SYLAS
I’m securing the towel around my waist and entering the locker room when every single pair of eyes zeroes in on me.
Almost everyone has their phone out, and if they don’t, they’re standing next to someone who has a device in hand.
“It’s not, right?” Matias asks, his stare not leaving mine.
Similar questions get thrown my way all at once. It’s not until Marc is at my side, shoving his phone in my hand, that I understand why they’re all losing their shit.
They’re all still asking questions, but I’m reading the article from the Daily Mail.
Sylas Lenoir Alves, son of Legendary Hockey Hall of Famer Dean Lenoir, and the influential female director Clara Alves, has a kid!
Sylas hasn’t been spotted with anyone for a few years, and while there have been speculations regarding his sexuality, that can all be put to rest.
He’s been spotted leaving this apartment complex—picture below—over the course of a few weeks. Who he had been visiting was unknown because he always entered and left alone. Until just recently.
According to a tenant in the apartment complex, he was visiting none other than his ex-girlfriend, Anna Lopez.
They briefly dated in college and a little after. Sources close to the family said the pair split due to their long-distance relationship, but some speculate there is more to the story.
While we may never know the reason for their breakup, we certainly know they’re seeing each other again.
Anna, the toddler, and another woman—picture below—were spotted moving from their apartment complex and heading in the direction of where the famous hockey player lives.
Nothing has been confirmed, but after doing the math, it all adds up, unless Anna was seeing someone besides Sylas in France?
There is more to the article, but I don’t keep reading. I only stare at the picture of Anna, Rosie, and Maya leaving the building. It immediately dawns on me who took the pictures and is responsible for this bullshit.
Harlow and I prepared for this. We knew it was only a matter of time. I just didn’t anticipate for it to be this soon.
Despite it being out like this, I’m both annoyed and not. I don’t want anyone talking shit about Anna. I don’t care what anyone says about me, but I draw the line when it comes to her. So that last line in the article…? Yeah, I don’t fuck with that.
But as frustrated as I am, I don’t care that people know. In fact, I’m happy it’s finally out, although I’m not sure Anna will be thrilled.
“Yes, it’s true. I have a kid. And no, I won’t answer any more questions.” I hurry to put my clothes on. I need to see Anna. She’ll either already know, or I’ll have to break it to her. If she didn’t hate me before, she will now.
They don’t let up. Instead, they ask me a million questions that I somewhat reply to. I wasn’t lying when I told Anna I wouldn’t deny her and Rosie.
Everyone’s shocked, disbelief written all over their faces. I know they’re trying to do the math, rereading the article or whatever other tabloid is talking about it.
I don’t bother with their inquisition. I only let Marc know I’ll talk to him later and rush out of the locker room.
I’m stepping out of the elevator when I hear my daughter and Maya.
Rosie’s aunt is instructing her to pick something up as I approach them. They’re in the living room, her toys sprawled out on the floor.
Maya goes quiet, but Rosie happily gasps. Jumping to her feet, she bolts to me. I crouch down, spreading my arms, ready to catch her.
I still don’t know what I’m doing as a father. I’d like to ask mine for advice, but he’s the reason I didn’t know about Rosie. He probably wouldn’t give me any anyway, and even if he did, it wouldn’t be good. That man wouldn’t know how to explain what a father is if a gun was pointed at his head.
He may have been somewhat present in my life, but our relationship was more transactional. If I did well in hockey, I could have whatever I wanted, no matter the cost. But if I didn’t meet his expectations at practice or lost a game, then I’d be damned.
“Hola querida.” I hug her, still crouched on the floor.
“Hola, Sy.” She giggles, and I squeeze her a little but not too hard.
I know it’s too soon, but I’d love to tell her to call me dad. I don’t correct her though because I don’t know how Anna would feel about it, and I don’t want to upset her.
“Que hases?” I ask, setting her down as she squirms and pushes against me, letting me know she’s done being held.
“Playing with doggy,” she explains, then runs back to her spot, her giddiness contagious.
I stand to my full height, smiling at her as she turns on the dog I bought for her.
“Hey,” I greet Maya, uncertain of what else to say. “I can take over now, if you’d like.”
Her brows knit, and she stares at me like she doesn’t trust me. “You’ve never been alone with her. Anna won’t be home for another two hours. I’ll stay with Rosie.”
“I was alone with her once when Anna needed a nap and she ended up sleeping for three hours.”
We played with her toys, listened to music, and I gave her a snack.
I’d be lying if I said I was a hundred percent confident.
The entire time, I was worried about messing up, worried she’d get hurt on my watch or swallow something.
So I kept my eyes on her vigilantly and made sure her snacks were bite-sized.
“Really?” she quizzes as she stands, the sectional between us. “Anna let you do that?”
“Yeah.” I glance down at Rosie and back at her.
“Look—” We speak in unison and apologize. And again, but then we let the silence settle. I’m certain, like me, she’s trying to figure out what to say.
“I’m sorry.” I slice through the silence. “I’m sorry about a few years ago. About coming between you and Anna, about—”
“No.” She clears her throat, her features tensing with discomfort as she crosses her arms against her chest. “You didn’t come between Anna and me. That was on me. I…I…” She heaves a sharp breath. “It wasn’t your fault, so don’t apologize to me. It’s not me whose forgiveness you need to work at.”
My chest grows tight and I nod. “I know.”
“She deserves the world, and if that’s not something you can give her, let her go.”
I can give it to her. I will give it to her. “I’m not letting her go, not again,” I tell Maya.
“Then fix what you broke,” she states, piercing me with a severe look. “She’s still reeling from the breakup. So if you want her back, if you love her, fucking fix it or let her go. She’s doing really well, and she was before us. So don’t mess this up for her or Rosie.”
I’m speechless. I didn’t expect that. If anything, I assumed she’d cuss me out. I wouldn’t have blamed her if she did.
“I’m working on it.” I tuck my hands in my pockets, feeling a little anxious. Fuck, I need a cigarette, but then I look at Rosie and decide against it. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” She doesn’t appear as tense, shoulders easing into a relaxed state.
“Do you think she’d give me another chance?”
I didn’t want to ask, but I’m desperate to know what she thinks. After all, she’s Anna’s sister.
“You can’t make her do something she doesn’t want to do,” she answers, not missing a beat. “I think you know her well enough that Anna does whatever she wants.”
I smile at that but arch a brow, confused. “What do you mean?”
“She’s living here, isn’t she?” She exhales a quiet chuckle. “Do what you will with that information.”
I understand what she’s saying loud and clear and that fills me with hope, but it slowly fizzles as I think about what’s been said online. I already spoke to Harlow on my way home, and we’re not stressed because we prepared for this. I just need to talk to Anna.
Although I’m surprised my parents haven’t called, it’s for the best. I’m more levelheaded than I was a few days ago, but I still don’t trust I’ll be able to hold back.
“If you’re okay with it, I’d love to stay with Rosie. I almost need to put her down for bed anyway.”
“Yeah, definitely stay with her as long as you want. You don’t need to ask me, but I don’t want you to think I’m not going to help or be present. She’s my responsibility, and I want to help as much as I can.”
The corners of her mouth jerk up a tad. “You don’t need to worry about what I think.”
“You’re her sister. Everything that revolves around Anna and Rosie is important to me. I know how important it is for her that you’re back in her life. She missed you a lot, and while she didn’t voice it, I knew. She cares about you, and I know she’s happy.”
“Oh.” Her face softens as does her voice. She blinks rapidly, looking away. “Well, I’m lucky she doesn’t hold grudges.”
“Even if she did, I know she wouldn’t hold one against you.”
“God, can you stop talking?” She sounds like she’s halfway between joking and serious.
I rub the nape of my neck. “Uh, yeah…”
“I didn’t mean that literally. I just…you’re not what I thought you’d be.” She clicks her tongue. “So, I actually need to make a phone call. Can you stay with Rosie?”
“Yeah.” I round the couch and drop down on the floor next to her.
As Maya walks away, she peers over her shoulder, watching me with an expression I can’t read. But when she’s out of range, I draw my focus to my toddler.
“Sy, let’s play.” Rosie grabs my arm, a cheery smile on her face as she lists all the things we’ll be playing with.
“Yes, my love.” I answer her with all the enthusiasm I can muster, doing my best to focus on what we’re doing and not what they’re saying online.
I hope Anna won’t hate me.