Chapter 63
HAILEE
This evening has been hell. From the moment Calvin hit the ice, everything erupted.
Of course, everyone is concerned, and all anyone wants to know is if he’s okay and what the season might look like if we’re forced to play without him.
Tensions are running high, understandably so, and it took me forever to tie everything up enough to leave.
It’s not over, though. This is just a reprieve.
Tomorrow is going to be full-on once we have all the answers and are able to release more information.
But right now, I want to put work behind me and focus on my private life. Hayden needs me, and despite how nervous I am, he’s desperate to introduce me to his parents.
I’ve been keeping him updated. I promised to tell him when I was able to leave, but when the time came, I rushed out of there without wasting a second. Plus, I wanted to surprise him.
But now, as I stand outside the restaurant Hayden sent me directions to, my nerves are getting the better of me.
I shake my arms at my sides and force myself to forget all my own experiences with my parents.
The two people sitting in there with Hayden are not the same in any way.
They’re the kind of parents you want, not the kind you run away from.
Rolling my shoulders, I hold my head high and walk into the restaurant, greeting the host with a smile.
Exhaustion tugs at my muscles, but that’s nothing unusual.
“Hi, I’m joining a table for Monroe,” I say, my voice surprisingly steady.
“Of course, ma’am. This way, please.”
I follow behind, my eyes searching ahead for Trudy and Hank. The second I see them sitting alone at a table, my breath catches.
Where’s Hayden?
“Here you go,” the host says, stepping aside and revealing my presence.
“Thank you,” I whisper, feeling way more off balance than when I first spoke to him.
I turn to face Trudy and Hank, my heart crashing against my ribs, dreading what expressions they might be wearing.
Disappointment.
Shock.
Irritation.
But the second I look at them, I see none of that. Only excitement, happiness, and understanding.
Honestly, how I don’t burst into tears on the spot is something I’ll never figure out.
“Hailee,” Trudy breathes before she pushes her chair back and steps in front of me. “It’s so good to finally meet you.”
If she’s waiting for a response, she won't get one. The lump in my throat is too freaking huge to force a single word out.
“Can I?” she asks, holding her arms out, ready to give me a hug.
I nod, still battling my emotions, and it only gets worse when she embraces me.
I have never, ever experienced such a warm, motherly hug.
“I’m sorry,” I say when she pulls back. “I’m…feeling a little overwhelmed by this. I’ve never done it before.”
“Oh, sweetie. You have nothing to worry about; we love you already. Don’t we, Hank?”
“Sure do,” he agrees, joining us on his feet and moving around the table so he can also hug me.
“Sit down, sit down,” he says, holding my chair out for me. “You’ve had a busy night. More food will be here shortly. Trudy ordered enough to feed the entire city. What would you like to drink?”
“Uh…” I take the drinks menu when he passes it over and scan through my options.
After the events of the night, I need a drink. But only one. I may have put my cell on silent, but I know it’s lighting up like a freaking Christmas tree in my purse. I might be able to take an hour or two out to eat, but I’ll be back at it as soon as we’re home.
After ordering a dry white wine with the server, I fall into easy conversation with Hayden’s parents.
They ask me about my job and what I’ve been doing tonight with everything that’s happened.
They listen as if they actually care about what I do, which means so much to me, before we move on to Hayden’s performance tonight and what the team is going to do without Killer on the ice.
“He should be back by now,” Trudy says, looking around as if he’s hiding in a corner somewhere.
“Should I go check on him?” Hank asks, also looking a little concerned.
Just as he pushes his chair back to go in search of his missing son, Hayden appears around the corner with a smile on his face.
The sight makes my breath catch.
For long seconds, he’s not focused on where he’s going. He’s too lost in his thoughts.
Look up, baby, I silently command. And as if he can hear the words, his head lifts and his eyes lock on mine.
Shock renders him motionless for a few seconds, forcing the server that was behind him with an armful of plates to swerve out of the way.
One second he’s still, and the next, he’s racing toward me, and then I’m in his arms, and everything that has been wrong about tonight finally settles.
We have the briefest of whispered conversations before turning back to his parents.
“So, you’ve met Hailee then,” Hayden deadpans.
“We have,” Trudy agrees.
“What took you so long?” Hank asks. “Did you get locked in?”
A laugh spills from Hayden. “No, I bumped into a kid who recognized me. He’s going to come over to get his jersey signed, as neither of us had a pen.”
“Aw, did you get fanboyed in the restroom?” I tease.
“I did a little, yeah.”
“As you should,” Hank adds. “You were the best D-man out on that ice tonight.”
“You’re biased.”
“That may be so. But it’s true. Isn’t that right, Hailee?”
I glance at Hayden, finding his cheeks glowing with embarrassment. He really has no idea how incredible he is. And I don’t just mean on the ice. I mean in every sense. He is, hands down, the best person I have ever met.
Reaching for his hand, I lace our fingers together and squeeze, silently letting him know that his dad is right.
“Yeah, you were amazing,” I say, looking him dead in the eyes.
“Aww,” Trudy breathes across the table.
We get lost in our little moment, but it’s broken when Hayden’s new fan approaches the table.
“Uh…hi. Are you sure it's—”
“Of course,” Hayden says, looking up at the kid who’s probably fourteen, fifteen at most.
If it were possible, I’m pretty sure he’d have literal stars in his eyes. The way he looks at Hayden like he’s the most amazing person in the world is…well, I hope he sees even a bit of that on my face when I look at him, because it’s exactly how I feel.
“Mom, have you got a pen?”
“Oh, yeah.” Trudy rummages in her purse before passing a Sharpie over.
“Where do you want it?” Hayden asks before signing the fabric that the kid is wearing.
“I’m gonna make my dad stop at the store for a frame on the way home. This is going on my wall,” he says, practically bouncing with excitement. “Thank you so much. I can’t wait for the next game.”
“Same, man. It’s going to be such an incredible season.” As much as Hayden wants to mean this, the words are said through gritted teeth. Without Killer, will it even be possible?
“We’re gonna do it this year, I just know we are. Thank you so much. I’ll never forget this.”
We all watch as he runs back to his table and proudly shows his dad.
“Aw, Hank. Our boy is famous.”
“Tru, are you crying?” Hank mocks.
“No, I’ve just got something in my eye,” she argues, making us all laugh as she not-so-discreetly wipes her eyes with her napkin.
“Okay, just how much food did you guys order?” I ask in horror as even more plates arrive.
As far as I understand it, they started long before I got here, but it just keeps coming.
“Blame Mom. She got excited,” Hayden quips.
“Guilty,” Trudy says with zero regret. “The reviews and recommendations were too good to ignore.”
“It’s delicious,” I say, reaching for another cheesy croquette. “Did Hayden tell you that he’s been baking?” I ask.
“No, he didn’t.” Trudy looks at her son, hungry for more information.
“I’m experimenting,” Hayden says shyly.
Damn, I love this side of him.
“Your cinnamon buns are the best I’ve ever eaten,” I tell him honestly. His first batch was good. But his second and third were even better. “It’s a good thing he’s got me into Pilates, or I’d be out shopping for new clothes.” I laugh.
“Baking and Pilates?”
“I can’t always be on the ice or annoying Hailee,” Hayden reasons.
“I guess not.”
“And Pilates is great for my strength.”
“I’ve attempted a few classes. It’s really hard,” Trudy admits.
“It gets a little easier,” I say. “But it definitely requires practice. We can’t all be pros like Hayden.”
We continue chatting, Trudy and Hank allowing me to get to know them as well as giving me even greater insight into the man I’m falling so hard for.
Hearing tales of his childhood and the trouble he and Rylee got up to in their younger years makes my chest ache for everything he’s lost. They really were partners in crime and best friends.
A wave of sadness washes over the table every time they talk about Rylee, but it’s quickly followed by so much happiness and laughter as they recall stories and remember her.
Eventually, the food stops coming, even though everyone but Hayden stopped eating a while ago. I’m so full that my pants are cutting into my stomach, but it’s been so worth it. We’re definitely coming back here. We might just rein in the ordering a little.
After getting the leftovers put into containers, Hayden discreetly settles the bill when he goes to the bathroom, and we head out.
“Hailee, it was so wonderful to meet you. We’ve been so worried about Hayden being here on his own, but it’s clear now that I have no reason to be concerned.”
“Mom,” Hayden warns.
“What? I’m a mother, Hayden. It’s my number-one job to worry about my children. The last year has been challenging for all of us, but we’re aware that it was harder for you being here on your own.”
“I was never alone. My friends are pretty awesome.”
“Oh, we know. But now that you’ve got Hailee as well, well, it just settles my unease.”
Trudy leans in for a hug, and the second we connect, she whispers a broken, “Thank you,” in my ear.
I want to respond, but the lump that crawls up my throat makes it impossible, so instead, I squeeze her tighter.
When we part, we’ve both got tears pooling in our eyes. Trudy smiles at me, a silent understanding between us.
“We’ll see you both soon, okay?” Trudy forces out as she embraces her son.
“You’re heading to San Diego, right?” Hayden asks.
“That’s the plan,” Hank explains, pulling me in for a hug. “Will you be there?”
“I don’t think so,” I say sadly. “But I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.”
“We’ll make sure we do. You’re a part of the family now, Hailee.”
I can’t fight the smile that twitches at the corners of my lips.
“Get some rest, both of you. It’s been a long night,” Hank says as their Uber pulls up at the curb.
“Have a safe trip home,” I say as Hayden wraps his arm around my shoulder, watching as they wave and disappear from our sight.
“See,” he says, smugly. “I told you they’d love you.”
“They’re amazing,” I breathe, not that I’m surprised. From what I’ve heard from Hayden, I knew they were going to be incredible, and the exact opposite of everything I experienced growing up.
“Shall we go home?” he asks, leading me toward his car.
“Sounds good. I’m going to have to work, though. Tonight has been…ugh.”
“Yeah,” he agrees as he pulls the passenger door open for me.
The second my ass hits the seat, I pull my cell from my purse and search through my notifications for news on Calvin.
“His swelling is minimal, so he’s having surgery tonight,” I explain when Hayden joins me.
“That’s good, right?”
“I think it’s about as good as it’s going to get.”
“He must be pissed.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “Good thing he’s got great friends around him. He’s going to need you all.”
“You too, Hails. You heard my mom earlier—you’re a part of the family now, and that extends to our hockey fam.”