Page 4

Xander

A fter packing a few essentials, I lock up my apartment and head to the Red Wolves offices. I need to talk to Coach before making my way to Serene Lookout.

“Xander, good to see you,” Coach greets me, motioning for me to take a seat.

He’s been the coach of the Carolina Red Wolves for over fifteen years. Before that, he was a forward for the team and played his entire career here at home. He’s a Southern man, born and raised.

“Hey, Coach.”

“Glad you finally decided to show up,” he says, shifting in his chair.

I release a deep breath as I sit down and meet his gaze. “Yeah. About that.”

I start and stop a couple of times before finding the right words.

It’s incredible—after six weeks of simmering in these feelings, I still don’t have the words. Or the courage. I guess that’s why I’m going to Serene Lookout.

To untangle this mess.

“I’m sorry, Coach. This injury… is beyond my shoulder.”

I rub gently at the scar the surgery left. It’s completely healed, but I still haven’t regained full range of motion.

“I’ve had an amazing career. My time at Carolina has been nothing short of incredible, but I also know I’m not getting any younger, and my chances of winning the Cup are getting slimmer.”

“What aren’t you saying, Xander?” Coach asks.

I know I need to let it all out. I’ve allowed all these feelings to fester for too long. Coach has been nothing short of extraordinary during my time with the team. If there’s anyone who’ll understand, it’s him.

“I don’t want to retire before winning the Cup. I need to live up to my family’s legacy.”

There it is, the fucking pressure that doesn’t let me rest at night .

“Listen, son,” Coach says, standing from his chair and settling on the edge of his desk in front of me.

“I completely understand what you’re saying, but where is this coming from? Is your grandfather pressuring you? Or is this self-inflicted?”

His words are gentle. Coach has always cared about us as human beings, not just hockey players.

“I don’t know, Coach. I think it’s a mix of both,” I admit, avoiding his eyes.

He raps his knuckles on his desk as he stands, then starts pacing the length of his office.

“I can’t say it surprises me. You’ve always been an upstanding guy, wanting to do right by anyone you know. But I can almost guarantee your grandfather wouldn’t think any less of you, or be any less proud for that matter, if you don’t win the Cup.”

I finally meet his gaze, and he laughs. I’m giving him an Are you for real? kind of look.

“Times have changed, Xander. The sport has evolved. There are more teams than when he was a player,” Coach says, eyes steady on mine.

“And I say this as your coach, not as a friend or a fan. You are one hell of a player. You’ve always come back stronger after an injury, inspiring everyone on the team to give 110 percent all the time.

“So if you’re going to let this injury be the thing dictating when you retire, then you’re not as strong as I thought you were.”

I exhale slowly, overwhelmed by his words. Coach has never handed out compliments lightly, so I know he means it.

And he’s right.

Now I just need to get my brain to agree with him.

“That’s why I’m heading to a therapy center in the mountains.”

Coach raises his eyebrows as a smile spreads across his face.

“Now that’s what I like to hear. Tell me everything,” he says excitedly, returning to his chair.

I launch into the details, telling him everything I know about Serene Lookout. He's as pleasantly surprised as I was when I learned their on-site physician is Dr. Manny Gutierrez. The guy used to be the team doctor for the Miami basketball team.

I’m not sure how Ruin Bianchi convinced him to move to the mountains of North Carolina, but I’m excited to work with him. I know my recovery will be top-notch.

After saying goodbye to Coach, I head to the gym to see if any of my teammates are around. I’d like to tell them about my plans before heading to Azalea Creek.

“Hey, there he is. He’s finally back,” Cody, the team goalie, calls out as I walk in.

I smile and nod in greeting.

“I just came to say goodbye.”

He immediately stops the treadmill and hops off.

“What? What do you mean? You’re leaving?” he asks as a few other players join us.

“I’m shitting you. I’m headed to a rehab facility,” I say, flashing a shit-eating grin.

“Fucker. I thought you were leaving us,” Cody says, punching my shoulder.

I wince.

“Shit. Sorry, Xander. I forgot that was the injured one.”

“I’m not retiring yet. We have to win that damn Cup,” I say, rubbing the spot he hit.

“I’m going to a place where they help professional athletes recover. I hope to be back in time for preseason,” I add, excited about the future.

“Fuck yes. That’s what I like to hear, brother,” Matt says, stepping up to fist-bump me. “So, when are you leaving?

“I just came to speak with Coach before heading there. I’m on my way now.”

“You’re telling me the place is here in North Carolina?” Nico, one of my linemates, asks.

“Yeah, it’s in a small town near Asheville.” “Cool. Let me know if there are pretty girls who need a good shoulder to cry on,” Nico adds.

I chuckle and shake my head. “I’ll keep you posted,” I say and head out of the gym.

That impromptu meeting was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits and remember that my teammates always have my back.

The drive to Azalea Creek was hectic as hell.

Taking I-40 during lunch rush was a mistake—it’s always busy, but today it felt like I was crawling at a snail’s pace.

After three and a half hours driving, I need a break.

I take the exit into town, and even though the GPS says I’m fifteen minutes away from Serene Lookout, I decide to park and check out what’s happening downtown for a bit.

Ruin said I could arrive anytime today, so I don’t need to rush.

There’s a bakery, an apothecary, some gift shops, and florists on the main street. It all seems well-kept and inviting.

But what catches my eye is the diner—the Rustic Spoon. I’ve always had a thing for places with outdoor seating. Nothing beats a cold beer and good food while watching the sunset.

I can already picture how the sun’s rays will paint the mountains as the moon rises over this place.

A bell chimes as I open the door. The scent of garlic, spices, and grease hits me all at once, and my stomach makes an ungodly sound.

Fuck, if the food tastes as good as it smells, this place might just be my downfall .

There’s a sign that says Seat Yourself, so I choose a table by a window. People-watching is one of my favorite ways to pass time, especially in a new place.

Before I can even glance at the menu, I hear someone making a psst sound. I look around the diner, which is pretty much empty after the lunch rush.

Then I spot an older woman sitting at a table across the room. When our eyes lock, she smiles and waves me over.

“Hello, dear. I hope I’m not intruding, but I saw you sitting alone and thought I’d ask if you wanted to keep me company.”

Shit.

She seems sweet, but I wasn’t planning on staying long.

“I just stopped by to get something to drink,” I say, scratching the back of my neck.

I don’t want to be rude, but I still need to get settled at Serene Lookout.

“I promise it won’t take long. Humor me, please,” she says with a twinkle in her eye.

Letting out a deep breath, I nod and take a seat across from her.

“So, what would you like to drink, dear?” she asks, and I give her a puzzled look.

“My family owns this place. Your drink is on me.”

I smile. “An ice-cold sweet tea would be amazing, thank you.”

She lifts her hand, and—like magic—a waiter appears beside us.

“Do you mind bringing an ice-cold tea for…” She trails off.

“Xander,” I offer.

“For Xander,” she repeats with a warm smile. “And a cherry vine for me, please.”

The waiter nods and scurries away.

I settle back in my chair, watching her as she watches me. She’s got the kind of presence you don’t ignore—calm, curious, and just a little mischievous. I was expecting a simple drink, but now I’m not so sure.

“So, Xander—nice to meet you. I’m Freya MacAllister, but everyone calls me Granny.” She offers her hand, and I shake it gently.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Xander González. Thank you so much for the drink,” I say, relaxing into the seat.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you around here,” she says, narrowing her eyes a bit.

The waiter returns with our drinks. When I look up to mumble a thanks, I realize it’s not the same girl who took our order.

Hell no. This woman came down straight from heaven.

She’s wearing a simple white tank top with the Rustic Spoon logo, but the way it molds to her body has my jaw hitting the floor .

“Here you go, Granny,” the gorgeous redhead says with a kind smile. “Is there anything else you need before I head out?”

“No dear, that’ll be all. Thank you for checking on me,” Granny says, patting her hand.

She smiles, turns on her heel, and disappears into the kitchen.

“Xander, dear. Are you okay?” Granny asks, snapping me out of my stupor.

I shake my head, trying to put away the image of the most gorgeous woman I’ve seen. The freckles on her face give her an angelic glow, but the tattoos on her arms tell another story. She seems edgy, full of sass. And for some reason, I’m already obsessed.

“Yes. I’m sorry, Granny. What did you ask?” I say, clearing my throat.

She smiles kindly at me. “I was saying that I haven’t seen you around before.”

“You’re correct. I’m on my way to Serene Lookout.”

Granny’s eyes widen, but a smile spreads across her wrinkled face.

“Oh, so you’re one of Ruin’s patients?” she asks.

I paused, confused. I thought this place was supposed to be like a vault. How does she know?

Noticing my expression, she quickly adds, “Oh, Ruin is my granddaughter. She hasn’t mentioned anything about you—she’s a professional, I can assure you.”

I relax as I take a sip of my tea. The sweet goodness coats my taste buds, followed by a subtle hint of lime—so refreshing. Exactly what I needed.

“I’m excited to work with her,” I say.

“I know you only came in for a drink, so I won’t keep you. But would it be possible for me to read your tarot? It’s kinda my thing.”

She takes me by surprise as she spreads a deck of cards in front of me. I noticed the crystals on the table, but I hadn’t thought anything of it.

I wonder what other quirky things I’ll find this summer. Honestly? This is kind of fun. My mom would get a kick out of it.

“Sure, why not?” I say with a chuckle.

“Excellent. Choose a card,” she says, placing her index and middle fingers on her temples with a flourish.

I press my lips together to keep from laughing.

I pick a card and place it face down in front of her. She mumbles something I can’t quite make out, then opens her eyes and flips the card.

It’s a couple.

Her face lights up like the sky on the Fourth of July. “Aha! You, my dear Xander, are going to finally find true love.”

I smile politely. As entertaining as this is, I don’t believe in divination—especially not when it involves soulmates.

I used to believe in love.

Not anymore.

“It’s okay. You don’t need to believe me right now. But when that girl makes your heart beat again, I want you to bring her to me. Deal?”

Beat again?

How could she possibly know my heart has been numb since Tiffany?

I chuckle as I shake my head and stand. It must be a coincidence.

“Deal, Granny. You have my word.”

She returns to shuffling her cards, like she already knows the girl is closer than I think.