Page 74 of Boarded Hearts

He stands from the bed and pulls on some jeans. “I need to head out, but I’ll call you later, okay?”

As he finishes getting dressed and leans down to place a kiss against my lips, I can tell his mind is awash with swirling thoughts and fears about Elliott and me staying in his house. It’s clear Jon needs space to cool off and process and so do I. I know he’s trying to understand it from my point of view but there’s no doubt he’s struggling to accept that Elliott will always be a feature in my life, and the facts remain that I have to put my children first.

I gather my things and get dressed, intending to take a shower back at my apartment before I head to the office. I leave Jon a note explaining I’ve gone to work and pray everything between us will be okay.

“What time do you fly?” Kate comes to stand next to me as we wait for the elevator.

“Tomorrow evening,” I reply. My tone is as flat as my mood. It’s the day before Christmas Eve, and since I left Jon’s apartment on Monday morning, we’ve barely had a chance to see each other. Between my work and his training and PR obligations, we’ve been like ships that barely cross in the night. We’ve exchanged a few messages and the odd call, but everything feels awkward between us. Like there’s an elephant in the room that neither of us wants to address. He had a home game last night, but I didn’t go. Not because I didn’t want to see him, but Mark was snowed under in the pre-Christmas rush, so I had no choice but to work overtime.

“Just call him,” Kate says as we both step into the elevator and she punches the button to take us down to the lobby.

“Call him and say what, exactly? Because I’ve no idea what to say. I have to go back to Oxford to see my daughter and she wants me there. They’ve been through enough with the divorce, which was driven by me.”

Kate raises a hand as she backs out into the lobby. “I’m going to stop you there. You left him because he’s a selfish bastard and for the record, he’s a narcissist who plays manipulative games. So don’t you ever think that you’re to blame for the demise of your marriage. That’s on him and his toxic ways.”

We make our way outside, and I can’t help but recall the day Jon was standing propped against his car and waiting to take me back to “the finest restaurant in town.” My chest deflates. I miss him so much.

“Just call me when you land, okay babe?”

I pull Kate into a hug and rest my head on her shoulder. “I will, just don’t worry about me.”

She quirks a brow. “For what it’s worth, I think Jon has good reason to be concerned about Elliott. He’s an asshole, and I don’t trust him. Never have, never will.”

What Jon or Kate think of my ex-husband is irrelevant. “There’s nothing I can do about it. It'll be fine. It’ll maybe be a little awkward at times, but I’ll be back in Seattle in a few days.”

With one final embrace, we part ways, and I make my way back to my apartment to pack my suitcase and pray this trip will be plain sailing.

Jon

Be safe, and call me when you land, okay?

Me

I will. Are you out with the boys tonight?

Nah, the bars will be packed and next to impossible to have a quiet drink, so they’re coming to my place for a few beers.

Give your mum, dad, and Adam a hug from me tomorrow.

Apparently Adam keeps asking when you’ll be back over.

When I get back, I promise.

Do I have competition?

Definitely ;)

Can’t say as I blame him.

Just take care, Angel x

I switch my phone to airplane mode and begin flipping through the in-flight entertainment system. Things between us are still tricky, but last night he turned up with a pizza, complete with black olives, and we cuddled, made out, and watched Sex and the City, so I feel like we’re at least some way to being on track.

“I still can’t believe you’re dating Jon Morgan,” Jack says as he positions his headphones over his ears, ready to get comfortable for the eleven-hour flight. Jon insisted on paying for us to fly first class. I tried to put up a fight, but looking at how little legroom Jack has even in these seats, I can see why he said Jack would need it. He’s grown so much in the last two years and hasn’t been on a plane since we arrived in Seattle all that time ago.

I’ve barely spoken to Jack or Darcy about us, but they’re aware we’re dating and seem cool with it, especially Jack funnily enough. I shrug. “It’s just like any other relationship.”

He wags his fingers and shakes his head. “I beg to differ. He’s one of the greatest hockey players to walk the earth, and I’m not complaining. I’m benefitting from this deal just fine.” He smiles with pride.

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