I frowned. “I’m just rambling at this point, but I don’t know. Maybe there’s something that I can do, even if it’s not exactly in the middle of downtown Ashford Creek.”

“You and Gray were able to find a way to play professional hockey from your town. You can make something work. After you at least finish this season. I want a Cup, mister.”

I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh, even though she probably heard it.

“I think we all do, ma’am.”

“Do not ma’am me. I’m still a New Yorker at heart. If you ma’am me, I’m going to have to maim you.”

“Understood. Seriously, though, thank you. For listening.”

“I’d say that’s what I’m here for, but I’m here for even more. Talk with your Elizabeth, and let me know if there’s anything I can do there. But Atlas? If you want to be part of her life and want her to be part of yours, maybe you should introduce her to the world you live in now. The WAGs would welcome her in. You have one of the best teams out there when it comes to emotional stability and acceptance.”

“I just don’t want her to run away.”

“I think you’re underestimating both of you if you think that,” she said softly, and then we said our goodbyes before I headed off to the gym. Jacob had long since headed back to Portland. He was from there, so his off-season pretty much meant that if he didn’t travel and get away from his family, he hung out in the city. He was already working with our trainer, and some of the team assets that had begun early, and that meant I needed to get my ass in there. I was the starting goalie for the Portland Gliders, and I needed to prove it.

I rolled my shoulders back and then pulled up my phone once again.

Me

What are you wearing?

Lizzie

Well, let’s see, my silk teddy is at the dry cleaners, so my cut-off jeans and ratty T-shirt are just going to have to do.

My lips tilted into a smile, imagining her in her comfortable wear. She was so fucking sexy, and usually she didn’t believe me when I said so. I would have to make sure she understood once I got home.

Home. To the place I currently shared with Will until he bolted, but that was becoming less and less likely a possibility as the kid began to get more comfortable. Hell, as all of us did. I wasn’t Will’s father, but I could be his friend, and he needed someone to lean on. I didn’t mind being that person. And again, it reminded me of the plans I needed to make once I got out of this career thing. If I wanted to.

Me

Is Will teaching you how to garden?

Lizzie

*Middle finger emoji*

Me

Oh, keep talking dirty to me.

Lizzie

Go train. You’re losing all of your muscles, and soon you’re not even going to have a twelve-pack, just a meager eight-pack.

I patted my abs and grinned.

Me

You can count them later with your tongue.

A new text message popped up, and I laughed full out.

Will

You know, I can read these texts when her phone is right by mine, and we’re digging in dirt.