Page 92 of Snapping the Ice
“Yes, of course.” With a quick chuckle, he dropped into a chair.
I sat across from him and spooned creamy noodles and chicken onto my plate. “Stella says you made an appointmentwith a therapist?” It would be great for him to resolve some of his shit before his mom got here.
“I did. She seems like a pleasant woman and has worked in similar situations.” After plating his pasta, he poured wine into our glasses.
“That’s awesome.” With this new opportunity, I’d be making a lot more money. I glanced at Ezra, twirling his fork in his pasta. I could afford a better place. One where we could live together. “Uh, what do you think about maybe um…” As my pulse quickened, I pursed my lips. What if he said no?
“Maybe what?” He ate a forkful of food.
Leaning in and setting my hands on the edge of the table, I asked, “What about getting a place together? I mean, not right away, but if they keep me in the NAPH? We could look for places and maybe find something close to your studio and?—”
“Yes.” He threw a glance toward the window. “I could still stop in and visit Stella.” His attention shifted to me. “I don’t mind leaving this apartment. It…” His face went slack. “There are terrible memories here.”
I grabbed his forearm, resting next to his plate. “We can make fresh memories, fantastic memories. I’ll let you decorate however you want.” With my schedule, he’d be there the most, and I’d do anything to make him happy and comfortable.
He stared at me. “You’d do that for me?”
“I would.” Shit, I needed to tell him about my discussion with Mason. “I uh, I spoke to my brother today too. He’s going to help me come out to my parents. Maybe after our first game together.” I scratched my head. When would we have time? After the game? Dad would surely want a phone call. “I should come out to the team, too.”
“Really?” He set his fork on his plate. “Are you sure you want to handle this all at once? There’s no rush.”
“No, but I’m sure the organization will be on my side.” Mygut tied in a knot. Had I been putting this off and enjoying my little bubble with Ezra? Maybe. “I need to do this and get it over with.”
“What does Mason think about it?” He sipped his wine.
“He’ll help me.” I nodded. I could always count on my brother. And his friends. I picked up my fork and dug into my pasta. “It’ll be fine.” Shit, should I talk to my agent? It was overwhelming right now. First, I’d come out to Mom and Dad.
“If you need anything, I’ll be here.” He creased his brows.
“I know, babe. I feel like support is something I have plenty of.” I offered him a smile. He already had so much on his plate with his own situation. “You work on you, and I’ll be fine. We’ll get through it together.”
“Love you.” His warm gaze met mine.
“Love you too.” With a swift grin, I drank my wine.
The next morning, I was up early and at the rink for my first skate with the Cardinals at their training facility. It was a little nicer than ours, which we shared with the college team. With my duffel slung over a shoulder, I entered the locker room, all painted in matte black with gold and turquoise accents and rich woods. I stopped, taking it all in. I was the first one here.
“Bro, I knew you’d be here early.” Mason snickered behind me and planted his hand on my shoulder.
I twisted around. “How much longer before everyone shows up?” Okay, maybe I was too early.
Jett Jarvis walked up behind Mason with coffee containers in his hand. “Not for another twenty minutes.” He handed me a coffee. “Here, you might need this.”
“Thanks.” I sipped the coffee, bitter, but sweet with acaramel flavor. “Where should I put my shit?” Thank God Mason was here to show me around.
“Here’s the guest stall.” Mason pointed at an empty stall on the end. “They won’t pull Berg’s name off until they’re sure of his replacement. Superstition, you know?” Mason smirked and drank his own coffee.
“Yeah, I get it.” It would feel a little disrespectful, too. I threw my bag into the empty stall. “Show me around?”
“Hell yeah.” Mason grabbed Jett’s hand, and they showed me the showers, the coach’s offices and finally the rink. “You’ll be practicing with Laine today, but Archer’s going to hit you up for lunch to talk about the game tomorrow.”
I scanned the facility, the high ceiling and perfect ice. My stomach fluttered with nerves. Hockey legends were forged here. Would I get to stay? I had to give it my all.
“Cat got your tongue?” Mason huffed a laugh. “Bro, it’s a rink, just like any other rink. Don’t let this shit go to your head.”
“Yeah, I won’t.” Fuck I’d try. I took a calming breath.It’s a rink like any other. And the guys I’d play with had all been through this.
“Hey, man. Here early?” Archer’s voice cut through the silence.
