“I really think you need to tell your husband, he’s so worried about you.”
“I know, but it was going to be his Christmas present. Lex,” I whine, “I don’t know if I can wait ‘til next week.”
“So give him his present early,” she suggests like the pucking genius she is.
My head snaps up and that light bulb clicks in my mind. “That’s perfect, why didn’t I think of that?”
“Probably ‘cause your head is always in the toilet or you’re stuffing your face with food. How it hasn’t clicked, I will never know.”
“Stefan guessed right away,” I tell her, “And … and I think he covered for me just now.”
“Huh?” she questions as I stand up and lean against the sink.
“Just before, I ran into him after throwing up and he said, I was pregnant. Pretty sure it was a joke, but he knew from my facial expression that I am. I asked him not to tell Kal and then Kal arrived and he heard me say that. I was at a loss for what to say, but then Stefan started to fake vomit, well, I think it was fake.”
Turning around, I wash my hands and think over what just happened. He was teasing me and then he was retching, did he just help me keep my secret? Or is he really sick? “Whatever the case, he just saved my ass.”
“Let me get this straight, Stefan Däuchmen just helped you keep a secret?”
“Yep.”
“Stefan Däuchmen didn’t throw you under the bus?”
Slowly I nod. “Mmmhmpf.”
“Are we inThe Twilight Zone? ‘Cause, what the puck?”
“I know, right? But whatever the case, I need to get out there so I can see my man shine, and then I’m going to give him his Christmas present early ‘cause secrets and me aren’t good.” I nearly spilled the secret I know about her, but my brain kicked into gear and I kept my mouth shut. Look at me, I can keep a secret. We really must be inThe Twilight Zoneafter all.
“Okay, let’s do this.” Lexi links arms with me and we head out of the bathroom.
CHAPTER12
KALLEN
Being up here with Stefan, I find myself in awe of the guy as I listen intently to his speech and that’s something I never thought I would do. He’s a douche, plain and simple, but as I sit here and take in his words, I realize he really put thought into this presentation. Now I kinda feel bad for ignoring most of his texts and calls this past week.
“… and with that being said, I’ll wrap things up but before I do, I need to offer an apology.” This piques my interest and I sit up straighter in my chair. “I need to apologize to my former teammates and coach. I really was a douche when I was playing here in New York. I thought my shit didn’t stink and that the world owed me. I hurt a lot of people along the way. Sorry for not being the teammate and man I should have been, but I guess it worked out well for you, Kal, because you married a pretty great chick.” He turns to face me. “Kallen, you’re pretty great too, but your wife’s better. I know we’ve had our differences, on and off the ice, but that’s all in the past and I hope that one day we can become friends.” Then he turns to Wren. “I also need to thank this amazing woman here last. Wren, thank you for keeping my ass in line and putting up with me, but most of all, Kallen and I need to thank you guys, our fans. Without fans we wouldn’t have the desire to win like we do. You guys cheering us on is always the push we need to play at our best. Sure, some of you root for the wrong team.” My teammates and I boo him. “And yes, I know I used to be a Crusher, but I’m now with the far superior team.” His teammates cheer. “But rivalry is good when it’s handled professionally and left on the ice. I think Kallen will agree with me, life is much simpler when we don’t have management, or Wren, riding our butts.”
“I don’t know about Wren riding my butt ‘cause, well, I’m not a douche, but I do have a wife and father-in-law who keep me in line.”
“Yeah, boys and girls,” Stefan singsongs, “don’t hook up with the coach’s daughter because Coach will push you harder, on and off the ice.”
“It’s worth it if you ask me.” Finding Chelsea at the back of the crowd, I blow her a kiss. She smiles and air kisses me back, but I notice an odd look on her face. She’s here but she’s not here, and that causes my worry for her to increase. Then I think about her throwing up all the time and her general offness lately, is she sick? Is she dying? What the puck is going on? What is she hiding from me?
JJ shouts, “You guys are whipped,” from the back of the room, earning himself an elbow to the ribs from Lexi.
I realize I tuned out and missed the rest of Stefan’s speech, but he’s wrapping it up now, and I’m thankful for that because I need to be with my wife. “Life is hard,” Stefan says, “we aren’t always going to get along with everyone and that’s okay, but we need to treat each other with respect. Life is difficult enough as it is, without making it harder for ourselves by focusing on the negatives.” He pauses and looks to Wren, a look of contentment appears on his face. “A wise woman once told me to show respect to everyone, even those who don’t deserve it because it reflects on you and your character in how you treat them.” He then turns to me. “Jones, I’m sorry for being a jackass to you.” He looks to the crowd and finds Chelsea. “And especially you, Chels. I let my insecurities fester and it wasn’t until I was about to lose it all that I realized, I, and only I, can change what happens in my life.”
“I … ummm, wow, I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything, just know, I’m sorry and I’m sure you’ll make a great dad.” My eyes widen at him mentioning kids and then he adds on, “One of these days.”
“Thanks, man, and truth be told, I’m sorry too.”
“What are you sorry for?”
“I’m not sure exactly but after your heartfelt speech, I felt like I needed to say it too. I’m sure I did just as many douchey things as you did.”