Page 56 of Forever Player

I head downstairs and call Connor, my teammate. He was a single dad for a long time before he married Ellie. I’m hoping he can give me some insight into what the hell I am supposed to do with the fact that Willow seems mad at me.

I am about to call Connor when Finn walks through the door. He’s wearing a hoodie with the hood on his head and a winter jacket. I have all the lights off so he doesn’t immediately see me as he takes off his jacket and walks into the kitchen, opening the fridge.

“Hi,” I say into the darkness.

He flinches backward. “Shit. I forgot you’re still here.” He palms his chest.

“I’m still here,” I confirm. “I don’t see you around much.”

He pours himself a tall glass of orange juice and chugs it.

“I’ve got a lot of hockey games. When I’m not playing or in school I stay at Chelsea’s,” he says.

“You two been together a long time?” I ask.

“Since freshman year but we’ve known each other since we were kids,” he says.

“And you like spending time with her at her house?” I ask. I know I’m being a nosy asshole but I want to understand the family dynamics around here.

“I’ve known her family a long time too. What’s it to you?” he asks on defense.

“Sorry, I just wanted to understand your family dynamics. I’m Maylee’s dad, but I also want a future with your sister,” I say.

He snorts, “Good luck with that.” His demeanor softens somewhat. “Look, bro, my family isn’t into relationships.”

“But you are,” I clarify.

He nods. “I love Chelsea. I also like being around her family. They are just normal in a way mine isn’t. Her parents are supportive and stuff.”

“I get it. That’s nice to have. What’s the deal with you and hockey?”

“I’m hoping to get a scholarship for Riverside U’s NCAA team,” he says.

“No shit. That’s where I went. They are the best.”

“Yeah, I’ve met with the coaches, but we’ll see. Westfall came to see me too,” he adds with stars in his eyes. I remember back to the time when I was banking on a scholarship to college.

“If there is anything I can do to help out, let me know,” I offer.

He daps me up. “Thanks, bro.”

“You have a good night,” I tell him.

“You too,” he says and pauses. “Willow’s changed since Maylee was born. Maybe you’ll find a way to get through to her.”

“Thanks. I’m banking on it,” I say.

The kid heads upstairs and I stare into the blank space in front of me.

Then I call Connor. The team is off tonight because they are on the road traveling, which means he may not have a private space to talk. I don’t care though because I am desperate.

He doesn’t pick up on my first try so I head to the kitchen and pour myself a glass of juice and lean back on the counter. I really have my work cut out for me with Willow. I was always the one who said I would never settle down, but now I know it’s because I never met the right woman. Now I am at the point in my life where I am ready, and it’s all because of Willow. But how do I tear down the walls she’s built around herself?

The second time I call Connor, he picks up after two rings.

“Sorry, bro. We’re on the bus,” he says.

“Figured.”

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