Page 62 of Cross Check

GE

Just glad I didn’t act like a total idiot.

Someone from the athletic training staff passes my door and waves. I frown at Grant’s last message, typing out a response.

Me

You definitely weren’t an idiot.

GE

Good. I know I can be a lot sometimes. Too goofy. Too talkative.

Me

I like talkative.

Also, you probably don’t remember much about last night, and that’s totally understandable. But I wanted to say thanks for being so nice. I appreciate you.

It takes him a minute to answer. I bet he has to put his phone away for takeoff, but a message finally comes through. When it does, my skin burns hot.

GE

I remember everything with you, and I meant everything I said.

I set my phone down and scoot it away. It’s a live wire I’m not sure I want to touch. He doesn’t text a second time and the last message sits there, imprinting itself in my memory.

“Amelia.” Jude appears in the doorway to my office. “You okay?”

“What?” I blink, pulled from my trance. “Sorry. Distracted.”

“Do you have a minute to chat with me and Elliot? I’ve been thinking about a few line switches, and I want your opinion.”

“Sure.” I pop to my feet, locking my phone and shoving it in my desk drawer. Out of sight, out of mind. “I’m happy to.”

I follow him down the hall knowing this—the job, the career I’ve sacrificed things for—is the most important part of my life. Nice words from hockey players will come and go, but my legacy is forever. I need to remember that so I don’t get swept up in whatever the hell is jumbling my brain.

Being vulnerable with Grant was a mistake, and not one I’m going to make again.

TWENTY-TWO

AG

What the hell were you and your teammates doing between periods during the game last night?

All of you were crawling on the ice, and I’m so confused.

GE

You saw that?!

Oh my god. I can’t wait to tell Liam. He lost his wedding ring that he keeps tied to his skate, and we had to help find it.

AG

Hang on. Wedding ring? I didn’t know he was married!

GE