Silence falls around me as I save the design I’m working on and close my computer.
With a nervous sigh, I tidy up my desk and pull my purse from my bottom drawer.
I check my cell, but when I don’t see anything from Dad cancelling our plans for tonight, I stuff it back into my purse before making a pit stop in the bathroom.
Standing in front of the mirror, I stare at my reflection.
I look like me again, and while it might be necessary, I can’t help but miss the woman I was last Friday night.
I’m a fairly confident person, but the dark hair and the mask allowed me to shed my insecurities and be the woman I know I can be.
I was fearless. I knew what I wanted, and I went for it.
Hell, did I go for it.
Running my fingers through my light locks, I let out a sigh as the butterflies in my belly get wilder.
I wouldn’t say that I’ve avoided going to the rink since, but…
Okay, I’ve avoided it.
I have no idea how I’m going to feel when I see him, and honestly, I’m quite happy to put off finding out.
But the time has come. Dad had to cancel our Wednesday breakfast again, but he promised to make it up to me tonight by taking me to my favorite restaurant.
I told him it’s not necessary, but he’s insistent, and if there is one thing I’ve learned over the years…you never say no to James Watson.
I touch up my lipstick, wipe some stray makeup from under my eyes, give myself a little pep talk, and take off.
He won’t even look twice at me. I have no idea why I’m so nervous.
I’ll just pick Dad up and we’ll be on our way. No stress; no drama.
The familiar scent of the rink helps to settle some of my nerves, but my knees are a little weak as I walk closer.
Dad is in his favorite spot, and there are only a couple of players doing drills.
I force myself to focus on Dad and not even attempt to identify who is on the ice.
As far as I know, we currently have a full roster, so it could be any of the twenty-three players getting ready for the season out there.
The chance of it being him is slim.
But despite telling myself this, my heart rate only increases as I get closer.
Dad spots me, and his face lights up. I relax as I walk up to him and accept his embrace.
“Here she is,” he muses. “Missed you this week, Care Bear.”
Guilt threatens to swallow me whole, but I force it down.
It won’t be the first week we’ve barely seen each other, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. But still, neither of us likes it.
“You too. Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah, the guys are putting in some extra hours. They don’t need me.”
“Aw, they always need you, old man.”
