Page 54 of Comeback
“All I want from you is the truth. I need to trust you, Jack. If this is going to work, youhaveto tell me everything. Otherwise, just forget it, you’re wasting everyone’s time. I hope you understand that.”
With a sigh, he set his large hand on my thigh and gave a gentle squeeze. “You’re right. I’m an athlete, Emma. I’ve never been good with words like you. But Iwillget better. I promise.”
“No. Not good enough. I want the truth, startingnow,” I said, laying down the law.
“I know—and youwillget it. Just be patient with me.”
I clicked my tongue. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I swear, Emma, I’m going to get better with communication, okay? And hey, we’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other better now that you’re ready to move with me.”
I laughed. “I am not ready for that.”
He made a face. “But a minute ago, you said youwere.”
“Because I thoughtTrevorwas at the door and I was fearing for my life!”
“Ah.” He bobbed his head. “So we’re back to you not wanting to go.”
“Don’t even try to make me feel bad for that. Besides, after what Dane said—that you’ll disappear the moment I need you most—how couldI possibly make a rash decision like that and feel good about myself?”
Jack rolled his eyes. “He said that because he’s upset with me, Emma. I’m not gonna run out on you if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“But you won’t even tell me why he’s upset with you. And you expect me to trust you?”
He sighed. “I know … it’s just … ugh, it’s hard.”
“Jack, I’ll ask youonemore time. What is going on between you and your teammates?”
Jack took a deep breath and a long pause to gather his thoughts.
“Like I told you earlier. I couldn’t play hockey after Soupy died. So I left my team.”
“Did you tell them you were retiring?” I asked.
“No.” He paused. “I just bailed.”
I gasped. “So they’ve been looking for you all this time?”
He nodded.
“Is that why they were talking about a private investigator—because they had to track you down?”
He nodded again.
“For God’s sake, Jack. Why didn’t you just tell them you were retiring?!”
“I didn’t want to be found. I knew if they found me, they’d just try to convince me to come back. They hate me for leaving. I don’t blame them. But I lost my love of the game after Soupy died—and I don’t owe hockey to anyone.”
“He must’ve meant a lot to you.”
“He did. Which is why it hurt so bad.” Jack stifled a hurt laugh. “He was my best friend. We played Junior together before we were both drafted by Dallas. We grew up together. Dreamed about winning the Cup together. And then, two years ago, we finally had our shot at the Cup. But …” Jack shook his head. “If Soupy didn’t die that night? I think we would’ve beat Carolina and won it all.” He thought it over, and his demeanor darkened. “Not that it would’ve mattered, even if we did win. The thought of celebrating with that guy makes me sick.”
“Wait—what?” My eyes narrowed at Jack. “Who makes you sick?”
“Soupy.”
“I amsolost right now. I thought he was your best friend?”
