Page 98 of Forbidden Forward

“Sure.” He might as well have said, “Dismissed.”

I turn to walk away just as Coach lays a friendly hand on Harper’s shoulder. “Let’s take a walk to my office.”

After another restless night, I show up for our voluntary morning skate. Harper doesn’t. We’ve called up one of our minor leaguers to take over my position at 4C, and I’ve been elevated to the third line with two different wingers. We practice a few drills together. They’re talented, hardworking guys, and we’ve played on a line before, so I don’t expect any kinks tonight.

At the end of tonight’s game, the team is holding its annual fan appreciation night, and we’ll hand over our game-worn jerseys to a designated fan. I like these kinds of events with the people who watch us play night in, night out, but I’m not feeling it. Too many distractions pull pieces of me apart.

Is Harper going to let Jackie stay with him?

What’s happening with her job?

Where will I end up next season?

Climbing into my truck, I head home for a nap after taking advantage of the lunch spread. First, I need some information, so I call the one person who might be able to tell me.

My sister answers on the first ring. “Colby James!”

“Lindsey Gail,” I reply.

“Someone sounds growly.”

“Bad couple of days.”

“I saw where your teammate got hurt. Do you think you guys can win without him?”

“We’ll find out tonight.” We need to win our last three games if we hope to make the playoffs.

I prompt her with a few questions about the California foundation, and she chatters on with updates about all the recognition they’re getting and the donations flowing in.

“Sean is a marketing genius, and he’s been getting us all kinds of attention,” she gushes.

“Sean,” I deadpan.

“Omigod, would you open your eyes and try to look beyond your dog-hair forest? You might actually see good stuff happening.”

She’s right. Once again, I’m stuck in my own head and can’t get out of it. Jackie was good at helping me do that, but … “Sorry, Lins. Lots on my mind.”

Her voice takes on an empathetic quality. “Like where you’re going to end up.”

“Yeah, that. I’m also wondering where Jackie’s going to end up. Any news on her job?”

“Haven’t you spoken to her? And why couldn’t she end up with you?” My sister laughs at the last bit.

“We’re, uh, we’re not together.”

“Why not?” my sister exclaims.

I change lanes to avoid a long line of traffic. “Because I’m not good enough for her. Look, Lins, can you just tell me if you have any news? Peggy won’t talk to me, and you’re my only source of information.”

She makes an exasperated noise. “I hope I’m around the day you finally decide to stop wallowing, Colby.”

Ouch.

“Wait. You didn’t break up on account of me, did you?”

My puzzlement comes through loud and clear. “Why would you ask that?”

“Because I have this theory.”