Page 69 of The Flirty Forward

“She’s okay.” My brother’s voice is rough, and I feel for him. “She’s stable now. Eight stitches.”

I grimace at his words. “Man, I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah.” He breathes out, and I can feel his pain from however many miles away I am. “How’s Kristin holding up?”

“She’s okay; she’s strong.”

“Yeah, I know she is.” I wait a beat. When he doesn’t say anything more, I continue. “I’m sorry I can’t be there.”

“It’s okay. Tina and Andrew came and Mom and Dad.”

I’m the only one not there.I feel frustrated at times like this that I can’t be there for my family. I feel the same way every time I miss a Sunday brunch. I tell myself it won’t always be like this. I’m putting in the time now, earning the money now to be able to help take care of everybody later on.

“Your girl came and got me,” he says suddenly.

“Stephanie?” I’m surprised by his words.

“I was working out at your place, and she came and got me. Kristin couldn’t get ahold of me. I didn’t have my ringer on.” I can hear the anger in his voice, anger I know that’s directed at himself.

“I can’t believe she did that. Is she still there at the hospital?” I didn’t ask when I spoke with her.

“I’m not sure. She rode with me here, but I haven’t seen her since then.”

An odd feeling wells up inside me at the thought of her in the car alone with my brother, not that I don’t trust my brother. He’s so incredibly in love with Kristin. Still, something dark fills me at the thought of her in the car with any other man that’s not me. I put a hand on my heart.I gotta chill.Something bothers me. “Why did she ride with you?” Then it hits me, and I curse under my breath.

“What?” Keith asks.

“Nothing. I just remembered something.” I don’t bother telling him that I just remembered she doesn’t have her car.Because of me.I close my eyes. I have done everything wrong with this girl. I’ve made such a mess of things with her, and yet, how many times has she done something for me...and now for my family?

“You still there?” Keith asks.

“Yeah. Sorry. I know you need to get back to your girls. Listen, can you do me a favor? Would you ask Stephanie to come to brunch on Sunday? I can’t be there, but—”

“I was already planning on it; she’s family.”

A weird emotion fills me at my brother claiming my girl as family. I blink my eyes and then berate myself.I need to get hold of myself. “Thanks, Keith. Give my love to Kristin and to Kayla and Max.”

“Will do. Be safe.” With that, he hangs up.

I use Aiden’s phone to purchase a stuffed animal and balloon bouquet from the hospital’s gift shop to send to Kayla. I also add money to Keith’s account at the hospital for food and whatever else they need. I shoot him a quick text to let him know there’s money available for whatever they need before I hand Aiden’s phone back to him. I’m irritated that I don’t have my own phone. I can’t believe I left it behind.

Aiden takes his phone. “Come on. Let’s go burn off some steam.” I follow him out to the practice rink we’re allowed to use while we’re here in Texas. I have a hard time getting into it; my heart’s with my family and a certain history teacher back in Wisconsin. I make a mental note to make some phone calls after practice to figure out a way to get her car back to her.

Gunner skates to a stop next to me. “Hey, Aiden told me about your niece. Is she okay?”

“Yeah. She’s got eight stitches on her head, but her numbers are stable.”

Gunner grimaces. “I’m sorry, Man.” He looks me over with the eye of a captain. “You gonna be good for our game tomorrow?”

“I always am,” I shoot back.

He nods. “Let me know if you need anything or your family does.”

I watch him skate away, thankful to have him for my captain and friend. I’m thankful for all these guys. They’ve become like family to me. “Hart!” Coach yells at me, and I shake my head. I need to get my head back into hockey. As much as I want to be with my family, the best thing I can do right now is focus on hockey and my guys. I skate towards the action and let myself fully delve into my favorite thing in the world. I chase down the puck and steal it from Travis, ignoring his shout of frustration behind me. I make quick work of hustling down the ice. I pass it to Scott, who nearly gets it stolen from him by Zac, before hesends it sailing back to me. I fake and score on Ben, our backup goalie. He curses, and I smile and skate away. The practice is fast-paced, and I push myself, needing the physical escape.

“Hart, good hustle but save a little in the tank for tomorrow night’s game,” Coach calls out. I nod, letting him know I heard him. Practice comes to an end, and I skate to the exit.

“You looked good out there, Hart,” Rico says, skating over to me.

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