Page 163 of Ice Mechanic

At those four words, my boyfriend powers activate. “What is it? Flu pain? Stomach pain? Headaches? Hold on, I’ll clear out a pharmacy.” I prepare to throw my hockey stick down in the middle of the hallway and run to her. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“Chance, n-no. I’m just tired. I’ll be fine.”

“That’s okay. I think the realtor’s flexible. I can call him and reschedule for tomorrow.”

“No, tomorrow isn’t good for me.”

“How about Friday?”

“That won’t work either.”

“Saturday?”

“Can’t.”

“Sunday?”

“I have a… thing.”

I frown. “Is everything okay?”

“Of course.”

“Did something happen with the garage that you didn’t tell me?”

As far as I know, April’s had to turn down jobs. As her stellar reputation spreads, more and more people want to work with her. At this point, she’s booked until next year.

“No, it’s not the garage.”

“Your dad then?” I press.

Mr. Brooks looked fine when April and I visited last week. His nurse assured us that his appetite’s improved and he spent the entire visit talking to me heartily.

“Chance, I told you nothing is wrong.”

April sounds… angry with me. But I can’t remember doing anything wrong.

“April,” I drop my voice so my teammates can’t hear me, “ever since we saw those properties, something’s been off with you.”

“Off how?”

“I don’t know. It just feels like there’s something you’re not telling me.”

She remains silent.

“If you have concerns, let’s discuss it. I’m on your team, Tink. No matter what. Nothing between us will change.”

A little sigh flutters through the phone. “I’m busy, Chance. I’ll talk to you later.”

Then the dial tone rings coldly in my ears.

The metal weightsclank loudly matching the sound of my loud grunts. Sweat stings my eyes, but my hands are wrapped around a steel rod, so I just let it sting.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.”

The weights suddenly lift from above me and Max deposits them back in the cradle.

“What are you doing here?” He checks his watch. “Practice was over hours ago. Shouldn’t you be on a hot date with April?”

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