Page 49 of Cross Ice

“Really. You shouldn’t have to navigate that alone.”

I nodded. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

We stood, and Griffin pulled me into a one-armed bro hug. “You’re going to be okay. Both of you.”

“I hope so.”

“And hey,” Wesley added. “For what it’s worth? The fact that you’re this worried about protecting him tells me you’re nothing like his ex.”

Griffin’s grip tightened before he let go. “One more thing.”

“What?”

“We’re going to destroy you tonight.”

I left the coffee shop chuckling.

Back in my room, I pulled out my phone.

Nico

Just got back from Beaverton. Met with Griffin and his boyfriend, Wesley Hutton.

Nico

Wesley’s the PR manager for the Portland Stormhawks.

Evan

You met Griffin Lapierre?

Nico

First time in person and not on the ice.

Evan

How was it?

Nico

Good. They’ve been through the public side of this and came out of it intact. Wesley offered to help if it ever goes that way for us.

Evan

The PR manager boyfriend.

Nico

He knows what he’s doing. I believe him.

Evan

That’s good to know.

Nico

They asked how you were doing with all of it. I told them you were scared and trying anyway.