Page 94 of Ice Darling
“See you.”
Hiking my legs over my bike, I strap my helmet on and start the engine. The Harley makes a guttural roar as I squeeze the thruster and leave Renthrow behind.
Chapter Thirty-One
Renthrow
Cordelia’s puzzling behavior outside of Phil’s is heavy on my mind as I take Gordie to school and head to the stadium.
Chance and Gunner are already on the ice, warming up with the newbs. The camp is surprisingly well attended. Most of the players are here because they’re Chance fans, but there are a few high-profile college kids in the rounds too.
A part of me is glad that the team is attracting high-quality athletes from outside of town, but another part aches with sadness.
Theilan and Watson are still avoiding the stadium and us. Which is awkward in a town this small.
There were a lot of storm-outs when Chance, Gunner, and I walked into The Tuna, and the team was already seated and eating there. It’s gotten so bad that even Mauve brought it up to me the other day and said we were making the entire town uneasy.
I’m not happy about this rift either, and I’m wondering if the training camp will really kick off without any of the other original members trying out.
Max’s voice draws my attention away from the ice. “Renthrow! Just the man I wanted to see!”
I frown when I notice that Max isn’t alone. Brennon is moving down the stairs with him. The guy’s in a pretentious business suit, complete with the stupid little triangle handkerchief in the pocket.
Why he’s here at a stadium in full New York stock-exchange mode, I don’t know. But the sight of him doesn’t exactly bring up pleasant memories. Especially when I remember that he’s Cordelia’s first love.
Maybehe’sthe reason she’s being so standoffish with me? Is she trying to draw a line between us, so Brennon doesn’t mistake us as a couple?
That doesn’t make sense. She was fine when we were pretending to be a thing in front of Brennon yesterday.
Max slaps my shoulder in welcome. “Renthrow, this is Brennon Moreau, a liaison for our new sponsor. Brennon, this is?—”
“Mr. Renthrow, good to see you again.” Brennon slips his hand into his pocket instead of offering a handshake.
“Hey,” I say, glad that I don’t have to shake his hand twice.
“You two know each other?” Max glances between us.
“We have a…mutual acquaintance,” Brennon explains.
I smirk at Brennon. “Cordelia invited me to join their dinner yesterday.”
Technically, I invited myself, but who’s going to correct me?
Brennon’s smile is faker than a forward setting up a trick shot. “Delia and I have been out of touch for a while, but seeing her last night, it felt like we never left each other’s sides. Some memories you just don’t forget.”
A dark, pulsing energy swarms my mind. This guy is so dangsmug.One good, solid punch and I bet I could set him straight.
Max laughs nervously. “I look forward to working with you, Brennon. Andeveryone”—Max gives me a pointed look—“on the team will be at your service. You need anything, let us know.”
All the paperwork and red tape Max has to deal with as a manager must be messing with his head. I signed up to play hockey. Not to schmooze with Cordelia’s first love.
Brennon laughs. “I don’t need the team’s help in the office, but maybe outside of it…”
“What do you mean?”
“I’d love to gear up and get on the ice sometime.”
I keep my focus on him. “You play hockey?”
