Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
LYDIA
“Hey, Dad. It’s me. Lydia. Just wanted to check in and see how things were going. I know you’re in New York and Boston a lot for work and we’ve got a few games there coming up. If you’re around, I was thinking we could get together for dinner. Give me a call. Bye.”
I hang up the call, pacing in front of the small salon as I wait for Skylar. She’s twenty minutes late, something very unlike her. I figured it’d be a good time to try and call my dad.
We start the week with a home game against Ottawa before leaving on a short road trip to Boston and New York. I’m hoping if he’s in New York, I might be able to have dinner with him after our afternoon game.
If only he would answer my calls. Or emails.
After practice this morning, I was feeling good so I figured I’d try.
No good.
I glance down the sidewalk and see Skylar running in my direction. Everything about her demeanor raises the hairs on my arm.
“What’s wrong?”
“Brian dumped me.” She throws herself into my arms, sobbing on my shoulder.
“What? What happened?” I asked. “I thought things were going well? I thought it was all okay over the holidays? Weren’t you looking at engagement rings?”
Skylar swipes an angry tear away as we walk inside. “He said he doesn’t like living in Toronto. Being away from friends and family was too hard on him. I think he was fine over the holidays because we were both home.”
“Oh, babe. I’m so sorry.”
One of the technicians shows us to our usual chairs. This has become our thing together. A way to spoil ourselves during the season every few weeks. She hands us the colors as they start running a warm bath of water.
“I thought he knew what he was getting into?” I reach over and grab her hand, giving it a squeeze.
“I thought so too. Apparently not.”
“I’m so sorry, Skylar. Can I do anything to help?”
She looks over at me, eyes red-rimmed and tears spilling over her cheeks. “Maybe we can have a girls’ night tonight? You, me, and Parker?”
“Yes. We’ll binge all the snack foods and watch trashy TV at my place.”
“That sounds great.”
“Just try to relax right now and I’ll text Parker and let her know.”
She gives my hand a squeeze before relaxing back into the chair. “Thank you. You’re a great friend.”
“Anything.”
Pulling out my phone, I let the chair massage my back as I start texting two different people.
Lydia
Brian broke up with Skylar
Girls night at my place tonight
Parker
That asshole!
Let me know what I can bring
You bring the drinks, I’ll get the snacks
Perfect
Pulling up another text, I fire off a message to Delaney.
Lydia
I can’t come over after all
Delaney
Got a hot date?
Not quite
Skylar’s boyfriend broke up with her
That hurts. I’m sorry
How’s she doing?
Heartbroken
Take care of her
I’ll see you another night
Maybe after our game tomorrow?
Yes
Do you want to take longer to think about it?
Don’t need to
I want to see you
Bring Biscuit
I see what this is about
You just want to hang out with my dog
I thought that was obvious
And here I thought you liked me
Kind of
Oh good
Just kind of
A lot
Good
Because I kind of like you a lot too
I lock my phone and close my eyes. I don’t need Skylar to see how happy I am. Not when she’s devastated from Brian leaving her. I hate that she’s heartbroken while I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Even if time with Delaney is few and far between, I take any chance I can get with her.
And after our next game? I’m not going to let anything come between us.
“That asshole!” It’s the first thing out of Parker’s mouth when she walks into my apartment. “Does he think he can do better than our Skylar? Fuck, no.”
“Hi to you too.”
“Hi.” She pecks me on the cheek as I follow her into the kitchen. “I can’t believe this happened.”
“I know.”
“It makes me glad I’m single.”
“God, me too,” I say.
The lie slips out too easily. I want to tell them about Delaney. About the woman they don’t get to see on the ice. But until we can figure out how to have a future together, I stay quiet about my present.
The buzzer rings through the apartment and I go to let Skylar in. When she gets off the elevator, she looks a touch more put together than she did this afternoon.
“Sky. I am so sorry.” Parker sweeps her into a hug.
“Thanks, Parker.” Her lip quivers as she squeezes Parker tight.
“C’mon. I have all sorts of snacks.”
“Are you going to binge them with me?”
I smile at her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and leading her into the living room. “Yes. I made mac and cheese for dinner and have buffalo dip, guacamole, and gummy bears.”
“That sounds amazing.”
It’s all laid out on the counter, Biscuit keeping a watchful eye.
“And maybe Biscuit can give you some extra snuggles,” I say.
“I’d love that.” Skylar scoops him up into her arms as he peppers her face with kisses.
“Want me to get you something?”
“Gummy bears, please. I’m easy.”
Parker chucks the bag onto the couch and helps herself to a little of everything. I do the same and grab a beer. The only one I’ll have tonight. Parker takes the empty seat next to Skylar and hands her a drink before I drop down onto the floor.
Biscuit hops out of Skylar’s arms and comes to sit next to me, eyes firmly fixed to my plate.
“None for you. I’ll get you a bone later.” I kiss his cheek.
“Maybe I need a dog now,” Skylar cries. “No one else is going to love me.”
“You’ll find someone. You’re too amazing to not find someone,” Parker says. “You’re one of my favorite people, besides Lydia.”
“Aww. Here’s to us.” We clink our bottles together.
“Thanks, ladies. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have you.” Skylar sniffs. “Breakups suck.”
“Whatever you need, we’re here for you,” I say.
“What Lydia said. If you want to binge terrible movies every night for the next two weeks, we’re here for you.”
“Or bash him. We can do that too,” I tell her. “Or if you just want to cry, we’ve each got shoulders for you.”
Skylar pops open the bag of gummy bears and tears the head off of one. “This is all I need for now. And maybe more Biscuit snuggles.”
Biscuit’s attention snaps to her at the sound of his name. He goes to her in search of scraps that he doesn’t get. Only snuggles.
“You’re welcome anytime. He won’t say no.”
“Truffle is at your disposal too,” Parker says.
“I’m glad you two both have emotional support dogs for me.” Skylar gives us a sad smile.
“Why don’t we put on a movie?” Parker suggests.
“As long as it’s not a rom-com. I can’t handle love right now.”
Grabbing the remote, I pass it over to Skylar to pick a movie. To no one’s surprise, she picks a thriller. Nothing I would normally watch, but I’ll suffer through it for her.
Skylar and Parker get cozy on the couch with Biscuit between them and I lean against their legs. If I couldn’t spend the night with Delaney, I’m glad I’m with these two.
It’s hard not being near family, but having these ladies around makes it feel like we have our own tight-knit circle.
It also makes me thankful for what I have with Delaney. Pulling out my phone, I sneak a glance at my friends. Their focus is on the movie. I type a quick text out.
Lydia
Thinking of you
Delaney
Everything okay?
Yeah
Just happy that we have a healthy relationship
It’d be even better if I could see you
Tomorrow?
Nothing would stop me from coming over
Good
See you after the game
I can’t wait
“Are you paying attention?” Parker asks.
“Sorry.” I lock my phone and set it on the coffee table.
At least I can think of Delaney while watching this movie.
“Are you good?” Skylar asks.
“What more could I need? I have you three.”
“Three?” Parker questions.
“Three.” I grab Biscuit and bury my face in his soft fur. “Biscuit counts.”
But I leave off the most important person.
Because as long as I have these three—and Delaney—I have everything I need.