Page 72 of Interference
“I love Mexican food.” Emery laughs.
“Awesome. Everyone, tell me what you want, and I’ll get the order placed,” Grace says as she looks down at her phone.
While everyone throws their orders at Grace, I look around the room. I’ve dreamed of nights like this for years and never thought it would happen.
I guess sometimes dreams do come true.
eighteen
The worst part of having Brett on the road for an away game is not being able to see him. Usually, I can find the game on one of the sports channels, but this game isn’t televised for whatever reason.
I hate it.
I just want to be able to see him. I would never let him know, but I worry every time he steps on the ice. I know he will be okay, but hockey is a violent sport, and now that I’ve admitted to myself that I really like the guy, I worry he will get hurt again.
My eyes tear up thinking about seeing him in the hospital room last year. Something compelled me to go to him when I saw him get injured. He was drugged up and could barely keep his eyes open, but I sat at his side for hours, telling the hospital staff that we were engaged to be married.
Wyatt was there. He knew the truth, but he didn’t say a word. He still hasn’t said a word to me about it, and I don’t think he has to Brett either. Brett never mentioned it to me.
Back then, I was glad for it, but now I wish he knew so he could see that I cared for him long before this baby was in my belly.
Cora
I’m on my way over. I can’t sit here and wait for updates.
I smile. Cora didn’t go to the game either. She had a work thing to do. I should be irritated that she is inviting herself over, but I’m glad she did. I still don’t quite feel like I can insert myself into their group, so I’m happy she isn’t giving me a choice.
Several minutes later, there is a knock on the door. I let her in, leading her to the couch.
“Kellan has one of the rookies giving me updates. I guess he has no shot of playing this year, so Coach redshirted him. They are up 2-1. Brett has one assist,” she tells me in lieu of a hello.
“Good. That means Wyatt is keeping them out of the goal,” I say, repeating something I heard Brett say once.
Cora giggles. “It will all sink in eventually. I promise. So while we wait for updates, I figured we could get some girl time in.”
“Thank you for that. I haven’t had many girl friends in my life. Figure skating is more competitive than that. There’s no camaraderie in it. I mean, even my roommate is a bitch, especially now that she got my slot for the Olympics.”
She reaches out and touches my hand. “Fuck that. There is room for everyone at the table. I don’t need to wear your crown. I have my own.”
I let out a soft laugh. “That’s new to me, so it might take me a minute to be the friend that I feel like you are used to.”
“Nonsense. You’re already a great friend. You let me come over unannounced. You watch stupid movies with me, and you gossip about our men. You won me over,” she teases.
“Who knew it took so little,” I joke.
“Oooh. Yes. Jones scored one with an assist from Brett. Three to one, baby.” She dances on the couch a little.
I laugh, my hand falling to my stomach. I’m so proud of Brett.
The door opens then, Ashley walking in looking like she’s been through the ringer. I’m sure she has. I’ve seen the way Irina can push a skater. Hell, I’ve been her.
Before she called me a whore, I would have offered to get her into an ice bath or make her tea, but I can’t even look at her now.
“Great. Moved on from the hockey team to their women? Is it a big orgy over there?” Ashley mutters as she slams the door.
Cora stands, making me scramble up to grab her arm.
“Listen here, you cunt. You aren’t half the fucking skater my girl Emery is, which is why you feel the need to throw these little jabs at her. You think that by making her miserable that you will feel an ounce better about yourself. That it makes you better than her. Let me tell you something. You are nothing and will never be nothing. You got a shot at making the Olympic team, sure, but you won’t make it. You are going to fail because you care more about what Emery is doing than your own shortcomings. So laugh it up. Say what you want. Emery is going to have this baby, then she is going to come back stronger than ever. She is going to make the team and go for gold with a fucking baby. Where will that leave you, Amber? A nobody with nothing to call your own because you feel the need to tear others down to make yourself feel better. Be better, Amber. Do fucking better.”
