Revenge Puck (Shot at Love #1)

Chapter 22

22

Preston

I search the stands for Elle during the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner, but the seat next to my sister is still empty. Damn. Guess her flight was late.

The Warhawks start off the game hot, with Nick scoring a goal within the first two minutes. But then Christian scores a goal right after, and his teammate does as well at the end of the first period, leaving the score two to one. It feels like all the air in the arena is sucked out on the way to the locker room for first intermission.

Again, I look at the front row, but there’s no sign of Elle yet. Not then or before the second period begins.

In the second, our goalie is able to stop every single puck. But on offense, we can’t seem to get a decent shot off.

When Elle doesn’t show up by the beginning of the third period, I start to worry incessantly.

Did something happen on her flight?

Did her Uber get in a wreck?

God forbid, did she get hit crossing one of D.C.’s streets?

Late in the third period, the Bobcats score again. We lose all hope of making up two scores, ending the game one to three. Now we’re two wins to their one in the damn series.

It sucks, but it’s rare for a team to sweep the finals in the first four games. Maybe we’ll do it in five.

I’m just glad it’s over so I can finally check on Elle.

There are no calls, voicemails, or texts from her on my phone, which has me even more concerned.

A text from my sister pops up while I’m holding the device.

Tough loss. You’ll get them in game four!

After a quick shower in the locker room, when I see that I still haven’t heard a word from her, I send her a message.

Preston: Is everything okay?

Elle: Everything is fine.

Fine? That’s all she’s going to tell me. Of course, I know it has to be complete bullshit.

Preston: Where were you tonight? I thought you were coming to D.C. for the game.

Elle: I am in D.C.

What the hell?

Preston: Where? You weren’t at the game.

Elle: I’m at the hotel now.

The hotel? She’s being vague on purpose. I just wish I knew why.

Preston: You’re not going to tell me which one?

Preston: Elle, what’s going on with you?

Dots appear and disappear over and over again. Finally, she hits send.

Elle: I talked to your sister.

She talked to my sister? Why does that sound like such a loaded response?

And the only way she could’ve talked to Maya was in the arena. She came, but she must not have been here for long. I know because I spent way too much time looking for her.

Preston: Okay. So, you were at the game? And talked to my sister, then left?

Elle: She told me that Finley is Christian’s son.

Oh fuck.

What was Maya thinking? I told her not to talk about that shit! I barely know Elle and my sister doesn’t know her at all. Yet, she just blurted out her most confidential secret to her within minutes of meeting for the first time?

Preston: She shouldn’t have told you all that, but now you know why I hate that asshole.

Elle: Yeah, I finally get it. And don’t worry, I will never tell anyone.

Again, I get the feeling there’s more to those words. That’s why I give up on texting and call her.

Elle

When my phone rings in the middle of texting with Preston, I debate whether to answer it. But if I just start ignoring him, I’m no better than Christian.

“Hi, Preston,” I say, my voice heavy with reluctance.

“I thought you would sound happier since your Bobcats won tonight.”

Did they? I haven’t even turned the television on or looked at updates on my phone. I just walked around D.C. for hours, lost in my thoughts. I went so far, and my feet hurt so bad that I had to get an Uber to come pick me up to get me back to the hotel.

“I’m sorry the Warhawks lost,” I tell Preston. “Did you get to play the whole game?”

“I did.”

Whew. That’s a bigger relief that I expected it to be. If he had been thrown out, I would’ve blamed myself. Would Preston have blamed me, too?

“Losses happen,” he adds. “We’re still ahead in the series, so that’s all that matters.”

“That’s true.”

“Why did you leave the game so early, Elle?”

“I…I just went to get air and ended up walking.”

“You walked alone at night in D.C.? Are you crazy?”

“It was fine,” I hedge.

“What’s up with you, Elle? Why did you come all the way to D.C. and not stay to watch the game?”

Squeezing my eyes shut, I blurt out the conclusion I came to during my long stroll. “I don’t think we should keep up the fake relationship.”

There’s a long pause before Preston says, “Why not?”

“Because…because now I know why you hate Christian, and I’ve got this secret to keep from everyone. It’s all just too much.”

“I’m sorry Maya put that burden on you. She shouldn’t have told you. I can’t believe she trusted you enough to run her mouth.”

“I won’t say anything to anyone,” I assure him.

“I know you won’t.”

“Good,” I say, glad that he trusts me that much. “Then, I guess this is goodbye.”

“I want to see you,” he says, making my breath catch. “I hate knowing you’re in my town, but not where I can find you.”

“I’m sorry, I just, I don’t feel like pretending in public to piss off Christian tonight.”

“That’s why you think I want to see you? To piss him off?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Elle, tell me what hotel you’re staying at or come to my place. I won’t let anyone see us together, okay?”

“That’s impossible.”

“No, it’s not. I live outside the city with only a few neighbors.”

“It’s late and I don’t have a car.”

“Now you’re just being stubborn.”

“Goodnight, Preston.”

“Elle, wait!” he says, but my finger presses the button to end the call.

I have to get out of this fake relationship fast before I do any real, permanent damage to my heart when it hasn’t even had a chance to heal from the last break.