Page 36 of Facing Off
Fuck.No.
I’m ripping off my skates, but my hands aren’t steady so it’s clumsy. I’m taking too long. Swearing, I finally get them off, toss them away, and jam my feet back into my boots.
I’m out the door.
“Sonya. Are you at the hospital?”
“…doesn’t matter.”
“Which hospital?”
“I’m fine?—”
“Answer my question, darling,” I order, my voice roughening. “Now.”
“Are they coming to take care of you?” someone asks from her side. A voice I don’t recognize.
“Um—I don’t—not—I mean—” Sonya is deflecting hard.
“What hospital?” I’m running to my car. In my jersey and gear I’m recognizable, so arena staff members wave before they see my expression. Then their eyes noticeablywiden. Adrian Hughes, Captain of the Vancouver Wings, is running at full-speed. His usual shit-eating grin is nowhere to be seen.
I barely see them. My muscles scream as I pick up more speed. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll ask Quinn. Want me to do that?”
She swears. So softly. “No.”
“It’s me or him. Pick.”
“You.”
“Good girl. Now tell me which hospital.”
I’m in my sports car with my tires spitting up gravel, when she finally gives me an answer.
I know where I’m going.
15
SONYA
It wasn’ta good idea to call him, even if it wasn’t on purpose.
Because when Adrian Hughes storms past the curtains to stop in front of my hospital bed, I’m not myself.
The stress of falling again, and there being no medical reason for why this is happening, has grown panic inside me.
So when he shows up, I’m not prepared.
Tousled hair. Piercing blue eyes. Wearing his hockey jersey and pads as if ready to fight a war on the ice. His gaze never falters, roaming all over me, pupils dilating until they seem to swallow his irises.
It’s like he’s about to come gather me in his arms. To kiss the corner of my temple and tell me that whatever it takes, he’s going to make this better. That the thought of me hurt rips him apart.
I have to reach over and pinch my arm. Because I don’t know why I pictured that, or why I’d even want it to happen.
“Who is this?” asks Madame Kozlova.
Before I can answer, the curtain behind us opens.
“Good, you found your wife,” says the nurse.
