Chapter Fourteen
SIDNEY
The final minutes of the home opener felt like someone had injected rocket fuel into my veins.
The arena was roaring. The puck was flying. And I was dialled in.
Gloves flew. Helmets crashed into helmets. Mason slammed into me first, nearly knocking me backward.
Hell yes, Crane! he shouted, laughing like a maniac.
Max clapped my helmet like he was ringing a church bell. That’s how you start a damn season!
Rookies swarmed me, yelling, hugging, high-fiving like overexcited puppies.
And for a moment, I let myself revel in it—the surge of victory, the adrenaline, the pure, clean joy of the sport.
I’d worked hard over the off-season to perfect my game and my mental resilience.
Tonight was proof that all that effort was worth it.
This was what I lived for.
But as we headed toward the tunnel, sticks up for the salute, I found myself searching the stands again for Eddie and Joey.
I didn’t mean to. Yet, connecting with them was becoming instinctual.
The second I spotted them, something in me warmed and lit up like a damn Christmas tree.
Joey was jumping up and down like a proud wacko, cheering so loud I swear I could hear him from the ice.
Eddie smiled in that soft, shy way, shaking her head at her kid’s antics.
Them being here made the win all the more special.
After the handshake line, the chaos of the locker room, and the guys dissecting every second of the game, I finally dressed and escaped the noise.
I had texted Joey before the game to let him know that he and his mom should make their way to the players’ gate.
He’d given an excited response, but I’d still had doubts Eddie would agree to come.
The fist around my heart loosens as soon as I walk out of the double doors and see them.
Joey is buzzing like he’d just consumed a pound of sugar, with Eddie standing close behind him, wrapped in a jacket, still looking a little pale but smiling.
For an instant, I worry that I dragged her out of the house too soon after being sick, but I shake that concern away when she gives me that look, as if she could read my mind.
Maybe she shouldn’t be out in the cold, but I am damn happy she’s here and celebrating with me.
After being embarrassed by my friends, I reluctantly leave to speak to some media outlets. I feel like I’ve been stuck in that overly bright room for hours when they finally let me go. Looking at my phone, I see it’s only been twenty minutes. Still, a long time to wait.
Hey, I say on a breath of relief when I spot them right where I left them. Thanks for waiting. That went longer than I meant it to.
Joey answers for her. No problem. We couldn’t leave without telling you how awesome you were tonight. Even Mom said so. Eddie groans at her son ratting her out.
I grin. It was a team effort. But I was pretty awesome tonight.
You were amazing, she says, and the sincerity in her voice makes something inside me go hot and stupid.
Thank you. I clear my throat. Do you guys…want to maybe grab something to eat? Nothing fancy. Just—there’s a diner down the street that I go to all the time, so we’ll be able to sit in relative quiet and privacy.
Something had shifted in Eddie’s demeanour earlier. She’d been more affectionate with me, leaning into my touch and sending teasing smiles my way. Even having witnessed that, I’m still surprised when she doesn’t hesitate and agrees.
Joey is equally shocked, staring at his mom for a long second before fist pumping the air. Eddie’s breath hitches. She opens her mouth—only to be interrupted by Joey.
I could go for a pizza, Joey says out of nowhere but surprising no one. Do they have pizza?
You bet they do, I tell him.
Eddie freezes, eyes widening, as a cough rips through her chest. Her knees buckle as she tries to catch her breath.
I step forward without thinking, worry making my grip on her arm a little tighter than I intended. Whoa! Easy. I hold her until her cough has subsided. When she tips her head up, I see the pain in her eyes. Yeah, okay. Maybe tonight isn’t a good idea. The cold air is irritating your lungs.
I’m fine, she insists, though she’s clearly anything but. Let’s go. I’m sure that was— Her coughing fit starts again.
Even Joey is looking at her with concern.
Mom, Joey whispers. Are you getting sick again?
No, she says automatically, even as she sways. I just…I’m sorry. I’m not— She puts a hand to her temple. I’m all of a sudden not feeling great.
If I hadn’t been watching her intently, I would have missed it. That flash of disappointment at what she’s admitting. She was looking forward to going out with me. That makes the decision even easier for me.
We can take a rain check. Or…snow check. Or whatever weather metaphor works. I’m not going anywhere. We can do dinner when you’re back to a hundred percent.
She lets out a breath that’s half relief, half regret. I think that’s best. I’m so sorry.
I wave her words away. It’s no problem. You don’t go back to work tomorrow, do you?
No. I go back to work in two days, and I need to be in fighting form to deal with patients.
Joey slumps from the corner of my eye. I can feel his disappointment but know he understands about his mom. It’s just that he feels he’s missing out.
I tap his shoulder. How about this. Next game you come to, we’ll head to the diner afterwards, and I’ll invite some of my teammates.
If they’re good, I’ll even invite Dawes and Warren.
I know they’d love to spend time with one of their biggest fans.
Plus, I know for a fact that Dawes is a pizza fiend too.
You guys can bond over cheese. How does that sound?
His eyes nearly shoot out of his head. Yes. Definitely. Let’s do that.
Okay. It’s a deal. I hold out my hand to shake his. We shake for a second, then when we let go, I watch him do a secret fist shake by his side in celebration. I lift my eyes to Eddie and notice her staring at me. A mix of emotions, all wrapped together.
I’m sorry, she says softly. I didn’t mean to—
Eddie, I say, straightening, you don’t owe me an apology. Her lips part. I get it, I add. Tonight was…a lot. I’m just thrilled you came. You’re still recovering, and I’m happy to reschedule. You just can’t say no next time I ask you out.
She wants to laugh; I can see the desire, but her energy is fading fast. She nods, but the tension doesn’t leave her shoulders.
I walk them to her car, making sure she’s steady.
Joey is still babbling about the game, mimicking my saves, acting out each goal like he’d personally scored it.
When she clicks the doors open, Joey gives me a wave before getting in and buckling up.
Eddie exhales shakily, bracing herself on the car door.
You okay? I murmur. I can call an Uber if you don’t feel well enough to drive. Or I could drive you.
No, thank you. I’m okay. Just tired, she whispers. And overwhelmed.
I understand her meaning. Taking a step forward so that we can speak in softer tones, but not too close that I invade her space, I tell her honestly, I really like you, Eddie.
I haven’t hidden that. But if you need me to back off a bit, that’s fine.
It’ll suck, I chuckle with no humour, but I can do it if that’s what you need. You set the pace.
Her hand comes out to play with the button on my jacket, giving the material a tug. Her throat bobs.
I like you too, she admits for the first time, and I feel like I can fucking fly. I want to jump around, holler, and swing her up in my arms. I’m so happy!
I don’t do any of that—because that would absolutely scare her off and stop her moment of honesty.
But my life is complicated. Not just as a single mom.
She stops talking for a moment, needing a deep breath.
My family… She brings her hands up in a helpless gesture.
And Joey’s biological dad. It’s all a mess.
And while that mess hasn’t bothered us in a long time, it may change the way you feel about me.
About possibly, maybe starting a more-than-friendship thing.
Oh, I most definitely want a more-than-friendship thing. All that other stuff, we can talk about it when you’re ready. Just know I’m here, for the good and the bad stuff and whatever falls in between, if it means I get you.
She rolls her lips inward, letting my words wash over her. Her eyes go watery—I’m not sure whether it’s from the cold wind or my declaration—but either way, it’s time for her to get warm and head home.
I open her car door, gently nudging her toward the opening. Good night, Eddie.
Good night, Sidney.
I help her get seated, close the door, and stand back as she starts the car and pulls out of the lot. I watch them go, knowing, deep in my gut, I’ll be seeing her again. Very soon.
I just have to survive this next team travel week.