Page 21 of Breaking the Ice

Oh, Durand's bringing a girl? Good for him, I think. Let's hope he doesn't ruin it with some stupid bet. Shaking my head, I head into the bathroom and run a bath. While I enjoy the bubble bath, I call Riley. She can't wait to see me again in two days. I'm going to spend the Christmas break at home in Aberdeen and I'm really looking forward to it. Even though I love Portland and my job here, I miss my friends and Mom. While Riley and I chat, WhatsApp messages keep coming in. I don't check them, I'm sure it's the players confirming their attendance at Caleb's party. As for me, I plan to have a quiet evening. Pizza and an old horror movie, maybe. Let's see what Netflix has to offer.

An hour later, the water isn't even lukewarm anymore, so I end the call and step out of the bath with wrinkled hands. Wrapped in my bathrobe with a towel turban, I'm about to head to my bedroom when the doorbell rings. That must be Dad. He's probably forgotten his keys, I assume, and open the door.

“Emma! Why aren't you answering my messages?” Mandy snaps at me, rushing past me into the apartment. “I'm completely beside myself,” she whines.

“What's going on?”, I ask, closing the door behind her and ushering her into the kitchen.

“Well, it's about tonight. About that stupid cow, Belinda.”

“Belinda?” I repeat, my forehead creasing. “Should I know this woman?”

“Yes! Well, no, I think she was before your time. I mean, before you started with the Devils. She's Toby's ex-girlfriend.” I understand. She's that one girlfriend he had. Still, I don't quite grasp what Mandy is getting at.

“And?” I inquire.

“And she looks super hot, still seems to want him according to the texts I saw, and she's coming to the playoff party tonight with Durand!” The words are just pouring out of my friend. She's completely worked up, with red stress spots on her face and neck. “Emma, I know you had planned a quiet evening tonight. But I need your support. I don't want to face that cow alone. Please, come with me to the party.”

“I'm not sure...” After the embarrassing incident in the locker room when Caleb lifted me off the logo and I gazed at him like a lunatic, I've been steering clear of him. I've realized he's got me all tangled up, and it's healthier to avoid him. At a party in his loft, I'm bound to run into him.

“Emma, please. This really matters to me. I need you.” Mandy takes my hand, looking at me with her baby blue eyes, pleading. Man, how can you say no to that? Well, I'll just accompany her. No one says I have to hang out with Caleb just because I'm in his loft. I'll just stick close to Toby and Mandy.

“Alright then,” I agree, after which Mandy throws her arms around my neck.

“You're the best, Emma. I owe you one,” she says, letting go of me. “Okay, so we'll pick you up around half past eight. Can you make it?” I glance at the digital clock on the stove. That's in just under an hour.

“Yeah, I should be able to make it.”

“Perfect! I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be great! God, I have to go, get all dolled up.” Fidgeting like a startled chicken, Mandy heads toward the door. “Thanks again! You're the greatest! See you later!” And off she goes. Crazy thing, I think with a smile, and head to my bedroom to rummage through my clothes. What on earth does one wear to a playoff party in a loft?

At half past eight, I stand in front of the mirror in my wardrobe and look at myself. I've opted for skin-tight jeans that accentuate my butt, and a loosely falling glossy black top. I'm wearing black high heels and silver hoop earrings, which make my neck look so elegantly long. I've tied my hair into a high ponytail today, and my makeup is understated. Just some eyeliner to accentuate my eyes, a bit of mascara, blush, and done. I grab my handbag and head downstairs. Outside the house, I look around for Mandy, who seems to be running late. So, I take the opportunity to call Dad and let him know I'm going out. But my father's phone is turned off, which is unusual for him. I leave him a message and I'm just considering calling my friend to check up on her when Toby's SUV pulls up. They're running late because Mandy couldn't decide what to wear. Now she's in a pink balloon dress that makes her look like a giant piece of candy. Not exactly an outfit I'd have chosen. But she has to feel comfortable in it, not me. On the way to the party, my friend chatters non-stop. She's insecure about this Belinda, but Toby takes it easy. I see him place his massive hand on Mandy's slender thigh, soothing her. The two of them are so sweet. I wish I had someone who could calm me like that. I don't know why, but the thought of meeting Caleb is making my heart race. Nervous bubbles churn in my stomach, and I wonder if I'd have been better off staying home.

We arrive at one of those old factory buildings on the outskirts of town. Whoever renovated this place is a genius. Although it looks ultramodern on one hand, it hasn't lost its original 1920s flair. The front has a cigar shop, Old Habana. Through the tall windows and glass door, I can catch a glimpse of an elegant dark wood interior and hefty wingback chairs. Toby leads us past the closed shop to a door at the side of the building leading to Caleb's apartment. Even in the stairwell, we can hear voices and music. Again, discomfort bubbles up in me. I shouldn't have let myself be talked into this; I lament silently. Too late, I can't back out now, because Toby is opening the door to Caleb's loft.

“Alright, folks!” he calls out, drawing everyone's attention. “Your Swiss fun guarantor is here. Let's get this damn awesome party started! Woo-hoo!” Oh man, classic Toby. I enter the apartment with Mandy and can only gape in astonishment. I never would have expected Caleb to have such taste. The loft is insane! Almost everything is in white. The walls, the curtains, the kitchen, even the floor. It's made of one of those new poured materials. On the left side, there's a black leather couch in front of a built-in massive screen and an extravagant glass table with black claw feet. On the walls hang carefully chosen black and white watercolors, and on the right side, next to the XL kitchen, I spot a black iron staircase leading to the upper area. The apartment is filled with people. It looks like the whole team is here. I think I even saw Mr. Flake, and I wonder if my dad is here too. Toby hooks Mandy and me under his arms and leads us to the couch, where Byers and Parker are sitting. I join the winger, who doesn't seem too thrilled and turns away from me. His stubborn behavior is starting to get on my nerves.

“Honestly, are you still mad?” I ask bluntly. For a moment, I think he's ignoring me, but then he sighs and turns to face me. The gaze of his ice-blue eyes roams over my face. I can see the hard expression around his lips disappear, replaced by a regretful smile.

“No, it's just...”

“Just what? Just that you lost your bet and can expect a few bruises? Sorry, my friend, but you brought this on yourself.”

“I didn't want this to happen.” A wistful look comes into Parker's eyes. And there's something else, a deeper emotion... Oh no. “Emma,” he continues, taking my hand in his, “the bet was a huge mistake. When you started with us, you were just the pretty new girl that everyone wanted. I didn't think much of it to bet for one night with you. But then I got to know you and...” No, please don't say it!... “I fell in love with you.” Damn it! Why didn't I listen to my gut feeling, you stupid nut? I should've stayed home! “I've never met a woman like you before. You're so different, so...”

“Parker, wait,” I interrupt him before he can go any further. He pauses and looks at me with hopeful, raised eyebrows. Oh damn, I hate moments like these. “Listen, you're really a good guy, but there will never be anything between us.” My radical honesty causes his shoulders to slump.

“It's because of that damn bet, isn't it?” No, it's because you're just not my type, I think, but I nod and let him believe it's because of the bet. That's less painful. “Ah, damn it, I knew it. I screwed it up myself, I am an idiot.” Parker lets go of my hand and runs his hand over his closely cropped hair. “Is there anything I can do? Make it right?” He tries to reach for my hand again, but I pull it back and shake my head regretfully. “Ah shit,” he curses and stands up. Looking down at me, he seems to consider whether he should say something else but decides against it and walks away. Phew. I exhale. I hate having these conversations.

“Emma, look, there she is. Belinda,” Mandy whispers urgently in my ear. She didn't catch the conversation between Parker and me because she was distracted by the couple at the other end of the room, who are now making their way towards us. Durand and a girl in her mid-twenties. She has waist-length blonde hair, a generic face, and a regular figure. She towers over the Canadian by half a head and overall seems pleasant. That changes when she spots my friend.

“Seems like someone isn't exactly a fan,” I whisper back to Mandy, never taking my eyes off Belinda.

“The feeling’s mutual,” my friend hisses.

The two haven't reached us yet when Toby appears behind them.

“Durand, where have you been lurking that you dragged this rat here?” he inquires with a stern expression, squeezing past his colleague and the girl. He brings us our drinks. I'm totally stunned that the usually friendly and always joking Toby would say something so offensive.

“Have a nice evening, Toby,” Belinda retorts with a dreadful high-pitched voice. “You don't seem to have changed at all.”

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