Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
MIKAEL
An hour has passed since Kenzie left, and I can't forget her or her white lab. I don't know how he crossed the street unscathed when he blended in with the snowbanks.
I’m sure Kenzie would have never forgiven herself had something happened to Sherlock. It’s clear to me she loves him.
Kenzie felt terrible over the incident—and I shot her down for coffee. It was a nice gesture.
I'm an idiot to blow her off like that. She’s nice. I take off my skates and return to my car. I slide into the passenger seat and return home.
I recall details of Kenzie. I was taken by her eyes. They are the color of sour apples. Her long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her voice is refreshing. She's sweet, and her dog is adorable. I haven't played with a dog on the ice since I was a kid in Wisconsin. I’d love to have a dog but delay getting one until I retire so I’m not on the road every week.
I walk into the house, tossing my keys on the island in the kitchen.
“Steph!” I pull off my jersey.
“Hi, sweetie. How was your… whatever?”
“Good, actually. I rescued a dog. I mean, I didn’t know I was doing it, but hey, the dog is safe. That’s all that matters!”
“Really? Is it okay?”
“Yes, the owner was shaken, though.”
“How does that happen?” she asks, jutting out her hip and placing her hand on it like she’s all that.
“Dogs are animals, and accidents happen. Maybe he saw a rabbit in the park.”
“Hm. It sounds to me like the owner should reconsider owning a dog.”
I can't believe she's so critical of a stranger. Kenzie adores her dog and was distraught over the incident. She’d be wrecked if something happened to him. I saw her wet face. She cares.
Steph picks up on my silence and looks over her coffee mug at me. She’s not the one for me. I don’t see myself falling in love with her. Not now, not ever.
“What?” she asks, with a tone that borders on condescending.
“Nothing.” I grab a hydration drink out of the refrigerator and reconsider my plan of action. “Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you.”
“About...”
“Us.”
“Oh?” She's smiling at me, anticipating a moment.
“I think we should stop seeing each other.” I drop the bomb. I can’t help myself. When it’s not right, I run. Emotional women scare me.
“What?” She chokes and spits her coffee back into the mug.
“I don't want to prevent you from meeting the right guy. We're not a good fit.”
“You're an asshole, Mikael.” Her eyebrows furrow in shock and anger.
“For being honest?” Really?
“Ugh. And right before the most romantic day of the year!” She stands, spins on her heels, and storms into the bedroom. She’s yelling, but I can’t make out what she’s saying. Moments later, she returns with her luggage packed.
“You didn't dump me. I'm dumping you!” she huffs, slinging her purse over her shoulder.
“Fine,” I reply calmly. There's no sense in arguing. I'm relieved it's over.
She slams the door behind her.
Well, that decision has been made. She’s gone. It’s over. I run my hand through my thick hair. I grab my phone, contemplating the fact that Kenzie invited me for coffee. I should redeem myself.
What was that shop called?
The list of coffee shops populates my phone screen. Out of curiosity, I click on Le Petit Patissier. It sounds elegant. The site has pictures of pastries, and I see it has a 4.6-star rating.
I’m sweaty from the skate and take a shower as I rehash the morning. I could have been nicer to Kenzie. She was upset, and judging from her wet face, she had been crying and was visibly upset. She could have lost her dog today. That would have freaked anyone out. I can't imagine the sadness one has when they lose a beloved pet. They aren't animals—they are loving members of the family who comfort children when they have a terrible day at school. They lay by our side when we're sick, and they cheer us up even when they are ill. They hide their bad days so we'll have the best day. They are loyal.
I know how devastating it is to lose a beloved pet because mine passed away when I was in middle school.
Steph doesn't understand this.
That's a dealbreaker.
I need a woman who is kind and considerate.
I need a woman who is compassionate, caring, and real. I need someone who will be a great mother to my children.
Is that asking for too much?