Page 169 of Miami Ice

“When Ella texted me what happened, my stomach dropped out,” Scarlett says. “I didn’t see that text for a while because I was out doing some last-minute Christmas shopping, but as soon as I saw it, I headed right over here.”

“Thank you for coming to see me. That means a lot.”

“I can’t imagine how much pain you’re in. I’m so sorry.”

“It could have been so much worse,” I admit. “I’m thankful.”

“I know you’re going to have a recovery period, and I want to help. If you need someone to keep you company, help with laundry, anything, I want to be there.”

“Thank you, I’m sure I’ll take you up on that. I’ll especially need help when Beckham is on the road.”

“Then I’m your girl. Along with all your other girls,” she teases.

I smile. “I’m so lucky to have so many good friends.”

And that’s the truth. I’m blessed with old friends, like Chloe and Emilee, and new ones, like Becca and Scarlett.

My phone begins to vibrate. I swallow nervously, as I know it’s because of the post I put up. I told Ella to tag Beckham in it, so no doubt it’s getting picked up all over the place.

Scarlett glances in the direction of the phone sitting on the table next to the chair where Ella was moments ago.

“I had Ella put up a post about the accident on Connectivity and Instagram,” I tell her. “I explained why Beckham is a scratch tonight.”

Scarlett’s dark brows have knitted into a confused V.

“Scarlett, you know Beckham’s reputation prior to coming to Miami,” I say slowly. “I also know how sports works. You don’t take days off unless you’re hurt. Or a baby is born, or someone dies. Beckham risked everything tonight to be with me. I wanted your dad and the coaching staff to see why. He didn’t have time to get team approval. Beckham has been with me because I needed him. And he needed to be with me.”

Awareness dawns in her blue eyes. “You’re worried about the consequences of him not showing up tonight.”

I swallow. “Yes, I am.”

“Do you mind if I read what you wrote?” she asks.

“We’re friends, of course I don’t mind.”

Scarlett retrieves her phone and swipes it open. Then she taps on a few things and begins to read. When she’s finished, she looks at me, blinking back tears.

“Nothing is going to happen to Beckham,” she says, her voice wobbly but determined at the same time. “First, from working in social media, this was a brilliant move. Yes, some fans will be assholes about it, but in this day and age? Most people are going to be on Beckham’s side. This isn’t him not showing up because he’s partied too hard the night before. This is Beckham making the choice of being there for the woman he loves in an emergency. It was the right call.”

“Thank you,” I say softly.

“And if you’re worried about my dad, well, he’s old school. Hockey is hislife.But even he understands that players have lives, and that includes ups and downs and crises. I will remind him of that tonight. Trust me, the team will stand behind Beckham after seeing these pictures. And Beckham won’t face discipline for being a good man. I’ll do everything I can to make sure of it. But honestly? I don’t think it will be needed, Georgie. You took care of it yourself.”

I’m about to reply when the door opens, and Beckham walks in carrying a tray of coffee drinks. He blinks in surprise at Scarlett, who rises from her chair.

“Becks,” she says, slipping her purse over her shoulder. “I just stopped by to see how Georgie is doing. I’m not going to stay any longer because she needs her rest. But I also want to tell you something. You did the right thing by not playing tonight.”

Beckham glances over at me in the bed before looking back at Scarlett. “There was no choice to be made. Georgie needed me.”

A wistful look passes over her face. “And you needed to be with her.”

“I did. And I don’t regret my choice.”

“Nor should you.” Then Scarlett smiles at me. “I meant what I said, Georgie. Leave everything to me.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll check on you tomorrow,” she says. “Good night.” Then she leaves the room.

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