Page 188 of Risking the Pucking Defense
“So…this barbeque…” Sienna starts. “What’s a girl got to do to get an invite? I could happily spend an afternoon surrounded by half-naked, wet hockey players.”
“Get invited by one,” Bea quips.
“Oooor by my best friend who is marrying one?”
“Aren’t you working that day?” Bea asks.
“Maybe, maybe not. I’m…” Cough. “Feeling a little rough, actually. I might need that day off.”
“You’re an idiot.” Bea laughs.
“That’s why you love me. Now I just need a hockey player to do the same, and my life is set.”
The afternoon continues in a similar fashion: the four of us dip in and out of the sauna and steam room, making sure someone sits with Bea so she’s not lonely.
By the time the sun is sinking in the sky, I’m feeling relaxed and sleepy and ready to head home.
I might not have touched a single thing on my to-do list today, but honestly, I don’t care. I’ve had the best time with the girls. They’ve given me the best birthday surprise I could have asked for. All I need now is for Hayden to surprise me and crawl into my bed with me later, and everything will be right in my world.
A little sadness nags at me that I’m going to be alone once Bea drops me back at my building, but then I remember that they all will be, too. I’m not the only one dating a player.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Bea asks, her attention burning into the side of my face.
“Just wondering how the WAGs deal with being left behind all the time. It’s hard.”
“Yeah,” she agrees. “They’ve only had a few road games, and I already hate it. I miss him so much when he’s gone.”
“At least you’ll have someone to keep you company soon,” I say, glancing at her belly.
“I’m not sure if that’ll be better or worse,” she confesses quietly. “Do you want kids?”
“Uh…” I startle, not expecting the question. “Honestly, until a few weeks ago, I didn’t have any intentions of having a boyfriend, let alone planning any kind of future that involved anyone else but me.”
“That’s fair.”
“He’s thrown me for a loop. I’d convinced myself that everything he’s showing me didn’t really exist.”
She smiles at me, nothing but happiness sparkling in her eyes.
“Out of everyone I know, you deserve it most, Hailee.”
“Thanks,” I force through the lump in my throat.
“I know you're scared, but it’ll all work out in the end.”
“I haven’t told him about my past. About my—”
“Trust him. He’ll stand by your side no matter what they might throw your way. He’s in this for the long haul.”
“Yeah,” I agree. I think he is.
It’s dark outside when we finally leave the hotel and pile into cars. I get hugs from everyone, and I drop into Bea’s passenger seat with a smile on my face.
“Thank you for today,” I say as we make our way home. “I think I needed it more than I knew.”
“We all need people in our corner every now and then. It doesn’t mean we’re not independent girl bosses.”
“I’m starting to see that,” I admit.
