Page 79 of Tempest

“Where’s Damian tonight?” I ask.

“He was in New Orleans for the weekend, but his plane should have landed in SeaTac a few minutes ago. He’ll come straight here.”

“Can we make big neighs the next time I stay over?” Sadie asks her aunt.

“Beignets? Yes! Those turned out delicious last time you helped.”

“Yeah. Plus, Uncle Damian lets me put so much sugar on mine. He’s the best.”

“I might have to have a talk with Uncle Damian,” Isla says.

“No, I don’t think you need to do that,” Sadie says emphatically, shaking her head, making all of us laugh. “I’m his favorite niece. He always says so.”

“You’re his only niece,” Isla says.

“For now, but I’ll still be his favorite after you give me lots of sisters and brothers.”

“Who says I’m giving you lots?”

“Daddy.”

“With the number of nights I babysit, I’d say Cillian is right,” Willa adds.

“Shut it,” Isla says to her sister, looking a little ashamed. The lights dim, saving Isla from any more teasing about her apparently active sex life.

The first period moves fast but neither team scores. Britton gets animated every time Blom makes a save, which is a lot. He’s a beast in the net tonight. Or that’s what Tori tells me. I’ve been trying to watch more games at home, but it’s hard to learn it all without someone explaining it to you.

At first intermission, I excuse myself to use the restroom. My phone vibrates in my handbag, and I see that I missed a call from Fallon. Reception is spotty in the arena, but if I walk outside to make a call, I can’t get back in. I type out a text message instead.

Me:

I’m at a hockey game. Is it urgent, or can I call in the morning?

After grabbing another beer for Britton, I make my way back down toward our seats. Many women are standing, giving hugs to a woman whose back is to me.

“Why didn’t you sit up here with us?” one asks her. “We’ve missed you.”

“Oh, we have seats down by the benches tonight,” the newcomer says. She turns just enough that I can see her profile.

Caroline.

She’s missed. This is her world. Her family. My mind reels as panic sets in.

I glance at Britton and Vanessa, who notice me and give me wary looks. My hands shake, a little, at first, then violently. I look down to see that my phone is vibrating.

Fallon:

Josephine thinks it’s an emergency, but that’s just theatrics. Call me in the morning. NOT TOO EARLY!

I stare at the message, unmoving, unsure of what to do, when more messages come through.

Vanessa:

This is your spot, Odette. Not hers. Not anymore. Remember who you are.

Britton:

What Vanessa said.

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