Chapter 4 Noah
FOUR
NOAH
“I’ve been upgraded?”
As I take in the marble lobby with views out to the ocean, I wait for someone to jump out and tell me I’ve been punked.
I make a lot of money, especially after signing my new contract, so I can afford to upgrade, but I grew up in a middle-class home with a single parent. My dad put every extra dime we had into my hockey career.
It wasn’t until I was a junior in high school that he literally won the lottery.
After that, we had more than enough to splurge, but my dad’s focus then shifted to funding my education and paying off debt.
Now he lives in a simple apartment in Boston and maintains a bank balance that’ll allow him to retire any time he wants.
After growing up that way, and with the influence of my frugal father, the tropical vacation itself is an upgrade in my life. Being told I’ve been moved into a villa suite is quite honestly shocking.
And unnecessary.
What the hell am I going to do in a full suite?
“Yes, Mr. Harrison,” the pretty attendant says, lashes fluttering.
She’s been flirtatious since she pulled up my reservation and discovered the upgrade.
“Follow me.” She comes around the desk, tablet clutched to her chest, and leads me through the lobby.
Rolling my small suitcase behind me, I follow, taking in the colorful plants that pop against the white backdrop.
This place is so Hannah. I’m determined to pay her back for this trip, though I know she won’t accept money.
My stepsister is my closest friend, and I miss the shit out of her. She works for Boston’s major league baseball team, which just so happens to be under the same ownership as War’s new team. Though she recently published her first book and one day hopes to write full time.
In a perfect world, I’d be living in Boston too, raising my son, spending time with Hannah, and playing for the Bolts with Tyler Warren and Brooks Langfield, another good buddy from college.
I banish the thought. Because where I live is solely dependent on Jen. I’m not going to miss out on anything when it comes to my son.
I blow out a breath. Why the hell are all my thoughts so doom and gloom? I’ve got this one weekend to enjoy myself. I’m not a dad yet.
My phone buzzes in my hand, and when I hold it up, a text notification appears.
War: Did you get your new room?
Chuckling, I type a quick response.
Me: You did this? Why?
War: Congrats on the deal, buddy. I’m proud of you. I’ll miss playing with you, though.
Tears prick my eyes. I’ve always been an emotional guy. Maybe it’s because I was raised by a single dad who made a point of always being open and vulnerable with me. He was always affectionate and made sure I knew how much he loved me. That he was proud of me.
War wasn’t so lucky. He lost his mom at a young age too, but his father couldn’t have been less interested in being a parent.
During college, he typically spent the holidays with either Brooks or me.
Now that he’s in Boston and playing for the Langfields, he’s got a good support system.
I’m glad he’ll be so close to Brooks’s family, but damn, will I miss this guy.
Me: You didn’t have to do this, but I appreciate it, man. Hockey isn’t going to be the same without you.
War: Don’t go getting emotional on me now. You’ll still get to see me on the ice. You know, when I skate by you and score.
Just like that, the tears clear and I’m laughing. War’s one of the kindest people I know, but he’s also the cockiest.
Just as I look up from my phone, a figure appears directly in front of me. So close that I have to throw my hands out and grasp her arms to keep from walking into her. “Shit. Sorry.” I steady her, and when she tips her head and I get a look at her face, I can’t help but break into a smile.
Pretty green eyes widen in shock and those fuck-me red lips drop open.
My seat mate from the plane.
“Hi,” I force out past where my heart has lodged itself in my throat.
“Sir,” the attendant calls from several feet ahead of me.
The woman from the plane bites down on her bottom lip and pulls out of my grip. Then she offers me the tiniest of waves, her fingers dancing subtly, and walks away.
I turn, watching her disappear from view for the second time, only looking away when I crane my neck so far it cracks.
This is going to be a problem.