Page 10 of Your Love (Merrimack Mavericks Hockey #3)

Chapter 10

“Here Comes Your Man”

Landry - Age 18, 1988

P ais remains mostly quiet, but now and then, her melodic giggle echoes through the house. Now that she’s released it, it’s coming more often and more naturally.

She hasn’t come to my room at night for the past three nights. Whether it’s because she’s sleeping better, less afraid, or a combination of both, I’m not sure. I’m just happy to see her making strides towards healing.

I’m making strides as well. I talked to my dad about college last night. I finally summoned up the courage to tell him that I didn’t want to go to a fancy, overly expensive university. I explained that it wasn’t worth it to me, that I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in, and that I couldn’t justify taking out massive student loans to figure it out. I made good, well-thought-out points after perseverating on the issue for much too long.

Dad was surprisingly understanding and agreed it would be best not to go into debt right now since I haven’t been offered any big scholarships. Between what my grades have afforded and some small offers, I’d still be paying more than we can reasonably spend, especially with the cost of Paisley’s extra services and therapy.

A few college scouts approached me after my last few games with the Mavs, but none with the same enthusiasm as when Delzy and Taz were scouted. It’s not like I ever expected to play in the NHL. That was always their dream, and I’m happy they are well on their way, but it’s never been mine. I’m content playing with The Mavs for as long as I can and mentoring some of the younger guys coming up.

I got into a local state college as my safety school. I’ve decided I’ll be perfectly fine going there while I try to figure out what I want. Paisley is still a consideration, after all.

One thing I can’t get over is how strangely empty my town feels now. Delzy, Taz, and Sash are already gone, and now Kerri’s departure is looming over me like a dark storm I can’t outrun.

My chest tightens at the thought of her leaving, so I do my best to push it out of my mind. She’s become such a big part of my life over the past few months. It’s going to be strange not having her around, especially since we keep getting closer every day.

I slipped up and crossed the line the other day with the kiss. I didn’t mean to—I was caught up in the moment. When something like this happens, you want to share it with people you care about. But I need to talk to her about what happened. I violated her request for space and friendship, and even though I did it without thinking, it was wrong.

We’re planning to catch a movie or something tonight, maybe grab a bite to eat, so I’ll talk to her later. Ivy might be hanging out with us, so it’ll have to be after that.

We’ve been trying to get her out of the house as much as possible, but she’s pretty low right now, nursing her breakup from Delzy. If any couple can make things work one day, it’s those two. But right now, she’s hurting, and we’re doing everything we can to take her mind off it. She usually declines to hang out with us or even just Kerri, but we keep trying.

When Kerri leaves, I’ll make it my mission to visit Ivy at Blockbuster or ask her to do something fun with me. Maybe she’ll be agreeable if I make her a deal to avoid talking about Delzy explicitly. I’ve spoken to him twice since he left, and while he loves playing hockey, he does not sound much happier than she does. It’s so hard to see something that could be so perfect stifled under the weight of timing.

A few hours later, I show up at Kerri’s, ready to watch Tom Cruise bartend in the new movie Cocktail and maybe grab a cheeseburger afterward. Ivy hasn’t returned our calls, so it looks like we’re on our own, like we expected.

My knuckles tap against the wooden door, and I wait for a response. The door swings open to reveal Earl’s weathered face, wearing his signature smile. He greets me with his usual, “Hey, Landry. How ya doing, Kid?” But I can’t help but notice the creases of worry etched on his forehead and the fatigue in his voice.

“I’m good,” I reply, trying to match his false enthusiasm. “Everything good here?”

“Not too bad,” he says with a slight shrug, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his faded jeans.

“We were just taking in the sunset and reminiscing about all the good times we’ve had since Kerri Ann moved in.”

“I’m going to miss her too,” I reply, gazing at the horizon from the front porch.

“Thanks for being such a good friend to her, Landry. It means everything to us that she has someone like you watching out for her.”

“It’s my pleasure. There’s no one else quite like her.”

“That’s for sure,” he agrees before adding with a hint of desperation, “Do you happen to know anyone who’s looking for some extra hours around here? We could really use some help when Kerri leaves.”

I tilt my head to the side as I ponder his question. “I’m not sure, but I’ll ask around.”

“Much appreciated,” he replies with a grateful smile.

Kerri descends the stairs wearing a bright orange tank top underneath her worn overalls. The color accentuates the freckles that dot her pale skin, becoming more evident throughout the warm summer days and making her look both adorable and sexy at the same time. It’s just like Kerri to embody both qualities effortlessly.

“All I’m saying is that if I moved to some island and my best friend screwed me over like that, I’d punch him too,” I grumble.

Kerri chuckles and winds her arm through mine as we walk to the diner.

“Maybe it wasn’t Tom Cruise’s greatest performance,” she admits. “But hanging out with you always makes it worth it.”

“Plus, we’ve both have that ‘Kokomo’ song stuck in our heads,” I chuckle.

Kerri breaks into song as the diner’s neon lights come into view. “Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you— “Her singing is cut off by my laughter, and she playfully punches me in the arm.

The recent summer rain has left a large, muddy puddle right in front of the door of the diner. As she starts to step over it, I quickly reach out my hand to stop her.

“Hop on my back,” I suggest as I crouch down. “I don’t want you to get your shoes wet.”

She hesitates for a moment. “It’s only a little water,” she protests.

I raise an eyebrow, letting her know it’s not up for discussion.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she says as she jumps on my back for a piggyback ride into the diner.

Her arms wrap around my neck, and her warm breath tickles my ear. I smile at the feeling until she starts singing “Kokomo” at a deafening volume and off-key—then I smile wider.

My time with Kerri tonight has been awesome, as always, but we’ve gotten to the point of the evening that I’ve been dreading. We’re almost back to her house, so it’s now or never.

My hands grip the steering wheel tightly, my heart pounding with nerves. The last time I drove down this dirt road and mustered up the courage to tell her how I felt, she shut me down. Now, I’m about to do it again, despite knowing the potential outcome.

“Hey, Ker,” I say, keeping my eyes focused on the road ahead. Her gaze shifts from the trees outside to me.

“Can we talk about something?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly. She turns toward me, her face expectant.

“Of course.”

“I want to talk about the kiss,” I say, trying to sound calm, but my heart races with nerves.

She releases a heavy sigh as if she’s been expecting this conversation.

“I’m sorry for what happened.”

“Don’t apologize, Landry. It was a beautiful moment that we shared.”

I turn the key in the ignition, silencing the growling engine. With a deep breath, I turn to her and meet her gaze. “I’m aware that I overstepped my boundaries. We’re friends,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady despite the knot in my stomach. “Just friends.”

She tilts her head, her eyes searching mine. “We are friends. And I trust you. And that’s not always easy for me.”

As I let out a deep sigh of relief, the tension in my shoulders releases. “Okay, good,” I say, as a sense of reassurance washes over me. “Because I’d never want to do anything that could potentially ruin our friendship.”

She looks at me with a warm smile and replies, “Nothing is in jeopardy.”

“Good,” I repeat, more confident now. “Besides, I know where I stand with you.”

There’s a moment of silence before she speaks up again, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “And where is that?” she prompts.

She’s going to make me say it. “I understand you’re not attracted to me.” I try to sound firm and understanding and not at all pathetic.

Laughter echoes off the walls of the truck.

Ouch.

“Oh, Landry,” she says. “Bless your heart.”

My cheeks flush with embarrassment as I try to articulate my feelings. “It’s like...like I’m being insulted, but I’m not sure,” I admit. “What do you mean?”

Kerri’s gaze searches mine for understanding. “It means that what you’re saying isn’t true—that I’m not attracted to you,” she clarifies, shaking her head in disbelief at my confusion.

I stutter, my eyes widening in surprise. “So, you are attracted to me?”

She lets out another playful laugh, her cheeks dimpling as she speaks. “Have you looked in the mirror lately? Of course I am. Ever since the day you showed up and got wildflowers for Paisley.”

I rub my forehead, perplexed. “I’m so confused.”

Her cheeks flush, and she fiddles with the seam of her overalls before meeting my gaze. “I have to admit something,” she says softly. “Ever since we first met, I found myself drawn to you. But as I got to know you better, I saw how kind and genuine you are—and it only made me like you even more.”

I can’t find the right words; my mouth is suddenly desert-dry, and my mind is blank.

“Okay?” I manage to stammer out.

She takes a deep breath, and her eyes meet mine. “I need to explain to you why I suggested we stay friends,” she says, her voice trembling. “It’s about something much bigger—something that happened long before I met you.”

I see the way her brow furrows and her eyes dart nervously as we sit in the car. I unbuckle my seatbelt and lean over to release hers, trying to ease her discomfort. “It’s a beautiful night. Let’s sit outside,” I suggest.

She nods and gladly climbs out of the truck when I open the door for her. I lower the tailgate and help her up, then sit down beside her, our legs dangling off the back of the truck.

After a moment, she begins speaking. “I’m going to tell you why I left Texas. The real reason.”