CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT
RHETT
Playoffs
The Breakers reach the conference final.
Last year, I would have treated the run as proof of redemption. This year, hockey remains hockey: important, consuming, incapable of deciding whether I deserve love.
Nora attends game one and skips game two for a publishing event. We win both.
We lose game three while she photographs from the bay. No one blames her. More importantly, neither do I in the private place where superstition once disguised control.
Before game four, Damon Vale appears in the arena corridor under legal escort.
His criminal case ended with a plea on unlawful procurement and confidentiality charges. He lost his license to represent league players. NorthStar terminated him. I have not spoken to him since the gala.
He is present for a civil deposition in another part of the building.
Our eyes meet.
"Rhett," he says.
I stop beyond reach.
"Congratulations on the engagement. It appears the public confession worked."
The old anger returns, but it no longer controls my hands.
"The confession did not repair the marriage," I say. "A year of private work helped build another relationship. You would not understand the difference."
"You owe me your career."
"I owe you payment for services under terminated contracts. Nothing else."
I walk away.
No punch. No final threat. No need to make him witness my victory.
During the game, I score the winning goal.
At the press conference, reporters ask about Damon. I say legal matters are closed and return to the team.
At home, Nora has left a message.
NORA: I heard he was there. Proud of you for walking away. Also proud of the goal, but in that order.
I reply:
RHETT: The walk was harder.
NORA: I know.