Chapter 24
twenty-four
Koren
I’ve lost track of the number of weeks it’s been as everything has been a blur.
When the email from Elijah’s lawyer comes through, Elijah is sitting on the edge of his bed with the unread message glowing on his screen.
I don’t doubt he’s holding his breath, and he doesn’t move at all. Honestly? I don’t blame him.
We both know how fast the world turns on someone. This whole experience has changed him so much. He’s quieter now, softer around the edges, but stronger in the places that mattered.
“Do you want me to read it?” I’m a little afraid because I don’t actually want to read it. What if it’s bad news, and I’m the one who has to tell him?
“I can do it.” He moves his thumb over his phone to open it.
Part of me wants to read over his shoulder because I can’t stand the pressure in my chest. The other part knows he needs a private moment, and he’ll tell me when he’s ready.
I study his face. His lips part, his face pales.
Tears spring to my eyes. This doesn’t look good as the color continues to drain from his face.
At last, he whispers, “The league cleared me.”
I whisper back. “Meaning you can play again?”
“I can.”
“It’s a miracle.” My throat goes so dry, I struggle to speak, and tears fall freely down my cheeks. I reach over to wrap my arms around his neck, ready to celebrate but he’s stone-cold quiet. “What’s wrong?”
“Bill was suspended indefinitely from league operations. The Granite Ice board is forcing him to sell. Apparently, they already have someone who has stepped forward with an offer—Blake Anton, his rival. If Bill doesn’t accept it, and can’t find another buyer, the league can force a third party to manage the sale, and Anton could end up with his team. ”
“Whoa.” Chills ripple through my body. Everyone knows that team is Bill’s baby. “That’s so messed up. I don’t think Bill will accept Anton’s offer. He’ll find a buyer. He has too. You’ll still get to play, and it’ll all be fine.”
“Maybe a change will be good.” Elijah’s still staring at his phone, rereading the message over and over. “Or it could be really, really bad …”