Page 73 of Bagging the Blueliner
Amy became the mediator, a role that she often fell into naturally. “What I think Hannah is trying to say is that she’s surprised that you’re supportive of her relationship with Cal because it’s contradictory to your earlier opinions on the matter.”
“What she said.” I pointed at Amy.
Natalie sighed. “I’m your friend first and foremost. You know that. While I share some of Jaxon’s fears that this is going to endbadly for Cal if your dad ever finds out—and let’s face it, if you’re throwing out the term ‘boyfriend,’ you can’t keep this a secret forever—I didn’t want to see you get hurt.”
Cocking my head in confusion, I asked, “How wouldIget hurt?”
“He’s a player, and not just on the ice. We’ve all seen him at the club with a different woman hanging off him each time we go, and the same could be said for when they are on the road. I didn’t think he had it in him to offer more than one night. You deserve better than that.”
Well, color me shocked. Natalie wasn’t uptight—she was only looking out for me.
While I tried to find the words, Amy spoke. “I think it’s fair to say that each of our men had an active lifestyle before they met us, but when the right woman came along, something clicked and they were ready to settle down. Who’s to say the same can’t be true for Cal? How long has it been since you two started sleeping together?”
“A little over two months,” I answered.
“And in all that time, neither of you has been with someone else?”
“Nope.”
Her green eyes lit up. “I think you accomplished your mission. You’ve got your hockey player. The next thing to figure out is how to tell your dad.”
I cringed. “Yeah, that’s not going to happen any time soon.”
Natalie chimed in. “You’re taking a risk coming on this trip with him. Suppose someone recognizes him and takes a photo—who knows where it might end up? You’re better off coming clean before he finds out from someone else.”
She was right. I hated it when she was right.
Blowing out a breath, I conceded, “After the season. I promise.”
Amy chewed the inside of her cheek—a telltale sign that she was nervous. “That could be more than four months from now if things go well.”
Natalie added, “Jaxon knew something was up while you were on the road. If he noticed, I’m sure someone else will eventually.”
Sighing, I countered, “They don’t need the distraction right now. They have a real shot this year. I would never forgive myself if I caused locker room drama and they faltered before reaching the pinnacle.”
Skeptical, she twisted her lips. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
I gave her a smirk. “As always, Nat, I’m flying by the seat of my pants. It’s gotten me this far.”
What I didn’t vocalize was that I was worried it might all fall apart before the end of the season. What if Cal got bored of me? What if I pushed him too far and he cut me loose for being too much drama?
Was it worth blowing up both our worlds if it wasn’t going to pan out anyway? If we did make it to the end of the season, I swore to myself I would sit down and have an honest conversation with Dad.
The crew offered to serve us lunch after our massages, but we decided to leave the boat to shop, snacking as we went. We knew the boys were hanging around the area and would happily join us if we called them, but we were enjoying our girl time. With Amy spending more time in Europe and the travel required for my job, we saw less of each other than ever.
We were in a tiny shop, sifting through clothes racks filled with tropical dresses, when Amy glanced at her security officer, Marcus, standing by the door before whispering, “I think I might be pregnant.”
Nat and I froze, staring at her. Flicking her eyes to the door again, Amy grabbed a handful of dresses, saying loudly, “Let’s go try these on!”
Silently, we followed her, all cramming into the largest dressing room in the back of the shop. Amy calmly hung the hangers on the hook on the wall.
Natalie clearly couldn’t find the words, so I spoke first. “Um, why is this just coming up now? We’ve been together all day!”
Turning around, Amy shrugged. “I didn’t want the masseurs to overhear. All it takes is one rumor, and it’s all over the news.”
Natalie sighed. “She’s right. It sucks, but that’s her reality now.”
A lightbulb went off in my brain. “We’re hiding in the dressing room because of Marcus?”
