Page 194 of Ice Mechanic

The air feels different tonight and I can’t help comparing it to the day I first rolled into Phil’s Burgers. This time, there are no cameras flashing behind my back. No excited whispers. No subtle pointing in my direction.

A few of the townsfolk wander by and ask me how I’ve been, but that’s the extent of it.

Back then, when someone called my name, it was because they wanted pictures and autographs. Now, every time my name is called, it’s someone who genuinely wants to knowme.

It’s startlingly refreshing.

My next stop after Phil’s is The Tipsy Tuna for April’s favorite drink. I’m half-hoping I’ll see my teammates there and, when I recognize Gunner’s truck in the parking lot, I take the stairs two at a time.

“There he is!” Theilan explodes from his seat.

“The prodigal son returns!” Watson is right behind him.

Another teammate bellows, “Chance, is it true! You’re coming back?”

I grin at all the familiar faces. Renthrow isn’t there, though he rarely goes out with the team and spends most of his free time with his daughter, so I’m not surprised by that.

For the next few seconds, I’m trapped in a maze of back-slaps, high-fives and one-armed hugs. When I step back, I realize Gunner isn’t around the table. He’s at the bar instead, accepting a bag of food from Mauve.

The moment the older woman catches my eye, she leaks a big grin.

“Welcome back, Chance,” Mauve says.

Gunner walks toward me, somber as always. His eyes drill into mine. “Couldn’t hack it in the big leagues?”

I laugh. When we first met, that statement would have started a brawl. Now, I slap him on the back.

“I couldn’t let you take back the captain spot.”

Gunner finally smiles a bit.

“Hey, Chance. Get over here and tell us what the heck happened! There are a thousand conspiracy theories online,” Theilan invites, scooting down to make room.

“I can’t stay long. I’ve got plans with April.”

Groans and boos break out from my teammates and I snort at their reaction.

Gunner shakes his head. “Some things never change.”

“Some things never will,” I add confidently.

He takes a step back. “I’ll catch you on the ice, McLanely. We’ll have another discussion about that captain position.”

“I’m always ready for you, Kinsey.” I laugh.

After Gunner leaves, I hang out with my teammates. The guys welcome me back with open arms, and it feels like I never left.

Later, I tear myself away from the guys and drop off the food and drinks at April’s.

“It’s like you read my mind, Chance. Thanks so much,” she says earnestly, wrapping her arms around my neck and giving me a hug.

I reluctantly let her go. “Don’t stay up too late after you eat. Get some sleep. It’s been a long day.”

“Tell me about it.” She tilts her face up with a mischievous smile. “You can still change your mind. I’ll give you a thirty-day money back guarantee.”

Laughing, I tap her nose twice. “What time are you heading to the garage tomorrow?”

“Why? You want to bring me breakfast too?”

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