Page 63 of Offside Attraction

Rhonda thought about lying but wasn't sure how much Claire knew about the Elite League scene in Calgary. Maybe she was only asking to be polite. "The Snowballs," she answered.

The look on Claire's face told her all she needed to know. Claire was indeed familiar.

"So you don't have a great impression of him then?" Claire picked up her mug, warming her hands.

"I try not to form opinions of people based on third-party information."

Claire snorted. "Isn't that what that entire team does? They heard a couple of stories about him from fifteen years ago and now hold a grudge."

Rhonda considered this. She had heard the stories from fifteen years ago, but there were plenty more where that came from. "I think it might be a little more complicated."

Claire set down her mug and leaned back in the booth. "More complicated for who? I could kick Sean Thompson's ass. Honestly, I could kick both their asses."

The metamorphosis left Rhonda awestruck. Claire transformed from a hesitant, mousy woman into a badass, overprotective sister. She was immediately in.

Rhonda planted her elbows on the table. "Well, I think it's about time I heard everything from your perspective."

Claire shook her head, her eyes still flashing. "Both of them are idiots. Do you know when Jordan and Sean were kids, they were completely inseparable? I'm talking at our house 24/7 or Jordan was over at the Thompsons'. They played on every team together, hung out after practice, did homework together, traveled to tournaments, and always roomed together. If Jordan got an opportunity to advance, he would talk to the coaches until Sean was invited too, and vice versa.

"When they got to college, it was a little more complicated, and I guess I understand that. They were both trying to go pro, and the opportunities were a lot bigger. But they still had each other's backs. And then everything with the draft . . . “

Claire ran a hand through her hair. "Sean had been dating this girl for probably two years. She was nice, but she had this weird fascination with Jordan. She was always flirting with him. Sean hated it, but she pretended it was completely innocent. Told him she was just trying to get under Jordan's skin because Sean loved Jordan more than her. Honestly, it was probably true."

"So what? Jordan just gave in?"

Claire shook her head. "No. He would never do that. I know everybody sees Jordan now as this bruiser, but he has the softest heart of anybody I know. I think he's just had it mashed up so many times. He resents himself for it now instead of wearing it as a badge of honor."

Rhonda blinked, feigning nonchalance, pretending she wasn't inscribing that in her permanent memory.

"Anyway, Sean's girlfriend went to Jordan one night and told him that Sean broke up with her, gave him this whole sob story. She completely took advantage of him."

Rhonda frowned. "I don't understand. Why would that break up a friendship?"

Claire threw up her hands. "Exactly. It shouldn't have. Sean should have ditched her the second he heard the story."

"So why didn't he?" Rhonda asked.

Claire leaned in. "Because he never heard the story."

"What?"

"Yeah. That's why I want to throttle them. It's been over a decade, and they've still never talked about it. Sean was so pissed off, he wouldn't take Jordan's texts. After trying a few times, Jordan just gave up. Neither of them fought for their friendship, which is ridiculous because it was a damn good one.

"Then Jordan went to the NHL, got injured, and came back to Calgary. I honestly don't know all of Sean's story. But now they're in this league with this stupid rivalry.”

Rhonda grimaced. “I think it's with the whole team, not just with Jordan."

Claire blew out a breath. "Yeah. Well, that makes sense too. Jordan likes to collect misfits. That's why he still takes my calls."

Rhonda moved her arms off the table as their server appeared with their food. It was a little too fast for comfort, but she was starving, so didn't question it. They ate and continued to chat until Rhonda found a natural opportunity to quell more of her curiosity.

"Is Jordan a relationship guy?" Rhonda focused hard on her salad.

Claire shook her head. "No, he's had a couple of doozies."

"The heart mashing?"

Claire scoffed. "To put it mildly. Jordan is a giver. He gives and gives and gives and never expects anything in return. And that would be fine if he had anyone in his life who was looking out for him." She swirled her spoon in her soup. "I should be that for him. I want to be that for him, but I haven't been able to pull myself together in a long time."

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