Page 88 of Hot Puck
What matters is that we’re in this together.
Chase
If I wasn’t in love with Gem before Christmas I certainly am after.
She made what could have been a very difficult few days into a happy time even if there were tears shed.
Mom and Dad had obviously been preparing for her not living to see Christmas because with each of our gifts was a letter. They are written in Mom’s hand, but I can tell they both had input. And I think if we were given the notes and presents before, when Gem first became aware of them, it would have torn us all to ribbons.
But with the months between us and losing them, with Gem at our sides, we were able to accept the heartfelt words and gifts from our parents with as much happiness as sadness.
And it’s her thoughtfulness, her ability to understand and know what we need, that has me more in love with her.
But the holidays have been and gone months ago. It’s now mid-February and life is great. Except for one thing.
I’m in love with my wife and she doesn’t have a clue.
“Hey!” With a big grin on his face, Gannon Byrd pops in front of the treadmill I’m running on.
I’m breathing hard, too hard to talk, so I tip up my chin in greeting.
“Can I ask you something?” His grin doesn’t slip exactly but he’s definitely unsure about his question. Or maybe it’s the answer.
Reaching up, I press a few buttons, and the treadmill begins to slow beneath my feet. I’ve been running for over an hour, which is more than my usual daily run, but after the indulgences of the holidays I need to work a little harder to burn off all those extra calories.
Besides, the extra exercise has helped my game. In the last few months, I’ve only let in a handful of goals. Which puts the Rogues firmly in the top spot in our conference.
Gannon waits until I’m at a brisk walk before talking again. “So, I heard something, and I’m not sure if you’re aware of it or not or if maybe I’ve misinterpreted the situation.”
“Okay.”
“I thought you were taking care of your sisters.”
I frown. “I am.”
“Yeah, I get that but…” His frown matches mine.
“Just spit it out.” My tone is a little harsh, but I don’t have time for this circling around what he wants to ask thing.
“I heard you live with the Rogues GM, Natalie Redding.”
“We do.”
“So, you’re what?” His left eyebrow rises, his face twisting in confusion now. “Dating the GM?”
“No.” I don’t elaborate. I want to say no, we’re married, have been for three months, but that’s a taboo subject, even between me and Gem.
“But you live together?”
“We share a house because she helps me with my sisters.”
“Like friends?” Confusion is still written all over his face and I want to laugh except the situation isn’t funny.
It’s become downright depressing if I’m honest. The woman I’m in love with, the one I’m married to, is nothing more than…
“Yes. We’re friends.”
“Huh.”
