Page 13 of What If I Knew You

I owe him everything I have.

I owe him my very best.

I’m too busy climbing the ladder of success to become a father or be tied down to anything. My hockey career is growing in the right direction and could skyrocket with the Stars if I continue to push myself to be the best I can be.

But then again…

I watch some of the other players like Hawken Malone or Milo Landric in Chicago.

They’re married and Milo’s even a dad. And they’re both huge successes. Hell, I think everyone on their team is married and some have more than one kid. Even on our own team, Oliver has his fiancée and August and Ella are married.

Those guys are making a name for themselvesandgetting laid.

Best of both worlds.

If they make it work, why can’t I?

Wiping my hand down my face, I stare at my phone for a second, noting the blank screen void of any other incoming texts, and take it as a sign that I should just shower and get to bed. Ice time comes early tomorrow. I tap out one last text to Diary Girl and then leave my phone on my nightstand to charge while I jump in the shower.

Me

Well, I guess I should grab a shower and head to bed. I have to work pretty early. Good night Diary girl. That’s what I call you now, by the way.

Diary Girl

Sleep tight, Mr. Stranger. That’s what I call you.

“Hey Roche!”Coach Hicks calls out to me from down the hall as I’m about to enter the gym for my workout.

“Yeah?”

“Stop upstairs and see Marlee Remington when you have a few minutes. She wants to go over your upcoming charity visits.”

“Alright.”

“I hear you’re planning to spend some time visiting the kids at Pacific Children’s Hospital.” He claps me on the shoulder when he finally reaches me.

I nod. “Yes, Sir. I’m actually planning to help them with their annual Children’s Art Auction.”

“Well done,” he says with an approving nod. “That’s a very admirable thing to do.”

I give him an easy shrug. “I enjoyed working with the children’s hospital back in Boston so when I came out here, I asked Marlee to set me up with the same kind of thing here.”

“I like it,” Coach Hicks says with a smile. “Alright, well be sure to touch base with her sometime today.” He points at me as he starts to walk backwards toward his office. “Don’t forget.”

“Got it, Sir. I promise I won’t forget.”

“Oooh,” Griffin teases when I step into the gym. “Roche just got a stern talking to from Coach. You already gettin’ yourself in trouble Bodhi?”

“In your dreams, Ollenberg. He just wanted to make sure I stop in and see Marlee this afternoon.”

“What?” Ledger spins around on his workout bench. “Wh-wh-why? Why do you have to see Marlee?”

“So, he can ask her out,” August tells Ledger with a smirk. Ledger doesn’t seem to find it funny though.

“Why would I ask out Marlee Remington?”

Bear gestures to Ledger. “Because this asshat here has been crushing on her forever and won’t do anything about it.”

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