24. Zack
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
zack
Sounds of the hotel lobby buzz around me as I sit in an oversized chair by the front door, waiting for the rest of the team.
The historic hotel is beautiful, with a soaring lobby ceiling, and giant chandeliers, but sounds sure do carry in here.
A giant tour group just filed off a bus, and bellhops are lined up with carts collecting luggage.
Someone’s ringing a bell, impatiently looking for a concierge, and a child is crying off in the distance.
At least it’s easy to blend in among the chaos.
Most of my teammates are back in their rooms getting ready to leave for the game.
I finished breakfast early and got bored waiting in my room.
We won against Vancouver on Monday and flew into New York late last night.
We’re supposed to leave for the game in about fifteen minutes.
I’ve been staring at my phone, hoping a text from Evvy will magically appear.
I haven’t heard from her since before we left Vancouver.
We had a late flight, so I didn’t want to wake her up when we got in last night.
I sent her a message this morning, but she hasn’t replied.
Josie’s supposed to fly in today, so I paid one of my teammate’s kids to deliver candy corn and cold brew coffee to Evvy until I get back on Friday.
Am I being ridiculous? Maybe. But there’s something about knowing she’ll be thinking about us every time she gets a delivery that makes it worth it.
I like knowing I can bring a smile to her face even when I’m not home.
Brent sinks down into the chair opposite me. “Josie texted to say she’s almost here. Hopefully I’ll catch her before we leave.”
“It’s nice she gets to travel with the team sometimes.” I’ll admit that I’m a little jealous, but I’m happy for my friend. The two of them do everything together, and Josie is an incredible PR manager. The team’s lucky to have her.
“I’m a lucky guy. Oh, there she is!” Brent leaps up as Josie runs straight into his arms.
It can’t be.
“Evvy?” I stand, feet stuck to the ground as I stare at what must be a mirage in front of me. “You’re here?” She falls into my arms and I pull her tight against me, breathing in her vanilla scent as I press a kiss to the top of her head.
“Zack, I’m so sorry.” She looks up at me as tears stream down her cheeks.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart. Why are you sorry?” I take her face in my hands, wiping away the tears before tilting her chin up to look at me.
“I thought I could do this without crying.” Evvy lets me wipe away more tears.
I struggle to take a breath, feeling like my chest is filled with rocks as I watch Evvy suffer.
Whoever did this to her…
“I didn’t know…the letters…” She sobs. “I thought you just left me.” More tears fall as she looks in my eyes. “I read the letters…your mom…” Evvy cries.
Oh, fuck. My mom gave her the box of letters.
“Hey, look at me, sweetheart. It’s okay. Everything’s okay. We’re here now.” I press a kiss to her forehead before wiping away more of her tears.
“I had no idea. I don’t know why I didn’t get them. I didn’t know, Zack. I didn’t know. I thought you didn’t want me.” She looks at me through tear-stained eyes, and my heart cracks open.
Wrapping my arms around her again, I hold her tightly. I need to feel her. I need to absorb some of her pain. How could she think I didn’t want her? I loved her.
“I always wanted you, Evvy. It’s always been you.”
“I shouldn’t have come to you like this, right before your game.” She sniffs, pulling back to look me in the eyes. “You need to play soon. This was selfish.”
“No way. You have no idea how happy I am to see you. I’m so glad you’re here.
And I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
I’m sorry we went through this. But we’re both here now and that’s what matters, okay?
” Evvy nods as she chokes back another sob.
“Once I finish this game we’re going to talk through this. I promise.”
I always thought Evvy had refused to accept the mail, but I wholeheartedly believe her about not receiving the letters. Something isn’t adding up. We’re going to get to the fucking bottom of this, but I need to focus on the game and don’t need to stress Evvy out even more before I leave.
“Okay,” she says softly. “I’m such a mess. I must look awful.” She wipes her face with the back of her hand as she sucks in a deep breath. “I’m ugly crying.” She lets out a little laugh and it’s the sweetest fucking sound.
“You’re beautiful.” I kiss her cheek then run my tongue across my lip. “Tasty too.” Evvy laughs again as I brush my fingers down her cheek, in awe that she came here for me. I think this grand gesture beats my day of fall activities, not that it’s a competition.
“I’ll see you after the game?” The tears have stopped but she’s looking up at me with bloodshot eyes and it’s absolutely heartbreaking.
“It’s a date, sweetheart.” I give her wrist a little squeeze and only let go when Brent lets out a loud cough.
“Time to go, Shayle.” He waves at me from the lobby door. I’ve been so caught up with Evvy that I didn’t see the rest of the team leave.
I press a kiss to the pulse point on Evvy’s wrist and she gives me a tiny smile. “Go get ‘em, Cap.”
“Not the Cap,” I say with a laugh.
“Once a Cap, always a Cap.” She grins. I don’t think that’s how it works, but I’ll take it.