Page 35 of Puck Me Twice

Good. My work here is done.

“How was your evening?” I ask quietly.

“Good. You played well.”

“Thanks.” I manage half a smile. Even though I didn’t get a goal, I did manage two assists, so I feel comfortably pleased with my performance. “You watched?”

“I always watch. I just don’t always get to see it from the stands.” She shifts in her seat. “I was finishing up some paperwork in the back office. Getting ready. Usually I don’t travel with the team.”

Inclining my head, I wonder what’s changed. Scott, the other Logistics Coordinator, was with us on our last trip. It didn’t strike me as abnormal until she appeared today.

“Hey, Van,” Jenkins says, nodding at her.

Her eyes flick to him. “Hi.”

“You’re here with us?”

She gives him a tight-lipped smile. “Looks like, yeah.”

Andrews stows his stuff in the compartment above row 13 on the left side of the plane, sitting on the aisle. It’s like he can’t possibly bear to be apart from her. Clingy asshole.

On the other hand, I can’t really blame him. I don’t want to be separated from her, either.

Despite our relationship declaration form officially being on file, I don’t think anyone really knows yet. About us, that is. We won’t get in trouble with management or ownership, but none of the guys know. None of the staff.

I guess they’re about to find out.

“Nessie,” Andrews says, nodding at her.

She rolls her eyes. “Hi, Robby.” She turns to face me, her hand squeezing mine so tightly it almost cuts off my circulation. “How’s Rupert?”

“Already asleep for the night.” She goes to sleep around sundown each night, even on the days I’m home in the evening. “Brigitte is with her.”

Vanessa smiles softly.

“What are you up to tomorrow?” I ask. We have practice from ten to two and then free time before the team dinner at that stupid steakhouse. Thursday, we’ll be at the training facility most of the morning, then time for a pregame nap before we head back to start preparing for the evening’s matchup.

“Just some paperwork. I have a half-day,” she says. “Now that I’m on the road more, Jacky is reallocating some of my daily responsibilities to compensate.”

I don’t really know what she does. I mean, I know she works in logistics. I don’t know what that means, though. When I signed here, all of the details were handled by some dude named Tim and my then-fiancée. They found me an apartment in the North End—which I hated—and moved all my stuff from Arizona and unpacked it. All I had to do was show up.

When we broke up, Marika was the one to move out since the season had already started. After an abysmally short playoff run, my realtor closed on my current house and coordinated the movers.

I don’t know what’s going to happen when I leave Boston. If I leave Boston. I’ve got a year left on my contract, and even though I hope to get one more long-term contract, it’s highly likely that I’ll be unable to.

I like this team. I like this city. I’ve got Hildy and Brigitte and… Vanessa.

Detangling my hand from hers, I put up the two armrests dividing us. She scoots a little closer—not much, just a little.

Because the flight is so short, there’s no point in changing out of my suit into casual clothes, only to put the suit back on an hour later. For longer flights, we’re allowed to wear comfortable clothes. Pre- and post-game, though, we’re to wear our suits. I’ve removed my jacket and rolled up my sleeves, the only concession to comfort.

Vanessa yawns, covering her mouth with her hand.

“Tired?” I ask, fighting the urge to take her hand back.

I wince. Of course she’s tired. She just yawned.

She nods. “Bex and I went to a new workout class at an obscene hour this morning. I didn’t think that through.”