Page 30 of Breakaway (Nashville Knights Hockey #3)

Chapter Thirty

CHLOE

Dax

Have fun watching the game tonight

Chloe

Ditto

That’s just mean

Sorry

You set me up for it

I still love you

Yeah, yeah

I hate that I can’t be out there tonight

Last one and then you’ll be helping your team

Back on my old line

Coach Andrews knows you’re sorry

You’ll get back up there with Marcus and Bode

I know you will

I hope so

All because I couldn’t keep it together

Duncan will get his due

You think?

Doesn’t he always?

Maybe then your parents will be on our side

Maybe…

Harper’s here

I know you want to be out there, but keep your chin up and cheer on your team

I love you

Ditto

“ H ey.” I swing open the front door to a grinning Harper.

“Hi.” She gives me a hug before walking inside. In a pair of leggings and an oversized Knights sweatshirt, she’s ready to cheer the guys on.

“Thanks for coming over tonight.”

“It’s been a long week. I need a girls’ night,” she says, toeing out of her shoes. “I wish Stevie could have come. ”

“Too bad the game landed on bridge night for their grandmas.”

“Next time.” Harper holds up a bottle of wine. “Want a glass?”

“God, yes.”

I grab one of the waiting glasses next to my cheese board on the coffee table and pour us each a glass.

“How are you doing with everything?”

We drop down onto the sofa as the game against Boston starts.

“I’m worried.”

“About Dax?”

I nod, grabbing a cracker and pepperoni slice and popping it in my mouth. “Yes. I think this whole thing with Duncan is affecting him more than he’s letting on.”

“Have you talked to him about it?”

“I’ve tried, but I don’t think he wants me to worry.”

“Which only makes you worry more,” Harper confirms. “These men sometimes.”

“Dax is usually up-front with how he feels, but I think it’s a sticky situation.”

“Because you were once engaged to said brother.”

“Exactly.”

“I’m assuming you saw the post-game interview with Duncan?” Harper asks.

“Ugh. Could he be hamming it up any more? Having my brother come after me after he stole my fiancée? I can’t believe I ever fell for him.”

“We’ve all been taken by a pretty face,” Harper says. “I know I have.”

“What happened with that?” I ask, sipping my wine.

“Oh, I never got rid of him.” She grins back at me, laughing. “Marcus is more than a pretty face. I’m head over heels for him. ”

The horn sounds and our attention turns back to the game. The guys are swarming Marcus as the Knights take an early lead.

“And a talented hockey player too.” I nudge her with my toe.

“Yeah, he’s pretty great.” She’s beaming. “Do you think Duncan is going to leave you two alone?”

“I don’t know. I can’t figure out why he’s doing this. I mean, is this why he got picked up by Detroit? They felt bad for him and he’s playing it up so they keep him on the team?”

“It’s annoying he has the game to back up the talk.” Harper winces. “I hate to say it, but he’s a good player.”

“And no matter how well Dax plays, Duncan is always overshadowing him, and I hate it. He gets a hat trick and they ask about his brother scoring four goals that night.”

“I wanted to smack that reporter,” Harper laments. “Let him have his moment. You only get one first hat trick.”

“Right? They’re making it worse. Sometimes I think…”

“What?” Harper mutes the game and rests her elbow on the back of the couch. “What are you thinking?”

“That maybe if Dax and I weren’t together, Duncan would go away.”

“Do you want that?”

“God, no. It would probably make things easier, but I’m tired of Dax taking the brunt of Duncan’s revenge.”

“Would a statement from the team help?” she asks, munching on a piece of white cheddar.

“Dax talked to the PR team and they said it would come down to a he said, she said kind of thing and it’d drag us further into the mud.”

“Well, based on everything I know about Duncan,” Harper says, “he’s going to do something to fuck up again. He just can’t help himself.”

“Well, here’s hoping it’s sooner rather than later. Because if I can’t launch my business because of him, I’m going to be pissed. I can see him complaining about me to press to get them on his side and people not coming to my store.”

“Does that mean you’re closer to finding a storefront?”

I nod. “I’ve been looking at a few spots near Broadway. I figure that’s the best way to get foot traffic.”

“Love that idea. Do you want any help looking at them? I can go with you.”

I smile back at her. “Once I find some, I’ll let you know. I know Dax wants to come with me.”

“Of course he does.” Harper wiggles her fingers in front of me. “Did you notice?”

“Oh my God!” I set my wine down and grab her hand. “You’re wearing it.”

“I love it. So do the girls.”

I look at the silver ring with three gemstones—one for each of their kids. It took me longer than I thought to make it because I wanted it to be perfect. I mean, I want every piece to be perfect, but for a friend? I didn’t want to embarrass myself and give her something that was subpar.

“It looks great.”

“I love it. And you’ve got some interested parties at school who might want a custom ring too.”

“Really?”

She nods. “Yes. You’re talented, Chloe. Don’t let others get in your head about it. You’ve got what it takes.”

“That makes me happy to hear. I really want to do this.”

“You will. I know it.”

“Now you sound like Dax.” I laugh .

“Great minds think alike.”

The rest of the game goes by in a blur of wine, cheese and crackers, and a Knights win. I breathe a sigh of relief that the Knights came out on top of their last two games without Dax. It would’ve made it worse for Dax if they hadn’t. He would have carried that weight on his shoulders.

“Thank God they won.”

“Dax is in the clear.” Harper knows exactly what I’m talking about.

“I know he’s ready to get back out there.”

Harper grabs the empty tray and her glass and carries them into the kitchen. “Be honest. That had to have felt good for Dax, right?”

I hold my thumb and finger a smidge apart. “Just a little. Dax won’t admit it, but I know it did.”

“I bet.” Harper wraps me in a hug. “I know things might seem hard now, but just know that they’ll get better. I promise. As long as you and Dax stick together, you’ll be okay.”

I squeeze her back harder. “Thanks, Harper. You’re a good friend.”

“I’m glad Dax has you and that we get to have you now too.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll see you at the next home game.”

“Bye.”

I close the door behind her. It’s like the weight that’s been resting on my shoulders has lifted. It’s been hard dealing with Duncan and all his lies.

Having people like Harper in my corner makes it easier to navigate. With them by our side, hopefully Dax and I can come through the other side.

Sooner rather than later.