Page 37 of Ruin The Friendship
“Yeah. Right in the middle of the playoffs.” I wince. Because of course it is. “Which is why I offered to move out. If we make it past the first round, Fletcher isn’t going to want his sleep interrupted by an infant.”
“If he says it’s fine,” Zoey says, albeit unconvincingly. “I would believe him. I think he’s the type of guy to know what he’s okay with.”
“Yeah, except he’s never been around an infant for more than a few hours. To have one dumped into your normally quiet apartment during one of the most intense times of the season? How is that going to work?”
“Who knows? We might not even make it to the playoffs this year,” Grace says with a wave of her hand. “This might not be a problem.”
“Don’t you dare speak like that,” Zoey says curtly, pushing her glasses up her nose and wagging her finger inGrace’s face.
We sit in the comfortable seats as we watch the guys take the ice.
“It’s true, though,” Grace says in defense. “We’ve all been around hockey players enough to know things change in the blink of an eye. They could win the cup, or they might not make it to the playoffs.”
Zoey huffs and swats Grace’s arm. “You’re right, but still. Don’t speak such things into existence.”
“Would you guys mind keeping this to yourselves?” I ask. “Not that I think you’d tell anyone, but I’m not ready for my business to be out in the world yet.”
“Absolutely.” Zoey takes my hand and rubs it soothingly. “This is a big deal, and you should be able to tell who you want to tell, without fear. You have nothing to worry about.”
Grace agrees, and I relax a bit. It’s nice to know I have them at my back and that they understand my want for privacy. Fletcher already lives a fairly high-profile life, and I’m not one to enjoy the spotlight. I never have been.
Zoey and Grace continue chatting, but my focus shifts to the men on the ice. I love watching warm-ups, mainly because typically Fletcher is at ease, and you get to see some of his familiar personality bubble through. Watching him interact with the fans is my favorite, but as soon as the puck drops, he’s a different person. Focused, hard-wired, and set on the game.
Watching him play the game he loves has always made me proud, but for some reason, tonight, there’s an extra special burst of pride in my chest. Maybe it’s because of his endless support for me and his ability to help me through even the toughest of times. I’ll never take him for granted.
He skates around the ice and slows to a stop as hereaches the length where we are sitting in the suite. Fletcher looks up, and through his visor, there’s a gleam in his eyes.
He waves his gloved hand, a giant smile crossing his face, and it’s like a weight is lifted off my chest. Just being in his presence helps ease some of the fear simmering in my body since I walked out of that meeting with Jude. I mean, really. Who am I to think I can raise a child on my own? But I want this baby, and knowing I have Fletcher in my corner helps more than I can express.
I wave back, an easy smile on my cheeks. I missed him so much the last few days.
He skates off, joining Calvin and Trigg, who both skate to the red line to greet Adam. They exchange handshakes and hugs before going their separate ways to continue their warm-ups.
We chat for a while longer as we wait for the game to start, and both of them are already planning a baby shower for me. I’m sure my mom won’t be in a rush to host one, so it’s sweet that they’re willing to.
The game starts, and as it always does, my heart pounds the second Fletcher’s skates hit the ice. He morphs into a different person.
The puck is dropped, and my focus on the game vanishes, replaced by thoughts of my future, of the baby I’m carrying inside me. I don’t doubt that being a single mom will be hard, but I’m ready for it.
For some reason, my mind strays to thoughts of Fletcher. What would he be like as a father? Not to my baby, no. Things aren’t like that between us, but I’m imagining him holding a small bundle, with my curly hair and blue eyes. The image is far too real, and it makes my heart clench.
I’m so distracted that the gameflies by in a whir. After three hard-fought periods, the Blue Herons win three to one. It was sad to watch Adam and his team leave the ice dejected, but it’s part of the game, I suppose. Hopefully, the guys don’t give him too much of a hard time when we go out to dinner.
As we walk out of the suite to make our way to the tunnels to meet the guys, I stare longingly at the popcorn. It’s fine, I’ll just get more at the next game.
16
WHATEVER IT TAKES
FLETCHER
“Way to go, boys,” I shout as I enter the locker room.
I’m met with cheers and hoots of excitement. We’ve been on a bit of a winning streak this week, which is always a good way to start the season.
Calvin says a few encouraging words and sends us off. I head to do my post-game cool-down routine, massaging a foam roller over my muscles. I don’t take as much time as I normally do, knowing everyone is waiting for us. After a quick shower, I throw some fresh clothes on and meet Calvin back at his locker.
Trigg is waiting, too, his headphones in as he goes through his post-game routine.
