Page 101 of Crease Collision

But that’s a partial lie, and I know it. What I’m doing is buying time.

OSKAR

Monday

OSKAR: Ready to play LA tonight?

KAI: Absolutely. Hope you’re having a good day.

OSKAR: It’s okay, thanks.

KAI: I’m glad it’s not bad, at least. I’m sorry, but we just pulled up at the arena for morning skate.

OSKAR: I understand. It’ll be late here after your game, so can we talk tomorrow?

KAI: Should be able to. We’re traveling, but only to San Jose.

OSKAR: Great. I’ll look forward to it. Good luck, hjärtat.

KAI: Thanks. Thinking of you, hjärtat.

I’m relieved he replied. Last night, his text after they landed in LA was thin, but I know what road trips are like. If we can talk for a while tomorrow, I’ll be okay.

My phone rings on Wednesday afternoon as I pull on my jacket. My pulse spikes when I see that it’s Kai.

“Hi, baby!”

“Hey. How’s it going?”

The words tumble out, and I hope I don’t sound desperate. “It is so good to hear your voice. Feels like it’s been forever.”

“I’m glad to hear yours too.” He sounds happy enough to convince me. “It’s been a long few days.”

“I miss you a lot. You’re still in San Jose?”

“Yes. I know you guys are playing Boston tonight, so you’ll have to leave soon. I wanted to talk to you before you go.”

The knot in my gut finally loosens. “I’m ready, so I have about fifteen minutes.”

“Tell me what you’ve been doing.”

Missing you. Wondering if we’re okay.

But I can’t say that, so I tell him about practice, what I’ve been reading, and a new shirt I bought.

“The last two sound fun,” he says. “Noah gave me a copy of a book he finished. It’s old, but I love it so far. It’s called The Firm. Have you read it?”

“No, but I’ll put it on my list.” Enough about books. “Are you feeling all right, Kai? Travel’s hard.”

We talk for a few minutes about everything except the thought that’s taken up residence in my head—are we okay?

Three-thirty comes too soon. “Sorry, baby, but I need to go. I can call you when I get home from the game tonight.”

He hesitates a beat too long. “We have a team dinner with some guys from the Pulse, and I’m not sure how long that will go. Could we talk tomorrow?”

Disappointment lands hard, but there’s nothing I can do about it. “Sure. I’m free tomorrow afternoon, so please call as early as you can. I miss you.”

“Miss you too, Ozzy. Have a good time at your game.”