Page 124 of Rebound
“Oh my gosh, you have a daughter?”
Sage’s face lights up. She’s the brightest thing in this room at the mention of her daughter. “Yeah, Juniper, she’s three years old.”
“Sage and Juniper, that’s so cute! Is she with your partner?”
“Oh no, there’s no partner. Junie is with my cousin back in California and they’ll both move here once I find a house.”
“Well, if you need help, let me know. I’ll be more than happy to go see some houses with you. Now, show me some pictures.”
I clap my hand excitedly and Sage’s face lights up as she pulls out her personal phone. Opening the photos app, she selects one and turns it towards me.
“Oh my gosh, she’s so cute!!” I squeal.
On screen is a photo of Sage holding a toddler who has the same dark hair as her. The little girl has her short hair pulled into two small ponytails on top of her head and is grinning at the camera, showing off her missing teeth. Next to them is a woman who looks a lot like Sage, if a little more closed off. She’s wearing sunglasses, her head resting lightly on Junie’s shoulder.
“That’s your cousin?” I confirm.
“Yeah, River. She’s basically Junie’s second mother,” Sage says fondly.
“First time you’ve been away from them?” I ask.
Sage nods, putting her phone away. “River and I have been inseparable since birth. We’re only a few months apart, so we did everything together. And being away from Junie is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I feel like I’ve left my heart and soul behind.”
I feel a prickle on the back of my neck, and I turn around to find the source. It’s easy enough to locate. The WAGs are sitting two rows behind us and over to the side. Their eyes are trained on me and the look on their face is of clear disdain.
“Friends of yours?” Sage asks, following my line of sight.
I turn back to look at the rink. “Not anymore. It’s safe to say we’re in enemy territory.”
The Falcons are pouring out onto the rink now. As soon as I see Josh, I sink down in my seat. His head is turning around,looking at the audience and I know he’s trying to find me. Someone’s already told him I’m here. I know I’m right when his eyes land directly on me and harden.
For a second, I think he’s going to skate over to me. And before he even gets the opportunity, there’s already someone standing on the other side. Roman dramatically throws a kiss my way and I laugh. He winks at me before he picks that spot to continue his warm-ups. There’s no way Josh is skating up to me now.
Sage chuckles at his antics. “Honestly, I’m still a little surprised that you married him. He seems very nice, but I never thought that he was your type.”
“Sometimes, I’m still surprised I married him,” I say truthfully.
I doubt I’d have married him if not for all the alcohol we drank. No matter what his feelings might be towards me, let’s not forget the fact that he never wanted a relationship. The same way I grew up watching my parent’s relationship and wishing I had something similar, Roman grew up watching his parent’s relationship and knowing he never wanted anything like that.
As I’m watching them warm-up, I see the oddest thing. Roman and Kai talking. Not awkward talking, but like they’re having a serious conversation and enjoying it.
Holy shit, is our plan working or have the guys accepted that Roman will be around for a long time so they should give up their animosity?
When the game starts, everyone is on the edge of their seats. I see the way Coach watches Roman, as if by the heat of his gaze he can keep Roman in check. The other guys must pick up on the tension because they’re surrounding Roman when he’s on the ice.
Still, not enough. When Roman has the puck, Josh slams him into the boards right in front of me and then gives me the most chilling smile. I can’t believe I used to be engaged to this man.
Sage reaches for my hand and squeezes it in comfort. I hardly feel anything.
We lose,and the loss hurts. Winning every game isn’t a guarantee, but this game? It was important for all the wrong reasons, and maybe the right ones, too. I leave the arena in search of Roman, who’s being checked out by an athletic trainer.
I find him alone in the medical room and close the door behind me when I enter. He’s sitting with his head down, his jersey off.
I set my purse down on the bench and stand in front of him, running a hand through his sweaty hair.
“Hey,” I whisper.
Roman’s shoulders rise and fall with a breath. “I fucking blew it.”
