Page 226 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“I said I’d be here,” she says softly, slipping her hands into mine. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. I’m just sorry I’m late.”

“It’s okay. You don’t need to—how is he?”

I don’t need Hailee’s words; I can read enough from her expression.

“Suspected torn ACL.”

“Shit,” I hiss.

“Pretty sure he’s gonna miss the rest of the season.”

63

HAILEE

This evening has been hell. From the moment Calvin hit the ice, everything erupted. Of course, everyone is concerned, and all anyone wants to know is if he’s okay and what the season might look like if we’re forced to play without him. Tensions are running high, understandably so, and it took me forever to tie everything up enough to leave. It’s not over, though. This is just a reprieve. Tomorrow is going to be full-on once we have all the answers and are able to release more information.

But right now, I want to put work behind me and focus on my private life. Hayden needs me, and despite how nervous I am, he’s desperate to introduce me to his parents.

I’ve been keeping him updated. I promised to tell him when I was able to leave, but when the time came, I rushed out of there without wasting a second. Plus, I wanted to surprise him.

But now, as I stand outside the restaurant Hayden sent me directions to, my nerves are getting the better of me.

I shake my arms at my sides and force myself to forget all my own experiences with my parents.

The two people sitting in there with Hayden are not the same in any way.

They’re the kind of parents you want, not the kind you run away from.

Rolling my shoulders, I hold my head high and walk into the restaurant, greeting the host with a smile.

Exhaustion tugs at my muscles, but that’s nothing unusual.

“Hi, I’m joining a table for Monroe,” I say, my voice surprisingly steady.

“Of course, ma’am. This way, please.”

I follow behind, my eyes searching ahead for Trudy and Hank. The second I see them sitting alone at a table, my breath catches.

Where’s Hayden?

“Here you go,” the host says, stepping aside and revealing my presence.

“Thank you,” I whisper, feeling way more off balance than when I first spoke to him.

I turn to face Trudy and Hank, my heart crashing against my ribs, dreading what expressions they might be wearing.

Disappointment.

Shock.

Irritation.

But the second I look at them, I see none of that. Only excitement, happiness, and understanding.

Honestly, how I don’t burst into tears on the spot is something I’ll never figure out.

“Hailee,” Trudy breathes before she pushes her chair back and steps in front of me. “It’s so good to finally meet you.”