Page 2 of Broken Ice, Mended Hearts

I tried to keep my sigh discreet, but failed. “What’s so bad about asking for fourteen million? You’ve always said we need to start high so there’s room for compromise.”

“Of course, but the initial figure can’t be so astronomical it’ll scare them away. Nick Johnson only makes sixteen.”

“And Tyler Jensen makes fourteen. I’ve been on the team longer than he has, and I have an amazing record. Surely they would…”

“They won’t, Gags.” Her voice was gentle. “Trust me on this. Nick makes more, but he’s the best player in the league, and Tyler isn’t far behind. You have quite a few years on both of them.”

“Stop saying I’m old.” I swallowed a wave of bitter anger. “Maybe you should consider different facts. I’ve been with the Barracudas since the team started, and in all those years, I’ve accumulated more points than anyone except Johnson. Think about that. I’m a defenseman, damn it, so that’s a huge accomplishment. I’ve made the All-Stars every year but one as a Barracuda. We’ve had three Stanley Cup victories, and I kicked ass in all of them. I’ll work my butt off this summer so next year will be my best season yet.”

“Gags, it’s possible you won’t have another year with the Cudas. With only one season left on your current contract, if we don’t get an extension signed this summer, they may trade you. Cut their losses and make room for someone younger.”

The anger I’d tried to hold back roared to the surface.“Calisse c’est fou!”

“What?”

“That’s fucking crazy. They know what I’m worth to the franchise, and so do my teammates.” Being irate wouldn’t convince her of anything, so I pressed my lips together and tooka deep breath through my nose. “Look, what I want to do is play for three more years, then retire at thirty-eight. There are other things I want to do in life.”

She studied me while the damn clock ticked away. “That’s a good plan, and we can make it happen. The Barracudas’ management team is reasonable, and Allen Friedlander likes you. It never hurts having the owner on your side.”

“Okay, then. Fourteen million each year for two additional seasons.”

“No. Friedlander didn’t get to be one of the richest men in America by being a pushover. We’ll ask for twelve and be willing to settle for ten. That will be slightly more than a ten percent raise for you and will only cost them two more million over the additional years. I can sell that.”

Determined to remain calm, I scratched my chin to gain a little extra time. “I could use the money, Alex.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Is there something you’re not telling me? You have more endorsement deals than anyone but Nick Johnson, so you can’t be broke.”

“No, but I’m an experienced player who’s done a fucking lot for my team, and I deserve to make more. The divorce didn’t help, either. Ella slept with every other man on the East Coast, but the court still screwed me on the settlement. You know that.”

“Yes. If you remember, I’m the one who told you to make her sign a prenup. Advice you ignored.”

“I was in love.”And stupid, stupid, stupid.I’d thought she loved me too, and when she confessed to her serial cheating eight months after our wedding, I was devastated. Heaping more humiliation onto my hurt, she even admitted to cheating on me when we were engaged. My marriage, which was supposed to be the centerpiece of my life, lasted all of 249 days.

“How much did the judge give her?”

“Three fucking million dollars, plus the four-million-dollar house in Potomac. She probably fucked him too.”

“A ridiculous amount considering the facts, and you should appeal. No reasonable court will allow that to stand.” When I remained quiet, she said, “I went to law school with a terrific divorce lawyer who practices in DC. Want his name?”

“No thanks. I want to move on with my life. She can have the fucking house and money, but that’s why I need to earn more.”

Alex’s cell phone chirped, and she reached out an immaculately manicured finger to silence it before turning back to me. “You never know, Friedlander might settle for eleven. I’ll do my best for you.”

“That would mean a lot.” My throat tightened as tears welled up in my eyes, and I clenched my fists so hard they throbbed. Damn emotions. They’d been too close to the surface ever since the divorce proceedings began a year earlier.

Alex said nothing, giving me time to get hold of myself. I relaxed into my chair and cleared my throat.

“I’ll give you my lawyer friend’s contact information before you leave in case you change your mind. Never hurts to have options.”

I nodded.

“Are you seeing someone?”

“Dating?” I asked. “For fuck’s sake, I don’t know if I’ll ever want to date again.”

“Not that. Are you seeing a therapist?”

Caught up in my boomerang emotions, I almost laughed. “I did, but we’re taking a break for the summer. I like her a lot, and despite what just happened, I’m less angry and focusing better.”

---