Page 69 of Across the Boards

When she puts it that way, it does sound a bit ridiculous. “It’s the principle, Sarah. He should have told me.”

“When? ‘Hi, I’m your new neighbor. By the way, I moved here partly because I’ve been thinking about you for three years after a conversation at a Christmas party’? That wouldn’t have sent you running for the hills at all.”

She has a point, which is irritating. “He still should have mentioned it later. Before the gala. Before he kissed me.”

“Fair,” she concedes. “But Elle, honey, is this really about him not telling you? Or is it about you being scared of how quickly this is moving?”

I take another bite of croissant to avoid answering immediately. Sarah knows me too well.

“Both,” I admit finally. “It’s been three years since I’ve felt anything like this. It’s… overwhelming.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Her voice softens. “Of course it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Just new.”

“I don’t know if I’m ready,” I confess. “He’s so young, Sarah. And enthusiastic. And... uncomplicated.”

“First of all, twenty-seven isn’t that young. Second, enthusiasm is good! And third, everyone seems uncomplicated until you get to know them better. Trust me, Brody Carter has his own baggage—Tommy’s told me some of it. He’s just better at not leading with it.”

I consider this. She’s right, of course. Everyone has layers, histories. I shouldn’t assume Brody’s life has been one easy ride just because he approaches things with optimism instead of my practiced cynicism.

“So what do I do?” I ask, hating how lost I sound.

“Talk to him,” she says simply. “Be honest about your concerns. Listen to his side. Then decide if it’s something you want to pursue. But Elle?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t sabotage something potentially wonderful because you’re scared. You deserve to be happy. Even if it’s with a hot hockey player who’s freakishly into you.”

“I’ll talk to him,” I promise. “Later today, probably. He has practice this morning.”

“Good. And then you’ll call me with a full report, including exactly how good of a kisser he is on a scale from ‘adequate’ to ‘toe-curling.’”

“Goodbye, Sarah,” I say firmly, hanging up to the sound of her laughter.

I finish my coffee and croissant in contemplative silence, turning over our conversation in my mind. Sarah sees things in black and white sometimes, while I live in the gray areas. But she’s right about one thing: I need to talk to Brody directly, not just spiral in my own anxious thoughts.

My phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number. For a moment, my heart stops—is it Jason somehow? But the message quickly dispels that fear.

Hi Elliot, this is Jensen from the team. Carter asked me to let you know he forgot his phone at home like the disaster he is. He’ll call you when he retrieves it. Also, he’s moping like someone ate the last cupcake, so maybe go easy on him? Just a suggestion from your friendly neighborhood goalie.

I save the number, bemused by this unexpected communication.

Thanks for letting me know, Jensen. And noted about the moping.

No problem. He’s a good guy. Terrible at faceoffs, but good where it counts.

I’m not entirely sure how to respond to that, so I settle for something simple.

I’ll keep that in mind.

With a sigh, I set the phone down and head to the shower.

I have hours before Brody will be done with practice—plenty of time to figure out exactly what I want to say to him.

And, more importantly, what I want from him.

14

BRODY

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