“Who said anything about them being free?” I grinned and she smiled, shaking her head as though she knew she’d regret this.
Perhaps we both will.
8
It was onlya matter of time before the man I’d come to refer to as the devil, found out that his kid was training in playing his sport.
Yes, Jax could’ve changed his mind at the drop of a hat. But his father needed to know. And it was best he heard it from me than someone at the YHC.
Especially since it had been a week and Jax had two more sessions with Logan.
I hated to admit I secretly hoped for Jax to change his mind. But odds were that he’d enjoy it too much to quit. And there was that huge side bonus that worked against my favor—that he’d be just like his father. No matter how evil the man was, every kid couldn’t help but wish their father would be proud.
This was something that Max had told me once. Back when he was normal. And not a psychopath.
It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to mention to my ex that I was going back to work with the NHL doctors on location at Buffalo Gaters Stadium. I finally gave in to the tempting offer last weekend. The terms were that I’d only attend some practices and home games and would still be on call at the clinic when needed. But it didn’t matter that I’d be working close to him.Because make no mistake…there was no way I’d ever be touching Max Withers again.
The man could writhe in pain by my feet and I’d go against all my medical oaths and obligations and let him rot.
I’d never been this dark.
I’d never want to see anyone in pain. It’s why I went into medicine in the first place. To heal, to prevent. And to encourage athletes to get back on their feet.
I’d lost everything because of this man. My youth, my dignity, even gave up a job I loved because I hated seeing his slimy grin from across the ice.
I took no pleasure in wishing ill thoughts to my son’s father. It broke my heart in fact.
It is what it is,I reminded myself on Friday afternoon when I stepped into the arena during practice along with my boss. We were meeting with some of the other doctors today to go over a schedule and breakdown of responsibilities.
After the briefing and as practice was wrapping up, I sought Max out on the rink, throwing on my good ‘old skates.
It’s been a while.I wobbled at first then it came back to me.Like riding a bike.
His roguish grin grew when he saw me approach him once the others had cleared the ice and headed to the locker room. He skated to a halt a few feet from me. “Couldn’t stay away, could ya?”
I skated in a circle around him to ensure my boss wasn’t around. Thankfully all the doctors had gone and even the hockey team was making their way out.
“Got a minute?” I bit out.
“For you? Depends on what it is.”
My insides cringed. “I’m keeping this short and simple—so someone at your level of maturity understands.” I held a firm palm up. “I came to let you know that Jax will be trying out for the youth hockey team.”
His brows jumped and I continued with my point. “I want to make something clear; I am not asking you for anything, not your help, not your opinion, just letting you know he’s no longer playing baseball and will be trying something new.”
“Why are you telling me then if you don't need my opinion or my help?”
“Your opinions don’t matter when it comes to my son.”
“Our son,in case you’ve forgotten how he was made.” He smirked and scanned me. “Of course, I’m prepared to help refresh your memory if you’ve gotten out of practice.”
I rolled my eyes. “Always the gentleman.”
His smirk widened in retort. He coasted on the ice, advancing towards me. I felt the wobbles in my feet, but managed to stay steady as I slid back, it had been a long while since I’d been on skates. Slipping in front of him would be worse than slipping on a bed of pins.
His glance dropped to my footwork, meandering slowly up my curves before reaching my face. “Not bad. At least there’s one thing you’re still good at.”
I knew he was just trying to intimidate me. I backed up until my waist bumped against the plexiglass. I had nowhere to go. “You’re worthless,” I spat out as a means of distracting him from the nerves building in me. Bypassing him now wouldn’t be an easy feat. “You make me nauseous.”
