Page 101 of Broken Promises

We’re laughing so hard as my stories get more ridiculous that my abs are hurting, and tears are running down my face. My phone rings, and I manage to get myself together enough to answer it.

“Hello love of my life,” I say.

“Are you okay? You sound funny,” Willa says.

“I’m fine. Ben just fought off an entire biker gang with a toothbrush and three pencils to save a Thor cosplayer.”

The line is quiet as I cackle to myself.

“Ben? Can you hear me? Is Declan okay? He needs to be at the arena in thirty minutes,” Willa yells, making sure Ben can hear her even though she isn’t on speaker.

Ben laughs. “He’s fine. We’re just telling stupid stories to relieve some stress. I’ll make sure he gets there on time.”

Willa sighs in relief. “Thanks, Ben.” She pauses. “You’re good, hockey boy?”

“I’m feeling a lot better than I have in days,” I tell her. “Have you landed?”

“Yeah. We’re on our way to the arena. I’ll be in there in forty-five minutes.”

“I can’t wait to see you, Princess.”

She laughs. “You saw me yesterday.”

“Too long.”

“I love you, baby. I’ll meet you by the locker rooms before your game.” I can hear the smile in her voice.

“I love you too. Be safe.”

“Always.”

I hang up my phone just in time for a pounding on the hotel room door.

“Let’s go, Dec!” Gideon calls. “We have a cup to win!”

“Fuck yeah we do!” I yell, hopping up off the bed and heading out of my room, with Ben following right behind me.

We lost. Barely. Bouchard is kicking himself for letting in the only goal of the whole game. Martinez is blaming himself for letting the puck pass him in the first place. The locker room is somber and depressing.

“We’re back on home ice for the next two games. We’ll have the advantage that we need to beat them,” Gideon tells the team. “We fought fucking hard tonight and let them know we’re going to keep fighting. This win wasn’t easy for them, and they know it. We’re coming for them and the cup. It’s our year, boys. We’re too fucking hungry for it to lose.”

The guys perk up, shouting their agreement with our captain. Coach comes in right at the end of Gideon’s speech. He’s not happy, but he isn’t as angry as I thought he would be.

“I have an announcement to make,” he says, waiting until everyone quiets down to continue. “I’m retiring after this season.”

The room stays silent for a moment before everyone bursts out either in congratulations or argument. Coach lifts his hands.

“It’s time. No matter how this season goes, it’s been an honor to coach you. But Mrs. Monroe has saved this season more than once when it shouldn’t have been needed. I’m getting old and missing things that used to be obvious.” He looks at me. “I’mgrateful for Willa. Don’t mistake my words.” I nod, letting him know I understand. “That being said, I’d really like to go out with the cup.”

The whole team cheers, smiles on our faces even though we just lost. Gideon nudges me. He and Ben are the only ones aware that I’m retiring at the end of the season, and I guess he thinks now is a great time to announce it.

I stand and clear my throat. Everyone stops cheering and looks at me.

“I’m retiring at the end of the season too.”

“Why?” Rogers asks, looking alarmed.

“My knees can’t take it anymore. I’ve had a really great career, and I’d like to end it on top instead of on the has-been list.” I scratch the back of my neck. “Plus, Willa and I want to start a family, and I don’t want my kids to have two parents who are on the road.”

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