Page 46 of The Replay

Cora: Bring two bottles of wine, just in case.

Dominic and Mariana's text chain

Dom: I'm still angry.

Mariana: Are you going to tell me why?

Dom: I toldyou why.

Mariana: What? When?

Dom: Recently. But I won't say more over text. All I want right now is for you to know that I am.

Mariana: I know.

Dom: Are you angry?

Mariana: I told you I'm hurt, not angry.

Dom: Okay, then. Good luck to us at the hockey game. We'll have to improvise.

Mariana: Good luck to us, indeed.

Chapter 16

Dom

The second period ends. The Vancouver Vortex are leading three to two. With Mariana's brothers currently out front, everyone is having a blast.

The suite we're in is about the same size as the one we get for home games at the Strike's stadium. It has enough room for food and drinks in the back, and a few rows of seats in the front overlooking the action. That's where my friends and I have spent most of our time. They sprawl over the space and chat with Mariana and her mom, while I remain in my corner seat and chat only with my immediate neighbors. It's been a little awkward, but I'll survive it.

Anything to appear unbothered around anyone from my past. Especially them.

Logan and Evie sat next to me during the second period, but the QB gets up now to get drinks while Evie and I get on our phones.

"I thought you'd be up there mingling," I say to her with a teasing grin.

She doesn't take her eyes off her screen, but echoes my smile. "I have been. I will. This first."

"What's so interesting?"

Evie's eyes are glued to her phone. "As I suspected, there's media coming out about the football players attending a hockey game where everyone's connected. With the owner of the Vortex being the mother of two hockey players, and the football team's GM…"

"Mh, it seems you've read more about the Sinclairs since the last time we talked about them."

"Yep. Dad and Mom changed headquarters a lot since they married, but these days they spend most of their time moving through a handful of cities in North America. They slowed down after Alicia left the charity to the eldest daughter back in the UK, and came here to buy the Vortex— I don't understand that part yet— and James' business exploded. Which you know, of course."

"Which makes me wonder why you're telling me."

She grins. "I'm hoping you'll explain why she bought the Vortex when her family were diplomats."

"I don't know." I shrug. "I always thought it was because their kids played the game."

I keep up the chat casually, despite being distracted by the text notification I expect to be from my mom but isn't.

Mariana: you can't sulk in your corner all night.

I narrow my eyes at my phone. In an automatic move, I glance at her. She's chatting with her mom, Bear, and Pen. Beaming. With her cell tight in her hand.