Page 80 of Cross Check

I could use the rest before the last part of the season.

I’m grabbing dinner with Hannah tonight. I haven’t seen her in a couple of weeks, and it’ll be good to catch up.

Where are you today? Wait. Charlotte, I think?

AG

Yeah. Game here tonight, then we have a game in Baltimore on Sunday.

We get in Saturday morning…

Me

I can read between the ellipses, Amelia.

You want to get sandwiches, don’t you?

AG

I mean…

The meatball subs are going to be RIGHT there.

Me

Text me when you’re at the hotel. I come grab you :)

“You’re in a good mood.” Hannah pushes her empty plate away and stares at me. “And you keep checking your phone. Is there any particular reason why?”

“Besides the fact that I’m with my favorite sister?” I tease.

“I’m your only sister, dude.”

“And you’re still my favorite. Things are just good right now, to be honest. I signed that contract extension in the offseason. I’m playing well and hanging out with the guys when we’re not on the ice. I get to go to All-Star Weekend next month.” I take a sip of my beer and set the bottle down. “It’s nice to have some time away from hockey. I love what I do, but people only see the glamorous side of my job. No one talks about the travel, the time away, the lack of sleep and the mental capacity it takes to stay engaged for nine months out of the year. It’s a lot. Add in the pressure of being the reigning championship team, and everyone has an opinion about what I should be doing with my life.”

“I understand.” Hannah dips her chin and twirls her hair around her finger. “Permission to be totally real with you for a second without it sounding like I’m complaining?”

“Shit, Han.” I frown. “You can tell me anything. What’s going on?”

“Nothing that I can pinpoint exactly. No injuries, no bad skating. I’m just not all there, and I can’t figure out why.”

“When’s your next performance? Sorry.” I hold up a hand. “I mean competition.”

“June, so I have some time without feeling too much pressure on getting things right.”

“That’s months away. You could channel some energy into other parts of your life. Maybe painting or pottery? I’ll come with you. I’d rock the shit out of a pottery class. Imagine me with a fucking kiln.”

“A kiln would make you happy? You’re so weird.” Hannah laughs and lifts her gaze. “You’re also a great brother. Thank you for letting me vent and being willing to make a fool of yourself in an art class on my behalf.”

“I’m always making a fool of myself. The social media team asked me to do some trend for a video the other day, and I was so lost. But I’d definitely make a fool of myself for you.” I grin. “Family is important, and with Mom and Dad in Florida, we’re all we have. I’m here if you ever want to talk about anything. Skating. Friendships. Your personal life. Are there any new guys hanging around? You haven’t mentioned anyone lately, but I know I’ve been shit about keeping up with things.”

“No.” She lifts her glass and takes a sip of wine before talking again. “There aren’t any new people around. It’s just me, and I’m content with that. I used to think an intimate relationship was imperative to happiness, but I’m not sure it is.”

“The youth are so insightful these days,” I muse, chuckling when she kicks me under the table. “I get what you mean. I’m in a weird spot. A lot of my teammates are in serious relationships, and I’m going to charity events alone. I love my life, but I also… I don’t know. It would be nice to have someone by my side every now and then.”

“Wait a second. I didn’t even know you wanted to date someone! You haven’t in so long. Not ever, really. Besides that one girl in college.” Hannah squeals. “This is so exciting!”

“Marcy? She was nice. I know I haven’t dated a ton. I went from college to the NHL, and I lost a lot of my free time. Relationships took a back seat to bonding with the guys and learning to balance a schedule more intense than bio classes and three practices a week at FSU.” I pop a fry in my mouth and wipe my hands. “I think I’d be a good boyfriend. I read a lot of books, and that helps with understanding relationships.”