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“Of course.” I grab my backup stick and hand it to him. “Just don’t let Spotty think it’s a chew toy.”

Jake giggles as he grips the stick, holding it like a pro. “I’m gonna practice my slapshot with this!”

“You’ve got a killer wrist shot, kid,” Wes says, ruffling Jake’s hair. “Keep it up, and maybe you’ll be out here with us someday.”

“Really?” Jake’s eyes widen with pure excitement.

“Absolutely.” Wes winks. “We could use someone with that kind of enthusiasm.”

“See, Hayes?” Griffin smirks, leaning casually against the stall. “This kid’s already got a spot on the team. You better watch your back.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile.

Just as I’m about to steer the conversation back on track, Spotty decides that now is the perfect time to wreak havoc.

With his nose buried in one of the team gear bags, he snags a sock and takes off like a rocket, weaving through the stalls with a victorious bark.

“Spotty, no!” Jake cries, but it’s too late.

Griffin’s laughter echoes through the room. “Oh man, we’ve got a thief on the loose!”

“Get back here, Spotty!” Abby calls, her voice laced with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

But he’s having way too much fun to listen. He zigzags around benches, narrowly avoiding a collision with Wes, who’s doubled over laughing.

“Don’t worry,” I say, already moving to intercept. “I got him.”

I crouch low, waiting for the perfect moment… and pounce.

“Gotcha. Nice try, buddy,” I say, holding Spotty firmly but gently as I wrestle the sock from his mouth. “But I don’t think this is regulation gear.”

Spotty gives me a slobbery lick across the face in response, his tail wagging furiously.

“Gross,” I laugh, wiping my cheek. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

The entire room erupts with laughter, and when I glance at Abby, her eyes are sparkling with amusement.

We finish the tour a few minutes later, and as I’m walking them toward the exit, I lag behind, giving Jake and Abby a little space.

That’s when I hear it.

“Mom,” Jake whispers, his voice barely carrying over the hum of the empty hallway. “Are you really gonna interview Beck for your article?”

I stop in my tracks, my brows furrowing.

Interview? Abby’s response is quiet, but I catch enough to make my pulse skip. “Yes, honey… but I’m a little nervous about it.”

Why wouldn’t she tell me that herself? And why would she me nervous?

My curiosity sharpens, and for the first time all night, I feel a twinge of something I can’t quite name.

Abby’s hiding something— and for reason I don’t fully understand, it matters more to me than it should.

Chapter three

Abby

“Comeon,Jake!”Icall, my voice barely carrying over the sound of skates slicing the ice.