Page 83 of Bar Down

Epilogue

Three months later

The Charm City Chill's season-ending party was in full swing at Kane's sprawling waterfront home. Players, staff, and their plus-ones crowded the expansive deck overlooking the bay. Music pulsed from outdoor speakers, and the smell of grilled steaks mingled with salt air.

Oliver Chenofski—Chenny to everyone except his grandmother—sat on the edge of the deck with his feet dangling over the water. Charlie rested his head on Chenny's knee, the pit bull's steady presence keeping his anxiety at manageable levels despite the crowd.

"There you are," a familiar voice said.

Chenny looked up to see Marcus approaching with two beers. He handed one to Chenny and sat down beside him.

"Hiding from the team nutritionist?" Chenny asked, accepting the bottle.

"Just needed some air. Kane invited half the city."

They tapped bottles and drank in companionable silence. From here, they could see Stephanie in an animated conversation with Lauren and Jax. She caught Marcus watching and flashed him a private smile.

"You two are disgustingly happy," Chenny said.

"We found a house," Marcus replied, unable to keep the satisfaction from his voice. "Closing next week."

"That was fast."

"When you know what you want, why wait?" Marcus took another sip. "Speaking of which, Coach Vicky was looking for you."

Chenny groaned. "What did I do now?"

"Nothing. She mentioned something about the team bringing in a sports psychologist for next season. Wants to talk to you about it."

Chenny tensed. Charlie sensed it immediately, nudging his hand for reassurance.

"If this is about the suspension—"

"It's not punishment," Marcus cut in. "It's support. For all of us. After everything that happened this season..."

Chenny scratched behind Charlie's ears. "I don't need therapy."

"Says the guy who brings a service dog to hockey practice."

"Charlie's different."

Marcus shrugged. "Just talk to her. Darby & Darby is investing in mental health. That's a good thing."

Down on the dock, Dmitri was showing off his balance by walking the railing. Rookies cheered him on. Through the sliding glass doors, Chenny spotted Stephanie deep in conversation with Westfield and a woman he didn't recognize.

"Who's that with Steph and the boss?" he asked.

Marcus followed his gaze. "New hire for the front office. Tech background, I think. Stephanie mentioned her yesterday."

The woman turned slightly, and Chenny caught a glimpse of her profile—sharp cheekbones, dark hair pulled back in a severe ponytail, glasses that should have looked nerdy but somehow didn't.

"Tech background," Chenny repeated. Something prickled at the back of his neck. Not anxiety. Interest.

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