CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
RHETT
Month Eleven
The Breakers qualify for the playoffs with three games remaining.
Last year, the news would have consumed every room. This year, I celebrate with the team, complete media, and arrive at Nora's book event thirty minutes late but present.
She is speaking on a stage about ethical sports photography. I stand at the back beside Maren.
"You made it," Maren whispers.
"I said I would."
"You have said many things. I am tracking trends."
After the talk, Nora introduces me to a group of students as "my partner, Rhett." Not captain. Not ex-husband.
Partner.
The word settles deeper than any title.
On the drive home, she asks whether playoffs frighten me this year.
"Yes."
"Because of hockey?"
"Because pressure made me cruel and avoidant. I know it did not create those traits, but the season gave them shelter."
"What is the plan?"
"Weekly therapy continues. No sponsor changes without counsel reviewing impact on us. One protected evening together on home weeks unless mutually changed. If I miss it, I say what happened instead of sending an assistant."
"Good."
"What is your plan?"
She raises an eyebrow. "For your playoffs?"
"For not disappearing into support."
Her expression softens. "I keep my launch schedule. I attend games I choose, not every game. I do not manage your sleep or media. I tell you when I am proud without making pride my job."
"Good."
At her apartment, we pin both plans to the refrigerator beneath Theo's snack manifesto.
The playoffs begin.
Our life does not stop.