Page 39 of Heart on Ice

“I’m counting down the days till he leaves.” I smile as I hold up my countdown app.

“Issy!” Harper laughs.

“He’s annoying.”

“Guess annoying is a step up from hating him.”

“See, progress,” I tell her which earns me a side-eye. “I’m doing this for you,” I tell her.

“Me?” she questions.

“Because of you and Felix.”

“You shouldn’t be doing this for us, you should be doing it for you. It’s time, Issy.”

“I know. But what am I meant to do if I don’t hate him?” I ask her.

Harper pats my hand. “Maybe you could be friends.” Friends? We aren’t going to KiKi over brunch together. “Judging by your face, that’s a no.”

“It is what it is between us. There’s been too much time and too much hurt. Please don’t push this,” I ask her.

“Noted. No more meddling, I promise. I’m proud of you.”

Her praise is nice to hear. “Thanks.”

“Felix appreciates it, too,” she adds.

We arrive at the restaurant where Harper’s father is waiting for us.

“My girls, how are we?” he says, welcoming us with hugs and kisses. A pang of grief hits me realizing I’ll never get another hug from my father. Urgh.Now is not the time to lose it, Issy.“To what do I owe the pleasure of two beautiful women for dinner? Not that I would ever complain.” He chuckles.

“Dad, we need your help,” Harper says, cutting right to the chase.

Mr. Rose’s face drops from a smile to serious. “What is it, my love.”

Harper launches into why we are back from Italy earlier than was planned. She explains what happened to Pierre because of Bill and Kitty. And then she explains how Pierre wants to see if there is a chance that he can move to The Mavericks to play with Felix. He sits there for a long time in silence, absorbing the news.

“That is one big mess,” he finally answers.

“I know, but we thought there was a chance that you could sway the team in his favor,” Harper says.

“We’ve put feelers out with The Mavericks, but it’s hard to explain why. He technically has two years left on his contract with the Devils, but as you can understand, he does not want to stay there. Pierre will consider retirement if Bill won’t let him go,” I explain.

“That boy still has a couple of good years left. He was the highest scorer in the league this season.”

“He thought he would be finishing his career in South Dakota, but now he wants it to be here in New York with his brother,” I add.

Mr. Rose shakes his head. “Having the two of them on the same team would be a game changer, not just for the game but for the club. Could you imagine the PR and opportunities it could provide? Ticket sales would go through the roof. Is Felix okay with this?” he asks Harper.

“Yes. He is.”

“Then I guess I’ll see what I can do. I’ll arrange a meeting with Coach Anderson to see if there is a chance that the team has space. I’m not sure who is in or out for the next season,” he explains.

“Thanks, Dad, we really appreciate it,” Harper says.

“Not a problem at all, my love, now fill me in on what’s been happening with you two.”

“That went well,”I say to Harper as we say goodbye to her dad.

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