Page 33 of Drop Pass

That was news to me. “Really?”

“Yes, they said your name was decided before your agent even reached out. You’ll receive it this weekend.”

“So, only one left?”

“Yes, just an article. I believe your agent has reached out to several of the league’s top publications, so we’re just waiting to hear back on that.”

“That is great news. Thank you.”

“Just keep doing what you’re doing, Nikolay. We’ll get your family here soon.”

I hung up and fell back on my couch letting relief wash over me. I hadn’t talked to Mama or my sisters about coming over yet because I didn’t want to get their hopes up, but now it seemed like it was just a matter of time. If we worked fast, maybe they could be here before Christmas.

I checked the time on my phone. They were probably still sleeping, so I decided to make an early dinner to occupy myself. Once I got an idea in my head it was hard to do anything but focus on it. I wanted to wake up my family with the good news but Mama wouldn’t appreciate that.

I pulled out a premade meal from my nutritionist and heated it in the oven. While I waited, I started looking for homes and apartments in the area. My sisters needed to go to a good school, but I also wanted them close. I started looking things up and was soon sucked into a black hole of information. There were plenty of good schools in the area and I could either buy a home for all of us or get them one nearby.

I liked having my own space, but would I want us all under one roof? Tiana was the only one that spoke decent enough English to get around. I’d worry about them if I wasn’t close.

But then I’d have to move. I’d no longer be Elena’s neighbor.

The thought shocked me.

Why did I care? My family was what mattered, not the beautiful woman with sapphire eyes and velvet lips.

I shook my head. I should move just to keep myself from getting distracted. Who cared if I couldn’t walk to the arena? I needed to keep my head clear.

My food was done and I scarfed it down before returning to my research. There were neighborhoods like where Olli and Emma lived. A good place for my sisters to grow up.

But that was expensive. Something I’d be willing to do if I knew my contract would be renewed, but at the end of next year, my future would be up to management. I didn’t want to put my family in a dangerous position. I wanted them to be financially secure. I had to be smart.

I was getting ahead of myself. I was excited but that didn’t mean I could go overboard. I didn’t know if they even wanted to come. Mama might not be able to work when she got here. I didn’t want her to have to, but I knew she’d feel restless without something to give her purpose. There was still so much to figure out.

I couldn’t tell them yet. I needed to get more information. Make sure I knew everything I needed to before I told them.

11

Elena

This was a mistake. I knew it was the moment Lucy mentioned it, but how could I say no? I’d just told her I was finished for the day and I was right across the street. It would have been weird to say I couldn’t. I’d needed a really good excuse and my mind was too tired to come up with one.

So, I was walking through the empty halls of the arena looking for the section the Pride always sat in during practice.

I hadn’t seen Nikolay in two days. I wasn’t trying to avoid him, and I doubted he was either, but fate was keeping us apart. It was for the best. The last thing I needed was to get any closer to him. I didn’t need or want to get to know him, bad things happened when we were together.

In recent days, I hadn’t had a near-death experience and he hadn’t stuck his foot in his mouth. Things were working out for both of us.

I turned into the J section and took the stairs slowly while watching the players cut across the ice. My eyes instinctively searched for number seventy-one but I looked away and focused on the rows filled with the Pride.

Chloe spotted me first and waved. “Your hair looks amazing!”

“Thanks,” I called and gained the attention of almost every woman. I felt out of place since I wasn’t dating any of the players, but if anyone had the same thought they didn’t voice it.

“There you are. I was starting to think you got lost.” Lucy said with a wink.

I ignored her and sat down between her and Addi. “You’ve got a day off?”

Addi nodded. “Yeah, and I could use the free babysitting. Is that horrible?”