Page 86 of Stick With Me
“Thank you all for coming out tonight to support Hockey Fights Cancer. We appreciate everyone who has donated and those who have helped spread our message. Your support means a lot, even with our blunder of holding the event on the day of the trade deadline…”
The crowd laughs.Thanks for the reminder, lady.It’s the trade deadline, and there’s still no word on my contract extension. There've been nonstop trade announcements—typical for the deadline day—but none involving the Saints. On the bright side, there haven’t been any talks about me being traded. So, silver lining?
Hannah’s hand runs up and down my thigh in a comforting gesture. She knows how hard the last few weeks have been for me, not knowing what the future holds career-wise. We haven’t discussed what it would mean for us either. I guess we should cement our relationship status first. But I think we’re both avoiding thinking about the possibility of me moving, preferring to hope everything works out.
When I tune back into the announcer, she’s introducing the Saints’ general manager. I knew he was set to speak tonight; he has personal ties to the organization’s mission and has been a longtime supporter. His speech starts like most others. “Good evening, everyone. On behalf of our entire organization, I want to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight as we come together for Hockey Fights Cancer. Cancer affects us all in one way or another. Whether it’s a loved one, a friend, or even one of our own players or staff, we’ve all felt the impact of this disease. Tonight is about more than just hockey. It’s about joining together as a community to support those who are battling and those who love them?—”
When he starts to veer off the expected path, my body tenses, and Hannah’s hand on my thigh grips tightly. “As Grace pointed out in her introduction, tonight is the trade deadline, and we’ve kept our fans in suspense by not making any trade announcements today. However, we have one we’re excited to share, and it involves our next speaker. He’s an athlete who defines speed, skill, and leadership on the ice. As captain of the Dallas Spurs, he’s inspired fans with his relentless drive, sportsmanship, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Off the ice, he’s just as dedicated to making a difference, using his platform to raise awareness and support for important causes like this one.”
I know what he’s going to say before the words leave his mouth, and it takes effort to keep my face from revealing my feelings. “The Saints are proud to announce the acquisition of one of the greatest players of our generation, Jace Knolls.”
He continues with his complimentary remarks, but my ears ring, and I don’t catch much of what he’s saying. Before I know it, Knolls strides to the stage, and my stomach twists.
Under the bright lights, his shit-eating smile sparkles all the way to the back of the auditorium. And when his eyes search the crowd and finally land on me, he winks.
Fuck.
As the speeches wrap up and they begin to serve the first course, Hannah wordlessly excuses herself to grab us drinks at the bar. My agent doesn’t waste any time sliding into her abandoned seat.
“Well, I guess we know what the hold-up was. They must’ve tied up quite a bit of cash in their salary cap to make that happen.”
He doesn’t know the complicated history between Knolls and me, so I don’t hold his nonchalance against him. “So, what now?” I ask, bracing myself for an answer I’m not sure I want to hear.
“I’ll reach out to the office on Monday and see if I can get any insight into what they’re thinking. We should probably start reviewing the list of teams you’re open to, just in case.”
That’s exactly what I was afraid of. Unlike the Metro Division, where teams are just a stone’s throw from each other, the closest teams to Chicago are Detroit, St. Louis, and Nashville—all a plane ride or hours’ drive away. There aren’t any teams on my “wish list” because my only wish is to stay here, in Chicago, with Hannah.
But what are my other options? I’m too young to retire; I could have another ten years left in me if I avoid injury and stay in shape. What else would I even do? Coach hockey? Become a hockey commentator? Whatever it is, it would have to involve hockey because I don’t know anything else.
A small hand lands on my shoulder, and then a glass of amber liquid is placed in front of me. Hannah leans in, brushing her lips against my ear. “I thought you could use the hard stuff.”
I turn my head and kiss her softly, hoping to ease the knots in my stomach, but they remain stubbornly tight.
“Here you go, little lady,” Mike says, standing to hold out the chair for her.
She sits with a polite smile, then turns toward me, our knees knocking together. “We’re going to figure this out, okay?”
THIRTY-THREE
“Will we?”His eyes are pleading, and it makes my chest ache. I can’t blame him for questioning. While he’s been all in, determined to prove to me how far he’ll go to make this work, I’ve been stubborn and avoidant. But I’m resolved to show him I’m just as committed to this as he is.
“Of course we will.” I’m not sure how to turn his mood around or how to show him I’m just as invested as he is. He nods, but the doubt lingers in his eyes.
“I’ll be right back. I need to run to the restroom.” I stand, my bladder making its need for relief known at the most inconvenient time. Hopefully, the time alone will give him a chance to recover from the shock.
I weave through the crowd. Some guests are still seated at their tables, chatting, while most are circulating around the room, greeting familiar faces.
As I push through the door to the ladies’ room, I let out a sigh of relief to find it empty. After taking care of business, I step out of the stall and freeze. Standing by the sink is someone I never expected to see—Rebecca Solera. Then again, of course Jace would bring his new girlfriend.
Seeing her doesn’t stir that gut-wrenching feeling I had the first time I saw her online with Ryan. Or the second time, when I saw Jace’s post. If I’m honest, the shock of learning Ryan had dated her hit harder than her wrapped up in my ex’s arms. Now, I only feel a bit sorry for her ending up with Jace, and strangely grateful, too.
“Hi, Rebecca.” I catch her eye in the mirror as I wash my hands.
Her perfectly shaped brows knit together in confusion as she takes me in. “I’m so sorry, I’m terrible with names. Have we met?”
“No, it’s not you. We haven’t formally met. I’m Hannah.” I reach out my hand, and she shakes it, still looking puzzled.
“Where do I know you from? Your name and face are so familiar.”
