Page 31 of Damsel in Defense
It doesn’t do to dwell on things that can’t be changed.I didn’t always choose the best path, but I’m where I’m meant to be now.
As Sidney ends his speech, thanking everyone who came out and letting the kids know that he’s always there for them, the arena explodes in applause.My hands sting I’m clapping so hard, but the group deserves it.What an incredible day.
I stay in my seat as the crowd thins, and I watch as volunteers start packing up some of the tables that were filled with food, prizes, and brochures about the charity.My gaze scans the people mingling around and locks on Mason.
His body is angled toward mine, and he’s taking off his skates.When he catches my eye, he holds up his hand and flashes his fingers.I think he’s indicating he needs five more minutes, so I nod.
The five turns into a thumbs-up as he packs away his stuff and disappears down the long arena hallway.Making my way down the stairs to the main level, I hear my name being called and wave goodbye to Sabrina and Max as they head toward the main doors.
“Sorry to bug you, but are you Tori Westwyld?I’m a huge fan.”
Turning toward the voice, I almost lose my step when I realize it’s Sidney Crane talking to me.
“Umm, yes, I am.But I’m also a huge fan of yours, too, after today.”
“Sweet!I knew it was you.So cool of you to come out today.”
“Mason invited me.I had no idea your team had a cause like this.I know it was for the kids, but it really helped me too.”
For a second, Sidney looks confused.Then something must dawn on him because he claps his hands together and hunches over to laugh.
“Wait one fucking second.You’re Mason’s Victoria!That sly little fucker.He didn’t share all the details.Holy crap.”He notices my surprised expression and holds up his hands in defense.“Sorry.Sorry.Mason didn’t ever mention your last name, so the dots were never connected.”
“Oh.Yeah, that makes sense.It’s early days into the relationship anyways.”
“Not the way he talks about you.Pretty sure you’ve taken up permanent residence in his brain.”
“You better not be filling her head with lies, Crane,” I hear Mason’s voice echo from down the hall.He appears, dressed in a Toronto Nighthawks sweatshirt and baggy shorts.A huge duffle bag is thrown over his shoulder.He shouldn’t look so handsome in comfort clothes, but he does.Almost as good as he did in his suit when we first met.
Nothing compares to him shirtless.
“Nah, man, I just didn’t realize your Victoria wastheTori Westwyld.She’s a fucking wordsmith.”Sidney directs his next sentence at me.“When you made the switch from rock to country music, it was like you came alive.The world knew you had range, but damn, girl.I can’t stress enough how big of a fan I am.”
“Just to get it right—you mean you’re a fan of my country music.Not the rock.”
“A thousand percent.‘Dancing Stars’ is my hype music for when I’m working out.”
With wide eyes, Mason and I exchange a wild look before we all burst into laughter.
“I’m a Wyld One till the end, baby,” Sidney says, smiling like a fool.He’s just about to say something else when the look on his face changes.
“Bye, Mr.Crane.Thanks for the pointers today,” a young boy calls.
“You’re welcome, buddy.Take care of yourself.”Sidney’s eyes flick to something else further down the way.“And take care of your mom.”
“You got it!Go, Nighthawks!”he cries out with happiness.
“Go, Nighthawks,” Mason and Sidney repeat at the same time.
“Who was the woma—”
“Awesome to meet you Tori—or is it Victoria?”Sidney cuts Mason’s question off.“And Mason, see you in a couple days at camp.”
With that, Sidney is dashing for the exit, leaving us both whiplashed with the change in energy.
“That…was weird.That was weird, right?”I ask Mason.This was my first encounter with Sidney, so I don’t know if a dramatic exit is his MO.
“Yeah.”Mason draws the word out, his attention still where Sidney left.“I think maybe something is going on with that kid’s mom.”
