Page 83 of The Rebound Plan

Even if I want to dismantle the legal and immigration system that has Shannon trapped in a relationship in which she’s clearly not happy.

It’s not time.

Not yet.

CHAPTER 31

SHANNON

“Shannon, thanks for joining us. Max looks good out there.”

I smile and nod in agreement as one of the other committee members for the Highlanders Ball makes small talk. Very deliberately, our next meeting coincided with the end of the first week of training camp—the team foundation knows how to make people feel special, giving them insider access to the rink, and the players.

The event looks like it’s in good shape. We’re slightly behind our target for sponsored table ticket sales, but I’ve volunteered to make some phone calls and send some emails this week. We’ll hit our fundraising goal, I guarantee it.

We’re in a suite not that far from the press box, so this end of the arena feels pretty bustling. I can feel curious journalists glancing in our direction.

Smile. Laugh. Nod again. Look engaged.

Don’t let on that I haven’t seen my husband in almost a week.

After Max came to find me at the bakery, the Prince Charming routine faded faster than it ever had before. Now I’m just getting the silent treatment and he’s not even sleeping at home half the time.

I’m numb to it all.

I’ve shaken nearly everyone’s hand and circled the room when my phone vibrates.

Kiley: Are you at practice today? In a suite filled with people?

I make my way to the front of the suite and scan the stands. From the opposite end of the arena, a few small figures wave from the upper deck.

I’ve been putting off talking to Kiley about the podcast. Dreading this, in fact, but now that she’s here, and I’m finished with the committee…it’s time to rip off the bandage.

Kiley: Come join us if you can get away

Shannon: What section are you in?

I excuse myself as soon as she replies. The arena feels massive when it’s empty. The concrete stairwells echo and the curved mezzanine that wraps all the way around the building seems to go on forever. It does eventually deliver me to their section number, though, and I find Kiley in the stands with not just Harper, but also her twin brother Grant, who is one of the team’s doctors.

“Hello, friend,” Kiley says happily. "I haven't seen you since the cottage.”

She pats the seat next to hers, and I sink into it. "I know. I've been busy. I'm working on the Highlanders Ball. That’s what you spied—the committee getting a little reward of watching practice.”

“It’s a good one. Did you see the fight?”

A frisson of fear races up my spine. “Who fought?”

“Two young dumb bucks.” Kiley shakes her head and glances over at Harper. “Mason and Zondi?”

Between them, Grant gets a message on his phone and clears his throat. “Speaking of, I’m needed downstairs. Excuse me.”

He hops over the seats, gives his sister a shoulder squeeze goodbye, and disappears.

I take a deep breath, glad it wasn’t Russ and Max.

Focusing on the ice, I try to spot either of them. Max is readily found, but Russ doesn’t seem to be skating today.

I bite my lip, wanting to ask Harper and Kiley if they know where he is—but dreading them picking up on my curiosity as meaning something more than just an idle question.

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