Page 2 of Playing for Keeps (Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey #4)

“JAY!” A loud voice and a dog barking behind me knocks me out of my reverie as I drop the bottle and jolt forwards, nearly tipping over the edge from being caught off guard. Freedom could be a lot closer than I originally thought…

My eyes fly open as I flail my arms around, trying to keep my balance. At the same time, I watch the bottle tumble down to the rocks and smash into smithereens, glass bouncing off the cliff face way below me and dropping down into the sea.

Faster than I can blink, I feel a solid grip on my shoulder as I spin around, wobbly at best, nearly losing my balance again. But the large hand pulls me into a strong, burly chest, literally dragging me away from the edge.

I’m still aware of a dog barking beside me as I look down. Through my blurry vision it looks like Tanner’s dog, Robbie… he’s a brown and white Cocker Spaniel and is smarter than most people. I glance up and finally see the face of Billy Jones, Tanner’s dad.

“I wasn’t going to jump!” I blurt, holding my palms up in protest, feeling foolish he’s caught me like this. I also realize I’m slurring my words like a fucking fool.

No one has ever seen me this way. I don’t show the depths of my feelings or emotions to anyone. They’re dirty words as far as I’m concerned and I’ve learned to hide them well.

He keeps a tight grip on me as he pulls me even farther away from the cliff’s edge. One hand grips the opening of my jacket, and the other isn’t letting go of my shoulder. Billy, Robbie and I are all completely drenched as the heavens open up even more in a full, torrential downpour.

What are they doing out here? Despite the trail along the cliff, which is usually a busy activity and dog walking area, no one else dares to be out in this storm, or is stupid enough. So why are they?

“We’ll talk in the car,” he shouts over the rain.

He’s a solid kind of guy, tall, broad shoulders and hands strong enough to keep me bound, so there’s no point protesting.

And even though I’ve known Billy a while now, I marvel that even in my haze I can see both Tanner and his little sister, Jade, present in his features.

It’s all in the face; they all have the same bright blue eyes that change color depending on the mood.

Only today Billy’s eyes don’t resemble that bright hue that I’m used to seeing, his irises are like the dark, dangerous ocean lurking below.

I see something flicker in them that I’ve never seen before; worry.

I look beyond that as Jade’s pretty face flitters across my thoughts. Maybe it’s the alcohol, I’m not sure. But her eyes are the prettiest in school, they’re always full of mystery and intrigue. Intense, but kind at the same time.

“Let’s get you home, Son.”

I’m catapulted back to reality by Billy’s voice which I know is close to me, but feels so far away at the same time.

The two keywords in that sentence break me in two ways. Home because I don’t have one anymore, and I’m not going back to my mom’s no matter what she says. And son because I’ve always wanted someone to call me that. And they never have until now.

I know he doesn’t mean it that way, but it still feels good. In fact, just that alone almost thaws the cold right out of me.

Maybe I am broken beyond repair. I’ve often thought it.

Based on my findings when I look at the facts growing up, I’m almost convinced.

Hiding behind jokes and smiles has become a real skill, and I didn’t realize how bad things were.

Covering shit up comes as second nature, I guess. It’s as easy as breathing.

I let Billy and Robbie lead me to safety. Because, in reality, I don’t know what I would have done without them. I mean, I’m not suicidal… am I? The fleeting thought that this could all go away in an instant made me feel good for half a second.

Then I wouldn’t have all these feelings floating around that I don’t know what to do with. But I wasn’t going to jump. At least, that’s what I tell myself.

“That sounds good,” I mutter as I stumble along, Billy’s heavy grip around my shoulders unrelenting as he tells me he ain’t letting me go anytime soon. “But I can’t go back to my mom’s. You can’t make me.”

“To our house, then. We’ll get you dry and you can sober up. I’ll grab you a change of clothes and some food and I can talk to your mom.”

Now I’m embarrassed because Billy knows I’ve been drinking, even with the discarded bottle. I’m an idiot to think he wouldn’t be able to smell it. The last thing I want to do is disappoint him after he’s helped me so much.

I don’t fight the offer though, because I’m starving and I’ve been out on the street for the past two nights, not wanting to overstay my welcome at Ben’s place. Give his folks a break and all. I’m anything if not considerate.

We get to his Jeep and he helps me in while Robbie jumps in the back and shakes off his wet fur.

I watch Billy jog around to his side and climb in, his hefty body crunching in the seat as he pulls the door closed.

“Thanks,” I say as he turns the ignition and starts the engine.

Robbie rests his head on my shoulder through the center, and it feels like the most comforting thing in the world.

I rub his head and he makes a purring sound in my ear.

It occurs to me now that Billy couldn’t have just stumbled upon me… Was he out here deliberately looking for me? Maybe Tanner or Jade told him I’ve not been in school or something?

I glance at him as he pulls away from the side of the curb.

“No problem,” he replies. And I know he means it, and he’d do it again because he cares about me.

Did Billy Jones and Robbie just save my life?

I guess I’ll never truly know. But as I sit back in the car seat, I know that at least for now, I’m safe. And that’s the best thought I’ve had in a long time.