Page 25 of Break

I feel like crying… I can’t believe that James said that shit to me. He knows me better than that. I thought I knew him better than that.

Nolan shows up within minutes and I hear him and James talking down the hall. I try not to overhear but I can’t help it. The voices carry.

“I don’t know what the fuck is going on, man. But you’re fucking up. It’s showing on the ice, it’s obviously showing in your personal life. Next you’ll lose the guys and any respect on the team. Take a look around, bro. All you have to show for yourself is a woman that your sisters andyour best friendrefuse to be around. I have no idea what the fuck you did, but I’m staying out of it all after tonight. Marie needs help and I’m here for that… I’m here for you when you get your head out of your ass, too.”

He makes his way down the hall to me and throws me one of his smirks. “Looking good, M. How’ve you been?”

I shrug and look him over. His dark brown hair is hanging down into his eyes, but his brown eyes are happy and shimmering. This man is always happy, always ready for a good time. Sort of like Blake, but less annoying.

And a good time he is indeed.

“I’m okay. The girls are packing up, thanks for coming to help.”

He shrugs and taps his finger against his plump lips. “Who helpedyoupack?”

“I hired a company. They even set up all of my new furniture at the new place.”

He nods and then turns when Caroline steps out and waves.

“All done… Get me out of here.” We both frown at her and he immediately gets to work. Caroline shoots me a look when I move to grab a box so I just hang back and let Nolan and the girls do all the work.

Nolan ends up calling Landon to help out and we get everything into Nolan’s truck in no time. He said he didn’t want to carry all of the boxes on his own but I think he wants backup. I mean, it’s smart. Who knows what James has been telling them. They said they didn’t see Alex anywhere in the house, so maybe she went to hide out in James’s bedroom.

Landon hasn’t even looked at James since he showed up and he slammed the front door when we were ready to go. He came straight up to me and wrapped me up in his strong arms.

“I don’t know what the fuck is happening, but we got you, love. If you want to come to a game and not deal with anyone, I’ll get you some tickets out of the box if you want?”

I nod against his chest and try not to cry. Fuck I missed this guy. And Nolan. Hell, I missed all the guys. They have always been there for me and I feel like I took them for granted. I was always so hung up on James.

“Thanks. Maybe for Wednesday’s game? I think I’ll already be at the rink with Dr. Patterson by then anyway. Who knows, I might be working that game anyway.”

He leans back and smiles at me. “Perfect. Want to go out to dinner sometime this week? We all miss you.”

“Sure.”

He hops up in his truck and Caroline drives to my house with Nolan and Landon following. I just hope they keep their word and don’t tell James where we live. I don’t need his girlfriend showing up to my safe space.

It’s still mind boggling that James either didn’t hear what she was saying, or he thinks he can change her mind.

Can’t wait to see what she does next.

I just have a feeling that it’s not going to be pretty.

Chapter 7

Marie

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Second trimester. All of my tests have been coming back just fine, so no idea why I still sometimes swell up like a balloon.

I see Brenton every two weeks and I’ve been working with Dr. Patterson at the rink for a month now. The girls are happy, loving our new home, and I’ve been having a blast at dinners and inviting Nolan and Landon over, just like old times, but without the alcohol and sex. Or flirting. At least on my end.

They just think I’m on a health kick and are obviously ignoring my swelling stomach. Maybe I just look like I’m eating too many burgers.

Or they’re being nice. Just as long as they keep their mouths shut, I don’t care if they’ve figured it out on their own.

James and I ignore each other when I’m at the rink and luckily Dr. Patterson works with him and I worry about everyoneelse. The new clinic will be ready in about a month, and I haven’t had to go out on the ice yet. Thank goodness.

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