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Chapter Twenty-Nine

LOVE OF MY LIFE

~~Levi~~

I down one shot and refuse the second. I don’t want to be wasted before Junie gets here. All the rookies and younger guys are getting shit-faced. Not so long ago, I’d be right in the middle of that celebration, but now my heart isn’t in it. I leave my friends and join a group of veteran teammates who’re discussing our win.

Ice gives me a curious glance and cocks a brow. He’s surprised I’m not hanging with the party crowd, but probably not as surprised as I am.

I listen intently and only offer a few comments. As a rookie, I know my place. Cave, Ice, and Ziggy were on the Sockeyes’ Cup-winning team four seasons ago, and I hang on every word. Soaking up all the knowledge and experience I can is critical to my development as a player. I’m serious about being the best, and I’m even serious about hoisting that Cup over my head in game seven.

I’m so mesmerized, I lose track of time. When the group breaks up as the guys join their significant others, I glance at my phone. I’m shocked at the time. Junie should be here by now. I survey the room, assuming she didn’t want to interrupt and is sitting with a few of her friends.

She’s not with Caro or Inga. I frown. She should’ve been here a half hour ago at the latest. I quickly tap out a text message.

Me: Hey, where are you?

Junie usually answers immediately, but after five minutes, nothing. I text again.

Me: I’m getting worried. Please answer .

Several seconds tick by, but those seconds seem like hours. Time passes in slow motion. Still, not a word. I call not once, not twice, but three times. The first and second time it rings and goes to voicemail. The third time, it goes straight to voicemail, as if the phone’s been turned off. Fear envelops me in its smothering hold. I’m consumed by it. Junie’s not answering. This isn’t like her. Something’s very wrong. I feel it in my gut.

I hurry over to Caro and Inga and interrupt them, too alarmed to care if I’m being rude.

“Have you heard from Junie?” I can’t keep the growing panic out of my voice.

“No, nothing.” Caro studies me with alarm. She’s heard my tone, and she knows something’s wrong.

“She’s late, and she’s not answering my calls or texts.” I’m verging on losing my shit. My fear overwhelms me.

“Levi, sit down. Take a deep breath. We’ve got this.” Caro pats my arm, but her sympathy gives me little comfort.

Caro takes charge. She’s upset too, but she keeps her cool, probably for my sake. Both women call and text Junie while I sit helplessly nearby. They won’t get a response, I know it.

“Nothing,” croaks Inga, as she gives Caro one of those looks. She’s worried, and my concern escalates.

“Her phone’s turned off.” Caro rubs her pregnant belly as if it calms her. Maybe it does. I’ve never been pregnant and never will be.

“We need to follow her route from the arena to here and look for her.” Inga motions to Vick, who’s standing nearby in a small group of teammates. He immediately rushes over after one look at her face. Easton is on his heels.

“What’s wrong? Are you having the baby? Do I need to call an ambulance? How far apart are the contractions?” Easton is freaking out. Caro places a calming hand on his arm.

“Easton, I’m not in labor. Junie is late. She should’ve been here by now. She’s not answering her calls or texts. Her phone appears to be turned off.”

“Did anyone call arena security to see if her car is still in the parking garage?” Vick asks.

We shake our heads as one.

“What’s the number? I’ll try to reach them.”

None of us have a clue how to reach arena security.

“I need to go over there.” I’m preparing to bolt for the door when Celeste enters. She’s clearly keyed up over something. I glare suspiciously at her. She sees me and runs up to me.

“Have you talked to Junie?” She wrings her hands, and her gaze darts about the room, as if she’s looking for someone.

“No. She’s not answering, and she’s late. Did you do something to her? If you did, I’ll—” I’m ready to strangle the truth out of this woman. Easton and Vick read my mind and flank me on each side, holding me back.

“No, no. I stopped by the kitchen on my way here. Junie was acting strangely, kept glancing behind the counter, like somebody might be hiding there. I think she was trying to tell me.”

“How long ago was that?”

“About a half hour ago. The traffic’s so thick it took me forever to get here.”

I feel the alarm race through our little group, and I break out into a cold sweat.

“There’s one more thing. I think Chef John’s car was parked in the arena garage.”

“Chef John?” Our little group exchanges glances.

Without another word, I shake off Easton and Vick and race for the door. They’re hot on my heels.

“We’ll call 9-1-1. Wait for them to get to the arena.”

“We don’t have time.” I’m not waiting. I’m rushing in because I can’t let anything happen to Junie. Fear for her safety overrides any concerns for my own.

“I’ll drive.” Easton rips the keys from my hand. He’s probably wise to keep me from getting in the driver’s seat. I jump in the front seat and Vick takes the back.

“Go, go, go!” I yell impatiently. Easton glances in my direction before accelerating away from the curb. He runs a red light and careens around a corner.

I’m frantic. I must get a hold of myself. I’m no good to Junie like this. Vick’s phone rings. He listens and then ends the call. He leans between the two front seats to deliver the message.

“Seattle PD is on their way to the arena. We’re to wait outside by the parking garage entrance until they get there.”

“I’m not waiting for anyone.” I don’t give a fuck what they say. Junie’s in trouble. I can’t lose her. I’d rather cut off both legs than live without her.

She’s the love of my life, and I haven’t had the chance to tell her that.