Page 70 of Redeeming Heart

“She used to be an artist, but found her taste for life when she met my dad and decided to become a restaurant owner.”

I caught myself grinning. “My aunt is an artist—well, she was before everything with my mom happened.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “All of those painted and sketch art on her walls, did she make it?” He asked.

I nodded. “My mom was the sport-type while Aunt Maggie was the art kid.”

“Even my mom will agree when I say your aunt has a serious talent.” He shared.

It was sad that she stopped doing what she loves.

“My mom’s death didn’t only take a big toll on me. She couldn’t lift a pencil or paintbrush after my mom passed away. She had nothing to inspire her, but anger and darkness.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Brandon showed me the article that got him all gloomed-up and whatever the writer was thinking at that moment wasn’t nice. The things they said were cruel and uncalled for, and false.

“I thought it was going to be an innocent article because of the questions she asked, but turns out she thinks that the coach made the mistake of picking me for the team and she believes that another player deserved my spot.” He crumbled up a piece of paper and shot it across the table.

I placed his tablet down and closed the article.

“She missed out when you broke records of legends and became one. She’s blind because she can’t see your talent and your emotional commitment when you are out there. I know I saw it and not just today.”

He leaned back in his chair and lazily pushed his legs out while tapping his finger on the table.

“She’s probably still sour because I turned her down when she asked me out during my first official game for the Gladiators.” He muttered.

“Or maybe even when her brother didn’t get picked, but I did.” He added with a shrug.

“I don’t usually mind petty, but this pathetic.” I was referring to the article. He looked at me and nothing about his composure changed.

“Would she approve if you drag her name through the mud like this? Can she even start to imagine what it feels like if the tables were turned?”

I don’t usually call people names, but she was an attention-seeker and pathetic to want to ruin a person’s career because they turned her down.

She even falsely accused Brandon of being an “ignorant rich brat” which of course, he isn’t. He is the most down-to-earth guy I’ve ever met who has the right to be arrogant because of what he has accomplished, but he chose not to be like that.

“I don’t think she knows what it takes to get here and keep your spot when every year new players arise.” He remarked with a resentful look.

“They can replace us in an instant.” He muttered.

He wasn’t exaggerating. Age played a number. So did talent and record-breaking games. If they keep an even score or win championships they can get replaced by a new, younger player.

“I can’t even start to imagine myself not being a hockey player. It’s a dream I had since I was a kid and, in this world, to chase your dreams are risky because you don’t always get it.” He said with a shake of his head.

“It’s kind of weird that I can relate.” He looked at me and I smiled when there was not a single sign of annoyance, but there was understanding.

“Look how fast I got replaced when I left. I have to work twice as hard now to leave an impression and hope that I can become better as what I once was.”

I was nineteen years old and I was already dreading the idea of only signing a five-year contract before a younger version of me takes over.

“You are an incredible player; they would be insane to replace you and not give you a chance.” He argued.

“Same goes for you, Hills. I wish you can see your potential when you are out there. I know you only see the girls cheering for you, but you’ve got this whole town cheering for you because you have the talent.”

He became silent and sensed something was bothering him.

My mother once spoke about pressure and I could never understand what she meant, but noticing that look in his eyes, I think I started to understand. Everyone was relying on him and placing unnecessary pressure on his shoulders.

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