Chapter 53Avery
Chapter Fifty-Three
Avery
"Hey wants you to do what?" Jessica's voice cuts through the chilly air of the ice rink, slicing into my thoughts like a skate on fresh ice. I shoot her a look, pressing my finger to my lips in a silent plea for discretion.
"Shhh, keep it down," I hiss, glancing around to make sure no one else overhears. We're perched up on the bleachers, the cold metal seeping through our jeans, as we watch our kids dart across the rink below. The sharp scent of the ice mingles with the warmth of hot chocolate from the concession stand.
"Seriously, Avery, that's insane," she continues, her brown eyes wide with disbelief behind the steam rising from her cup .
I shrug noncommittally, trying to focus on the practice below, but Samantha leans forward, her dark curls bouncing with excitement. "I'd take him up on the offer," she says, clearly eager at the prospect. "A new start? And if money bags Victor wants to take care of you, why not let him?"
Emily, ever the voice of reason, gives Samantha a side-eye that could freeze the pond Victor learned to skate on. "It's not her decision," she chides gently, her nurse's compassion lacing her tone.
Samantha waves off Emily's concern with a dismissive flick of her hand. "But it'd be good for her," she persists, turning her earnest gaze back to me. Her enthusiasm reminds me of her days on the ice, full of determination and grit.
"Come on, Avery," Samantha prods, her voice low and persuasive. "Victor's got that whole mysterious, frosty vibe, but he's melting, right? For you."
I bite the inside of my cheek, watching the kids scrimmage, their laughter echoing off the walls. Victor's out there too, coaching, the stern lines of his face softening whenever he glances my way.
"Money isn't everything," I murmur, more to myself than to them, my mind swirling with confusion and a tinge of fear. What would it mean to accept his offer? Could I really step into that world with him, trust issues and all?
"Sure it isn't," Samantha agrees, nudging me playfully with her elbow. "But it doesn't hurt when it comes attached to a guy who looks at you like you're the only one on the ice."
I can't help the blush that creeps up my cheeks, or the flutter in my chest at the thought. Samantha's words gnaw at me. Maybe she's right; maybe it's worth considering, even if just for a moment.
I throw my hands in the air, frustration bubbling over. "It's not about the money," I insist, my voice tinged with exasperation. Jessica's warm hand lands gently on mine, grounding me.
"Then what is it about?" she asks, her dark eyes filled with concern.
I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. "I just... I don't know," I admit, my words trailing off. There's a tangle of emotions inside me, and trying to sort through them feels like untangling Christmas lights—futile and frustrating.
Samantha leans forward, her fiery spirit undimmed by the chill of the rink. "You do know, Avery. You're just scared to admit it," she says with conviction, her belief in me stronger than any self-doubt I harbor.
Before I can respond, the sharp blast of the coach's whistle pierces the air, signaling the end of practice. I glance down at the ice where the kids are offering each other high-fives, their faces flushed with exertion and joy. Among them, Victor stands tall, his presence commanding even from this distance. Our eyes meet and he waves, a simple gesture that sends my stomach into somersaults.
"Mommy!" Olivia's voice carries up to me, full of excitement. "Did you see that goal?"
"Every second!" I call back, pride swelling in my chest.
Emily, ever the pragmatic nurse, offers me an escape. "Want me to take Liv home? You can come pick her up later."
“You sure? I don’t want to impose.”
Emily shakes her head. “The kids will love it. They can do their homework together.”
After a moment, I nod. "Okay, thanks. I'll pick her up later."
The cold air of the arena bites at my skin as I make my way down the bleachers, the residual warmth from the crowd's energy fading with each step. The last echoes of cheers and the clattering of hockey sticks against the ice give way to a hushed silence, a stark contrast to the cacophony just moments ago.
Victor is by the bench, his broad back to me as he bends over to unlace his skates. He looks up as I approach, those piercing blue eyes catching mine in a look that's both intense and expectant. He stands, towering over me, and when he smiles, it lights up his face in a way that makes him seem almost boyish .
"Hey," he says, pulling me into a brief but warm embrace. His lips meet mine in a soft, hesitant kiss, as if he's mindful of the conversation hanging between us.
"Hi," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Can I take you and Olivia home?" he asks, hope threading through his words.
"Olivia's staying over at Emily's for a bit." I watch his reaction closely, trying to gauge his thoughts.
"Great," Victor says with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Then we can talk."
"Sure, talk," I echo, the word tasting like uncertainty on my tongue. My smile is a brittle thing, cracking around the edges.
He picks up on my discomfort, the furrow in his brow deepening. "You're nervous about what I asked before?"
I nod, my throat tight. "It's big, Victor. And... Olivia, she's part of this too. I have to talk to her first."
"Of course, you do." He reaches out, his fingers brushing mine in a gesture that's meant to reassure. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
Victor's thumb hovers over his phone, his eyes flicking to the screen then back to me. "Just need to call Marcus," he says, scratching at the stubble on his chin with a hint of impatience.
"Okay," I say, trying to keep the tremble out of my voice. His gaze is intense, like he's seeing right through me, and it's unnerving .
Suddenly, a voice echoes from across the arena. "Hey, Stone! Got a sec?"
Victor's head snaps up, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. He sets his phone down on his jacket. "Be right back," he mutters, giving my arm a quick squeeze before jogging off.
I stand there, fidgeting with the strap of my purse. A soft chime breaks through my spiraling thoughts. I glance down instinctively at Victor's phone. The screen lights up with a notification, and my stomach plummets.
"Information on Avery Bennett" flashes in bold letters, and my mouth goes dry. Why would Victor get an email like that? I pick up the device, my fingers shaking slightly. Maybe it's some kind of mistake? But when I tap the notification, the screen lights up, betraying a snippet of text so chilling it feels like ice in my veins.
"Background check completed. Findings indicate..." I can't even finish reading the sentence aloud, my throat closing up on me. My mind races—findings? What findings? What was he looking for?
"Financial records uncovered potential leverage..." The words blur as my eyes sting with unshed tears.
I can't breathe. The words swim before my eyes, each one a dagger to my chest. Victor asked for this? He's been digging into my past?
"No," I whisper, my voice trembling. "No, no, no. "
I hear Victor's footsteps approaching, and panic floods my system. What do I do now?
I drop the phone like it's burning my hand and bolt. My legs carry me up the bleacher steps two at a time, heart pounding in my ears. I've got to get out of here, got to find Olivia before Emily takes her home.
"Avery?" Victor's confused voice calls out behind me. "Where are you going?"
I don't turn around, don't slow down. Can't let him see the tears stinging my eyes or the way my hands are shaking. How could he do this? After everything we've been through, after all the walls I let down for him.
"Avery, wait!" His voice is closer now, urgent. "What's wrong?"
I push through the heavy doors into the lobby, scanning frantically for Olivia's familiar curls. Please, let her still be here.
"Mom!" Olivia's voice cuts through the chaos in my head. She's standing with Emily near the vending machines, backpack slung over one shoulder.
"Change of plans, sweetie," I manage, forcing a smile I don't feel. "We're heading home now."
Emily frowns, concern etching her features. "Everything okay, Avery? You look pale."
I shake my head, not trusting my voice. Olivia's brow furrows, her eyes darting between me and the arena doors .
"Is Victor coming?" she asks, a hint of excitement in her voice that makes my heart ache.
"No," I choke out. "It's just us tonight."
As we push through the exit doors, the cool evening air hits my face. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I knew I shouldn't have trusted men, I think bitterly. Especially ones with piercing blue eyes and promises that seemed too good to be true.