Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 87940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“I’ll have Jenna coordinate a press conference,” Brienne says, and I blink in surprise. They don’t do that for just any player. “Do you know if Gray Brannon will issue any kind of statement?”
Gray Brannon? She’s the GM for the Carolina Cold Fury. Are we getting a Cold Fury player?
“Okay. If she doesn’t, that’s fine. I’m sure she’ll get pelted with questions by the press, so she’ll come up with something.”
Brienne listens for another minute and then says, “Great work, Callum. This is a huge feather in our cap.”
She disconnects the call and places her phone on the table. “As I was saying, you and Bain clearly had something special. I’m sure you can work things out.”
The possibility of a Cold Fury player coming to Pittsburgh is pushed straight out of my mind. “Do you sincerely believe that? Or are you just saying that to make me feel better right now?”
“I can only tell you what I saw with my own eyes. I recognize the look on Bain’s face. It’s the same look Drake has when he looks at me. He’s got major feelings for you and I think you’d be a fool not to try to get back on track with that. I suppose you’ll need to start with an apology.”
She’s not wrong about that.
I owe him a really big apology and hopefully, it’s enough to start over.
CHAPTER 33
Bain
“I love you.” She kisses me on the forehead and pats my cheek.
Classic Mom.
My parents arrived last night before the team plane did and were already settled into the guest room at my condo and asleep when I arrived. We’ve been drinking coffee together this morning and talking. We planned their visit after we found out Kiera was pregnant. Although my parents met her briefly several weeks ago in the family lounge, they wanted to be able to spend time with her and get to know her. They wanted to be a part of this journey with us.
I told my parents there was no sense in coming when I called them the day Kiera miscarried, but my mom said, “That makes it even more important we come in to see you and Kiera.”
They wanted to offer emotional support.
Of course, I had to fill them in this morning that things weren’t great between me and Kiera, but that we were going to talk today. My mom offered solid advice, which was mainly to listen, be open to her feelings and make sure I’m clear about what I want. My dad reminded me to tell Kiera how beautiful she is because all women liked to be told that.
Mom rolled her eyes and I laughed.
I keep repeating Mom’s advice over and over in my head as I drive to Kiera’s—Dad’s advice isn’t necessary since I will tell her that because I always do—but when I see her house in the distance, my mind blanks out with panic.
Christ, my hands are sweating as I pull into the driveway. Whatever is going to happen to us and our relationship will be decided very soon—and that reality is crashing down on me.
She texted me last Friday. It was a travel day and we were on the plane headed from Quebec City to Ottawa.
How are you?
I stared at that question for a good half hour before I could come up with a response. Should I go with honesty, which would require paragraphs? Should I give her a taste of her own medicine and answer tersely? Ultimately, I was moved that her first contact showed concern for me and I decided not to be a dick.
I’m hanging in there. How are you?
She wrote back immediately. I’m better. And I’d like for us to talk. Can you give me some time on Sunday?
I wanted to talk. I’ve had dreams where we talked and we made everything better. But while I was encouraged she reached out, I was also well aware it could be to say a final goodbye. I wasn’t ready for that. I’d only be in Pittsburgh for a day and then back on the road. If things went south, I didn’t want my head fucked up for the upcoming games. The only reason I’ve stayed a bit sane is the prospect of us talking. And besides that, Drake told me he thought some space would be good for us.
For both of us to really think about things.
And now is the day of reckoning.
I turn off the ignition and wipe my hands on my jeans. My stomach is threatening to expel my breakfast and I only remember being this nervous once before in my life. It was right before I stepped onto the ice in my very first professional league game. I’d made it to the big time and my entire life was full of promise. Nothing but good things ahead if I played well—or nothing but terrible things if I failed.