Page 39 of Back On Ice

I definitely don’t know him from hockey.

“Oscar Davis, from high school, remember?” He sticks his hand out, and I barely recall hearing that name from Sophie a couple of times back then. Well, more like Abbie and Gwen giggling about something and Sophie telling them to shut up.

“Hey, man, how are you?” I don’t really care, but engaging seems like the fastest way to make this guy leave, so I shake his hand and step back to regain some of my much needed space.

“I’m good.” He nods. “So, you and Sophie working on saving the rink, huh? Is the old team back together again?”

Shit, that’s right. This is the little fucker who had a huge crush on Soph back in high school. Abbie and Gwen teased her relentlessly over it, and she always told them to leave it alone because he was harmless.

Despite the fact that he came to all of her hockey games and always tried to talk to her in the hallways, he was never a threat to our relationship so I left well enough alone. I only ever stepped in if she was uncomfortable, but I was never rude about it.

“Yeah, we’re both working on the project to save the rec center.” My answer is noncommittal, but how interested he is in the situation irks me.

“Sure, but have you… rekindled the old flame yet? Do you really think you and her will work this time? How long are you even planning on staying here? I doubt she’ll put up with you abandoning her asecondtime.”

What the hell is this guy playing at? He’s acting way too familiar for my liking. And I definitely don’t like the sound of her name on his lips.

Time for the “Golden-Boy” gloves to come off.

“I’m not sure that’s really any of your business, Owen.”

“It’s Oscar.” He narrows his eyes at me.

“Sure it is. Listen, Owen, I don’t really like the way you’re talking about Sophie and me.” I fix him with a look that I’ve perfected during my years of dealing with reporters. “You’re asking me a lot of personal questions, and it really isn’t any of your business.”

Oscar barks a sarcastic laugh. “Okay, fine. Just tell me, is it really weird seeing her again? I mean, especially after she’s been with me.”

What the actual fuck.

Even if she had been with him over the years, it’s her business. Why the hell does he think that would matter? And why is he disrespecting her privacy like that?

I arch a cold brow. “Are you in the habit of discussing Sophie’s private life with others? Because I might take offense to that.”

Oscar takes a half-step back, and a glint of worry sparks in his eyes before he waves me off. “Forget it. Catch you later, Williams.”

I don’t respond. Fuck that guy.

I turn back towards the ice after Oscar slithers off, and a moment later, Benson Scott approaches me.

“Poor kid.” He clicks his tongue. “I don’t know if you remember, but his dad, Julian, used to be on the town council. He passed away from cancer last year. Oscar got elected to take over his seat.”

“Yeah…” I scowl, watching Oscar’s back disappear out the double doors of the rink. Shaking myself out of my funk, I turn towards Benson, who’s looking at me with curiosity. “I just met with the contractor, and have a final proposal that just needs Sophie and the council’s sign off, and then we can get started within a couple of days. We should start putting up signs now, warning the patrons we’ll be closed for an undetermined amount of time. Have we confirmed with Willow Creek that their rink can accommodate all the teams that need to practice?” Willow Creek is the next town over and is only about a thirty minute drive from Ivy Glen.

Benson smiles. “Yep, heard back yesterday.” He’s quiet as he looks out at the rink. “You think Sophie will sign off on thechanges?” he asks cautiously. “You know how much she cares about this place.”

“I do.” I nod solemnly, “With this proposal, the heart and soul of this place will stay intact. It’ll just have a shinier casing.”

Benson murmurs his approval and I feel the need to stop him before he leaves. “I hope you know, Benson,” I take a breath as he focuses his gaze on me, “I care about the Twin Rinks immensely, but nobody, not even me, feels that as deeply as Sophie does. And I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure the new rebuild does her justice.”

Benson only gives me a knowing smile. “Oh, I know, my boy. I know.”

Chapter Seventeen

SOPHIE

It’s Tuesday,my second day back since Mom banned me from the flower shop. It’s a slow morning for once and I’m trying to put together a page for the look book on the computer.

It would be a lot easier if I could stop thinking about my night with Carter.

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