Page 78 of Wallflower
“This relationship… It’s complicated, isn’t it? Dating a famous NHL player isn’t the same as dating a regular guy. There are added pressures and expectations. People watching and talking about you.”
My cheeks burn hot. “You saw the photos, didn’t you?”
Dad shakes his head with a defeated sigh. “No, but I read about them.”
“We were just unlucky.”
I stare at a gum wrapper on the floor instead of Dad’s concerned gaze. The photos of Chord and I swimming in the lakewereunlucky, and of course, they bothered me, but they upset Chord too. Every time a website publishes a new image, Chord’s lawyers and PR firm work double time to get it taken down. And for better or worse, we’re in this together now. I won’t be one of those women who run from Chord when his spotlight shines too bright.
“I’m worried about you, Violet.” Dad raises his palms as if anticipating an argument. “I understand you’re a grown woman—a smart, sensible, talented woman who can make her own choices—and I haven’t always been strong enough for you to lean on, but I have to ask if this relationship is really what you want.”
“Oh, Dad.” I take his hand with a grateful but watery smile. “I appreciate it—I really do—but I… I think I might love him. This isreallywhat I want.”
“Love, eh?” Dad rubs a finger under his nose, but it doesn’t hide his small smile. “Well, then. I guess you know best, and I—I’m happy for you, Blossom.”
I blink back tears as I drag him into a seated hug, kissing his cheek and holding him tight. “Thank you.”
Ten minutes later, the Fury glides out onto the ice, and we watch the team warm up, run through drills, and speed along the ice. Dad is captivated, but I get just as much pleasure from his reactions as I do from the players. I wasn’t lying when I told Chord that Dad worships the Fury. And even though I mentioned it weeks ago and only once, it was Chord’s idea to invite him along today. The gesture was so considerate and sincere that I welled up, and Chord chuckled as he brushed the moisture from my eyes.
The morning wears on, the team is divided into lines and shifts into practice games, and I find myself increasingly invested because even though this isn’t the real thing, it’s still something to watch. The men are something to watch. They’re powerful, fast, and competent, passing pucks and flying past the boards with strength and determination. They’re sweaty. They’re aggressive. They’re loud.
Every one of them knows what he’s doing, but there’s one who has my full attention. He’s bigger and stronger and brighter than anyone else, that magnetism burning like fire even now, and sitting in the stands watching him feels a little like crushing on the popular boy at school.He’d never like me. He’d never notice me. I’m nobody and nothing compared to him.
But he glances up, again and again, his gaze laser-focused on me. Things unspoken pass between us, and I feel like I’m floating. Chord might bethat guy, but he’s looking atme.
I wish his family was here to see this. I stick my hands between my knees and check the doors for the thousandth time. When an hour passes, then another, I decide it’s time to admit defeat.Thank God I kept this little scheme to myself. Chord might pretend not to care when his family fails to show, but he’d feel discouraged about the progress he’s made with Charlie, and it’d be all my fault.
Play picks up, Chord sends a puck flying across the ice into the back of the net, and Dad jumps to his feet. I shake my head and chuckle.
“What?” he asks as I grin and shake my head again. “We scored!”
“Nothing. I’m glad you’re having a good time. I’m a little distracted, is all.”
“I noticed.” Dad returns to his seat, then raises an arm over his head and gives a wide wave. “Well, would you look at that? I didn’t know they were coming today.”
My heart jumps into my throat as Daisy, Dylan, Izzy, Finn, and Charlie walk into the complex. Daisy spies us first and returns Dad’s wave, and they make their way over.
I stand as they approach with Daisy in the lead. “You made it!”
Daisy rolls her eyes. “Finally rallied the troops, and here we are. Better late than never?”
“There’s not much left of the morning session,” I agree, “but if you stick around, you can chat with Chord during the break. I might even be able to round up some skates if Izzy wants a twirl around the ice?”
The little girl jumps up and down, navy-blue tutu floating around her little boots. “Yes!”
Dad gets to his feet and greets everyone as they file into the row of seats behind us, but no sooner does Charlie’s butt hit her chair than she shoots back up again.
“I need something to drink,” she announces, stepping back into the aisle. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Daisy rolls her eyes and starts to stand but I stop her.
“I’m a little thirsty, too,” I say. “Does anyone want anything?”
Izzy’s eyes grow wide. “Yes! Candy!”
Dylan tweaks her little nose. “You ate before we came.”
Izzy rolls her eyes like her dad is the silliest man in the world. “I didn’t eat candy.”
