Page 2 of Play Dirty

I’m instantly on my feet, shaking his hand and giving him a hug.

“Congratulations, Coach,” I say, grinning.

I’m genuinely happy thathe’shappy. I don’t have to fake that. He’s a great coach and has become a friend over the last year.

“Thanks for coming, you guys,” Autumn says, hugging Stevie and then coming over to me.

“You look beautiful,” Stevie tells her.

They start talking about her dress and makeup, and I turn to Coach.

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” I say.

“Thank you.” His eyes narrow just a tad. “You doing okay?” He knows what’s been going on in my life, from the separation to accidentally seeing a nude photo she sent to my teammate.

Things have been downhill ever since.

Tomorrow, I fly out to Tennessee to pick up the kids. I can’t wait to see them, and even though it’s going to be exhausting handling them on my own, I’m more than willing to do it.

I’ve always been a pretty straightforward guy.

All I ever wanted was hockey, a good woman to love, and a family.

It’s that simple.

I thought I had it all.

Then Brenna started acting weird and my life spiraled to a place I don’t even recognize.

So I’m not sure how to answer his question.

Am I okay?

Not even a little.

But not because I’m heartbroken or miss my wife.

“I’m hanging in there,” I say after a moment. “I go get the kids tomorrow, so that will help.”

He smiles. “Good. And you know, if you need anything, just call. Not the next two weeks, but after that.”

I chuckle. He and Autumn are going on an epic honeymoon, visiting ten countries in Europe, ending with his home country of Sweden, where he’ll pick up his twin boys since they’ll be staying in Sweden with his parents.

“You have a great time. Don’t worry about me.”

He arches his brows. “You’re my friend. I’ll always worry.”

“I appreciate you, man.” I clap him on the shoulder before he and Autumn move to the next table.

“Can we get drunk now?” Stevie asks me.

I hold up my glass. “I’ve already started.”

“Oh, good. So it won’t just be me.”

“You’re not driving home, are you?”

She gives me a horrified look. “Good God, no. I have a driver for the evening.”

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