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“The fuck are we gonna do without you next season, bro?” I clap him on the shoulder and knock my helmet into his, staring him straight in the eyes. “It’s too soon. You’re still the best player in the league, the fucking world.”

Over my shoulder, I know where he’s looking. “It’s time, buddy.”

“One more Stanley for old time’s sake?”

“It’s coming back to Seattle.” He juts his head up, and I smile over my shoulder at the girl who’s brought me back to life. “Talking of back to Seattle. Have you asked her to move in with you yet?”

Skating back to center ice, I can’t hide my shit eating grin. “I might’ve suggested it when I spilled my guts last night.”

“And?” he shouts as I skate backward and away from him, ready for the restart of play.

“And I’ll do whatever it takes to be with her. Just like you.”

He doesn’t say anything, just replaces his mouthguard, a knowing smile on his face.

LUNA

“That boy.” Kate points down to Zach, who’s fighting for the puck behind the net. “Is a boy obsessed.”

I smile around the straw of my Icee. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Listen.” She leans across to me. “There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for you. He’s caught the bug.”

My brows knit together as I steal another nacho from her tray.

“The same bug that infected Jon and my best friend,” she explains.

“So, tell me, what’s the score with Jensen? It seems like there’s something still eating at both of you.” Damn my unfiltered brain. Felicity’s eyes widen from the other side of Kate.

Kate cocks her head at me, but, thankfully, she doesn’t seem pissed. “What do you mean?”

“Just um…I don’t know, you seem a little on edge around each other.”

“I’m fine.” She flicks her hair to the side, her voice firm and seemingly unaffected. “It’s fine. I have Tom, and I’m sure he’s moved on too.”

Not awkward. Not at all.

Felicity looks over at me, a sympathetic smile on her face.

“Sorry if that was a bit intrusive. My brain’s in first and mouth in fifth sometimes.”

Kate turns to me, full-on belly laughing. “Girl, you’re looking at the queen ofcome out and say it.” She taps her cup against mine. “To girls who just say it as it is.”

I pull my phone out of my purse and drop Mom a quick message. The guilt of her being sick has been gnawing at me since she messaged yesterday.

Me

Hey, how are you doing?

Mom

So sick. I really need you home to help.

I’ve still got another two nights before my flight home. If I moved to Seattle, it could be months in between seeing her. My stomach twists at the thought of her reaction to me tellingher I’m moving away. I still remember the way she mentally declined when Dad left.

I’ll be back in two days, and I’ll be right over. Maybe you could Instacart something?

I sit waiting for a reply, but nothing comes through.