Page 10 of The Game She Hates

I call her back, and the phone rings just once before she picks up. “Hi, Aunt Mel, sorry for missing your call earlier,” I say, feeling shame.

“Zane, sweetheart, I can’t believe you called me back,” she responds, her voice brimming with warmth and affection. I wince at the truth of what she said.

“You know how it is, hockey keeps me busy,” I repeat the same excuse I’ve used even during the off-season.

“I know, I know. But I just need to know how you’re doing sometimes. I even watch your games to catch a glimpse of you. I miss you.”

It’s hard to imagine someone thinking about me, missing me. But Aunt Mel is probably not lying; I just struggle to accept her affection.

“Thanks for watching my games. I’ll try to visit when I can.” I surprise even myself with the promise.

“Zane, is this a promise?” she asks, hope lacing her tone.

“It is.” I may be elusive, but I’m still a man of my word.

“Zane,” Aunt Mel continues, her tone shifting slightly. “Have you been thinking about next month?”

April. The month I’ve dreaded ever since Dad’s DUI charge ten years ago that resulted in severe injuries for the family he ran into. I’d hoped they’d lock him up for life—he deserved it after all the convictions that were stacked against him over the years. Yet, here we are, ten years later, and his release looms on the horizon. I push aside the anger and resentment simmering within, refusing to let it consume me.

“I haven’t. I don’t want to think about it,” I admit, my voice stuck in my throat.

“You’ll have to, Zane. I know it’s incredibly hard, but so much can change in ten years.”

“Nothing can ever change that man, Aunt Mel.” I don’t care if she hears the bitterness seeping into my words. It’s my cue to end this call before she launches into her usual spiel about second chances and redemption. I still don’t know how she managed to visit my dad knowing how much hurt he brought in my life. “I’ve got to go make dinner. It’s getting late, and I haven’t eaten anything.”

When it comes to my dad, I can’t bring myself to believe in miracles. He’s had a hundred chances, and he’s squandered them all on his addiction, which was the source for all the pain he’s inflicted on others. His release next month doesn’t change a thing—a few months down the line, he’ll be back behind bars, where he belongs.

9

Pearl Davis

I’m reading a cozy mystery book while sitting on the couch, but my mind is fixated on the door, waiting for Robyn to come in so I can give her a piece of my mind. If she hadn’t insisted on me seeing Zane in front of Kendrick, none of today’s embarrassment would have happened.

The sound of the lock turning draws my full attention to the door.

Robyn bursts in energetically. “I’ve never been more excited to come home. My best friend met my hockey hero. Spill, tell me everything.”

I just shoot her a pointed glare.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’re ready to tear into me. Did I do something?”

“You bet you did. In fact, you did a lot wrong. Who sends their best friend into the lion’s den without a warning?” I throw my hands up in exasperation.

“What on earth are you talking about?” Robyn’s brow furrows in confusion.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about, Robs.”

“Oh no, is this about Zane Ortiz? Is he fierce off the ice too? I thought his aggression was confined to the rink and the other teams always start the fights. Did he say or do something to you?”

I roll my eyes. The Zane I met couldn’t be further from aggressive. I can’t even imagine him getting into a scuffle, but I can certainly see him charming every woman in sight.

“You didn’t prepare me for what he looks like.”

She giggles. “Oh, I warned you all right. I said he was pleasant to look at or something like that.”

“Robs, you said he was easy on the eye, and maybe on the ice he is. But in person, he looks like a menace to women trying to find their godly men. And worst of all, he knows it.” I almost gag as memories of his stubborn smirk and less-than-cute lopsided grin come to mind.

Robyn squeals. “Goodness, P. Are you crushing on Zane Ortiz? Don’t worry; there’s an entire online fan club swooning over him. You’re not the only one falling for his charm. Bedford is full of women like you.”

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