Chapter 48
Chapter forty-eight
Rhys
Was this the right call?
"Here's your pass, it gets you access at the club and ice level."
"Thank you." I say to the curvy blonde named Lydia handing me my credentials for the game. We're in the tunnel where my driver was able to drop me off.
"Zara has my number but it's here on my card as well. If you need anything just let me know."
"Okay." I agree and then she turns and walks in her black patent stilettos into the office she came out of.
"Snacks?" Harper asks as she links her arm into mine.
"Sure."
"Actually we should just head up to the suite, we don't want to spoil the surprise." Jo says.
After they called I got in the shower and stepped out to a hundred new messages in The Stick Handlers group chat about Operation Kilt Surprise.
Not my choice.
In the last 24 hours everyone has been keeping the chat updated. I was told to keep calling Duncan on the off chance he answers, but still, nothing.
I was told Duncan had his movie night moment this afternoon, whatever that means, and then Operation Kilt Surprise Phase Two officially began.
I’m not clear on the phases but they’re important to the girls so I’m just going with it.
The plan is basically me coming to the game and surprising Duncan afterwards to tell him I love him too and want to be together; for real.
Forever.
Zara knows I'm at the game but not what might come out of it. I didn't want her making any moves until I knew if Duncan would want to give it a shot or not.
She's been helpful and apologetic in the fall out of Mike's kiss.
Harper, Jo, and I make our way to an elevator that will take us to the top floor of the arena. Just as the doors close my phone vibrates.
You Know You Want It
I know it's last minute but if you're not busy, I'd love for you to come to my game in Nashville tonight.
"Oh my gosh." I whisper and Harper looks over my shoulder.
"Ahhh!" She squeals before slapping her hand over her mouth and Jo grabs my phone.
"Yes! Duncan!" Jo fist pumps.
"Okay but what do I say?" I ask excitedly, getting swept up in the girls' enthusiasm.
"Tell him you want to think about it." Jo hands my phone back and then cracks her knuckles. "Make him sweat a little."
"That's risky." Harper shakes her head. "I would tell him you'd love to."
"Well then what happens when Duncan calls Lydia and she says I’m already here?"
"You could leave him on read?" Jo suggests.
"Cruel." Harper says.
"What if I tell him I’d love to and I’ll see if my people can make it work?"
"Dull, but it works." Jo frowns as she nods.
"Not bad." Harper agrees.
"Alright then." I type out the message as we reach the top floor. The game doesn't start for another hour but the girls all agreed getting here early would be the best chance at protecting the surprise.
***
He looks so small from all the way up here but it is fun to see him in action again. His body moves in a relaxed, languid way. I can almost feel the warmth of his smile as he and Crosby stop to trade pucks for candy at the glass with young fans.
I've mostly stayed in the area of the box behind the seats which makes it a little more difficult to see me.
The girls got me a D.C. Renegades ball cap and I wore a black hoodie with jeans in an effort to blend in. We don't want anyone to know I'm here until after the game when the plan is to surprise Duncan in the tunnel.
I'm still not sure what I’m going to say to him. All I really want to say is "I love you, please be with me."
Maybe that's all I need to say.
The last several weeks have dragged, despite me filling every hour of the day. Part of me feels like my life has slowed to a near halt.
Nothing gives me the joy it did before.
Even recording comes with this layer of film between me and the microphone.
Something in me is being held back, or is too dull to come to the forefront.
And I think it's the love I have for Duncan.
The warm ups wrap and the teams skates off.
I'm tempted to text him to tell him I'm here but we all agreed the surprise would be better.
I just hope they're right.