She nodded. “Yeah, there are a couple of pro athletes I’d like to think whose hands were meant for my body too,” Sam laughed, but I knew she got me.
“But these nerves. Every time I think about seeing him, I know I’m running out of time. I need to tell him.”
Sam had that doubtful expression on.
“He’s been through enough, Sam. I can’t keep this up. Not if we have a real shot.”
“I know, Ray. I didn’t want to say anything earlier this week, but it’s looking like an inevitable conversation and it should happen soon.”
I nodded, this time with a sure smile. “I’m glad you agree I’m not crazy.”
She touched my hand. “You’re not crazy, you just don’t want to lose him. Max made you so insecure and you’re still living under his control if you don’t come clean and live your life. Who Logan is, who you are, your unfortunate connection, has nothing to do with how you feel about each other.”
I released a heavy breath.
“Tonight’s gotta be it, Ray.”
I nodded. “In that case, I’ll leave Jax at home with you? He wanted me to bring him, but…”
“No. you need to be alone. And who knows. It might just go over well, and I’ll see you in the morning,” she winked.
Sam’s support meant the world and I was feeling much better about that evening. I told Jax there was a change of plans and we’d meet Logan at the rink another time.
I hope.
My hands shook when I arrived at the youth hockey center. Part of me couldn’t wait to see him, to feel his arms around me. To see him smile the way he had seemed to have forgotten.
This wasn’t fair.
I shouldn’t have had to lose something because of Max.
I released another breath.
Maybe I won’t.
The arena was empty as expected. Logan wasn’t here yet. Marty had come by and handed me a pair of skates, asking where Jax was.
“It’s been a long week and I didn’t want him staying up late.”
Marty nodded distantly. “You know he’s very fond of you and your kid.”
I smiled. “I know. We like him too, Marty.”
He looked away. “I don’t plan on asking him, but since you’re here…have you told him that your ex-husband is the man who injured him?”
I felt myself pale. The ball in my throat making it impossible to answer. I shook my head in response then let my eyes drift to the rink. “Today.”
“Good.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, how did…”
“He came by to watch the boys’ practice earlier this week.”
“He came to watch Jax play?”
“It would appear that way, but I think he also came to talk to the coaches. Not sure why. Maybe to make sure that Jax doesn’t get hurt out there.”
I scoffed. “That doesn’t sound like Max.” Making some threats, setting expectations, was probably more like it.
