Chapter Twenty #2
“Now, as soon as it comes.”
The bell rang.
“Aha. See? Perfect timing.”
I hustled to the bedroom, grabbed the Blades T-shirt, and put it on. When I came out, Rip was setting the food on the table. A cozy domestic scene I’d never imagined being part of.
Rip glanced at me. “I was getting ready to eat yours as well as mine.”
“That would’ve been a mistake on your part.” I grabbed a hunk of bread and chewed. “Mmm. Good stuff.”
“The best. Let’s do this so we can be ready for Dev and Brody.”
Rip powered through his food, and I found it fascinating to watch him eat. Chewing the last of his chicken, he pointed to my plate. “You gonna finish that?”
I toyed with my pasta. “Have at it.”
“Mmm,” he hummed as a beep sounded from the computer. “Showtime,” he mumbled through his chewing. He swallowed and wiped his face.
With a bit of trepidation, I sat by his side, watching as they set up. Rip handed me headphones. I put them on and waited. Rip nudged me.
“You look like you’re going to be sick. It’s just like having a conversation.”
Tell that to my brain.
My heart pounding, I sat, mentally preparing. Dev and Brody finished looking at their notes, and they nodded and met our eyes.
“Ready?” Dev asked. “We’ll begin with intros, segue into talking about the regular season and the upcoming playoffs, and finish up with the main event.” He cackled. “The two of you. Your relationship—how you first met, reconnected, and everything in between.”
“Okay?” Rip murmured, for my ears. Out of sight of the computer, he took my hand and squeezed it. Warmth filled me, igniting something that curiously felt like courage.
“Yes.” I straightened my shoulders. “Yes, I am.”
After the introduction, Brody started the interview.
“Somethin’ I always wondered about. How do you guys take such a beating and two days later gotta be out there doin’ it all again? And on skates.” He shook his head. “Man, I gotta give you hockey players your props. I know I couldn’t do it. What about you, Dev?”
“No fucking way. You guys are total badasses out there. I can barely get on the ice without falling on my face.” He shifted, and I braced myself. “So, Adrian. Do you skate?”
“I’m like you. Face-first on the ice.”
Dev’s brows winged high. “Oh, wow. I figured you two would have that in common.”
I gulped. “Nope. I plan on learning, though.”
Brody’s turn. “You and Rip knew each other growing up?”
“Yes. He and my brother were—are—best friends. Rip came to live with us when he was about eight or nine.”
“Eight,” he whispered. This time I squeezed his hand, and he hung on to me.
“He left for college when I was turning nine, so we didn’t really have much interaction, except when I was being the proverbial tagalong little brother.
When Louie Rozner—the Channel 8 sports reporter—got hurt, I was asked to step in and interview the Blades players.
” I smiled at Rip. “We reconnected then.”
“Did you always want to be a sports reporter?” Dev checked his notes. “I see you were at several news stations but doing lifestyle reporting.”
Shit.
I took a deep breath. “My dream has always been to be a news reporter. And eventually an anchor. But you don’t begin your climb at the top of the mountain.
Working with a sports reporting team of professionals the caliber of Louie and Bryan is something people in my position rarely achieve.
I’m still learning, and I’m so grateful for Channel 8 and my news director, Rob DeVine, for giving me this amazing opportunity. ”
“And your new show? How’s that coming along?” Rip gave me an encouraging nod.
“Good. My first interview was a little scary, but once we talked, it just flowed, and before I knew it, the time was up.”
Dev chuckled. “I never had that problem, did I?” He snickered, and Brody rolled his eyes.
“More like we have trouble getting you to stop talking.”
“Maybe you’ll come on the show,” I offered.
“Just give us a holler. So how serious is it between you two?” Brody asked me. “It’s gotta be easier for you knowing each other for so long, even if you are younger, Adrian.”
I looked to Rip, who raised his brows at me but kept quiet. “Uh, well…we’re having fun. Enjoying the time we have together. Right now, Rip is busy gearing up for the playoffs, and I’m concentrating on my career.”
“It’s hard to make time for each other, isn’t it?” Dev nodded in sympathy. “My advice is to never let it slide. All the years Brody and I were separated, we spoke every night just to connect, and we’d meet up whenever we could.”
“You gotta make the time,” Brody agreed.
“Dev always knew there was no one else but him for me, but I still always made sure to tell him how much I loved him. And I still do, every day. Most importantly, don’t let the job take over your life.
I know how busy you are right now, Rip, plus Adrian also has these great opportunities, but make time for each other.
Prioritize the two of you. The game is here for only a little bit. Your relationship is for a lifetime.”
“I know.” Rip’s husky rasp reached down to my toes. “We’re going to work it out.”
An uncharacteristically thoughtful and somber Dev folded his hands together. “I hope so. Because in the end, nothing is more important than love.”
Again, a subtle pressure of Rip’s fingers to mine. I met his burning gaze.
“I agree.”