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Chapter Thirty-Four

Christina

This game was torture. I’m also pretty sure Cam made sure it was extra painful with his warmups. Nicole, who accompanied me today, was swooning in her seat and fanning herself as I shushed her. She’s all revved up to go to Chasers after the game again.

We took separate cars to the arena, so after the game she runs her car home and will meet me at the bar. I really don’t want to sit at Chasers by myself waiting for her so I decide to kill the time by going to the owner’s suite. Greg’s not here, but Travis has just finished gladhanding with suits. Two businessmen brush by me with polite nods as they exit the room. They probably wouldn’t have ignored me if they realized who I was. I’m so thankful I don’t have to deal with the like of them in my day to day, unlike Travis who cultivates relationships with them.

He clearly hasn’t seen me yet. He sets his drink down on the nearest available surface and heads to his laptop case. I take a deep breath, enjoying my calm. Up until this season, his mere presence has curled my lip in disdain—hidden, of course—before he even opened his mouth. Now, I feel nothing.

That’s maybe a very tiny silver lining to the cloud of letting Cam go. I finally understand real love, and real loss. Travis is not worth my angst. I mean, away from his work, he’s not a bad guy. The trick is getting him away from being “on” all the time.

I must make some movement, because he turns his head and says, “Chris. Good to see you. How are you?”

“I’m good, thanks.” Heartbroken, but otherwise fine . “I was looking for Greg?”

“He beelined it to the friends and family lounge to congratulate the team.”

Ugh. Seeing Cam there with his family will stab me in the heart all over again. But at least I’d fade into the crowd. And part of me wants to see Cam flush off a win, and to ensure things are going smoothly with his family members.

“Thanks Travis. See you around.” I’m amazed at how relaxed I still am. Even a short courteous exchange like we just had would have had my shoulders around my ears afterward. I might still bristle if Amy is around, but that’s sheer protectiveness. As for the rest, I wish him the best and don’t regret anything. It all helped me appreciate Cam that much more, and he was worth waiting for.

Downstairs, the lounge holds several new faces, likely parents, siblings or other family in from out of town on a holiday weekend. Jack’s parents live in Dallas and have come down for a few games, so I wave to them. They’re in conversation with a woman a little younger than them. I recognize her and the teen and young boy hanging near her from Cam’s Instagram feed.

I linger in a corner. Greg comes in from the direction of the locker room. “What are you doing here?”

“Eh. Nicole is going to meet me at Chasers but not for half an hour, so I figured this has better food than the bar.” I gesture to the buffet of snacks.

He nods, accepting my explanation at face value and leans in to kiss me. “I’m going to take off. Have a great time. Try not to get into trouble with Nicole.”

I roll my eyes at him. “Go home, brother. You’re not my keeper. I haven’t called you for bail yet, have I? Besides, you wouldn’t know where to find it, since I manage all your money.”

He chuckles as he leaves.

I grab a Topo Chico off the end of the buffet. As I turn, I nearly bump into Cam’s stepmom.

“Hi. Are you the owner’s wife?” she asks.

I try not to be offended. It’s a reasonable assumption, but my feminist side is irritated. “No. I’m one of the owners.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. And the man that just left, he’s another owner, right? The one who manages the day-to-day? I was looking at the website and only saw his photo.”

“Yes, Greg is my brother, and I prefer to stay out of hockey management.” I relent and hold out a hand. “I’m Christina.”

“Nice to meet you, Christina. I’m Cameron Hill’s stepmother. I brought his siblings here to see him play, as Zoe, my eldest, will attend UT in the spring.”

“I went there as well and have fond memories. She picked an excellent school. What is she planning on studying?” I’m eager to learn more about these people connected to Cam and want to grill her for information. Or mandate that she never desert Cam after inserting herself into his life. And quiz her on what the ever-loving fuck her husband was thinking to walk away from such a wonderful son.

Before she can answer, the players start trickling into the lounge. Jack makes a beeline for his parents and hugs a man-child a few years younger than him, who must be his brother.

Dana sees her son edging toward the door to the hall and takes a step forward to rein him in.

Just then, Cam comes through the door and sweeps Robbie up onto his shoulders.

“You won! You won!” Robbie shouts, clutching his hair.

Cam winces, but doesn’t let go, striding to Zoe. He stops at enough of a distance to satisfy a grumpy teen and asks, “What’d you think?”

“That #16 got one by you.” She shrugs a shoulder.

“Thanks. I hadn’t noticed.” He laughs, and she lets a corner of her mouth turn up.

I’m staring, soaking every gesture, every syllable in.

Dana’s voice reminds me she’s still by my side. “He’s amazing, isn’t he?”

I flash her a glance. “The whole team is. Greg did an excellent job. I hope we can keep most of the team intact next year.”

“Hmm.” Her voice is noncommittal. “I’m bummed we have to leave. I would have liked to stay for another game. This energy is addictive. But Cam’s driving us to the airport from here.”

“I know,” I say.

She shoots me a look, surprise turning to awareness. “It was great to meet you, Christina. I hope to see you again at a future game. Look out for our boy there, will you?”

If only I could.