Page 45 of Fractured Faceoff

His response came quickly.

Ava and I are having a barbeque for Labor Day. Can you come?

A lump formed in my throat. I didn’t want to see Ava and Kash just yet—not so soon after everything had shifted beneath us. But this might be the perfect opportunity to announce that Isla and I were dating.

I took a long sip of coffee, letting it warm me from the inside out as my mind raced through possibilities. Would it be awkward? Probably. But if we made it public then, it would be out there. And I would see how Ava reacted.

Another text from Kash interrupted my thoughts:

Would love for you to be there.

I stared at my phone, weighing options like lines on an ice rink—sharp turns and tight corners everywhere I looked. Sure, it would be messy, butso was life lately.

With one last glance at the time ticking away toward morning skate, I thumbed out my response:

Count me in.

I took another sip of coffee, savoring the bitter edge. The barbeque invite rattled around my brain. The thought of Isla being there felt like a wild card—one I needed to play.

Can I bring a plus one?

I typed out, hesitating for a split second before hitting send.

Kash’s response came almost instantly:

You dating someone? Good for you, bro.

A smirk tugged at my lips. If only he knew.

See you in a few days

Definitely

I put my phone down and let out a slow breath. This was happening. My mind raced ahead to the moment Isla and I would walk into that barbeque together, the looks on their faces—especially Ava’s. It was risky, but that made it all the more appealing.

Finishing my coffee, I rinsed the mug and set it in the sink. The day was just beginning, but already it felt like a million thoughts were fighting for space in my head. With one last glance at my phone, I grabbed my keys and headed out.

The plan was in motion.

I drove into the city, the hum of the engine a steady companion to my racing thoughts. The streets were just waking up, commuters hurrying to their destinations with half-open eyes and coffee cups in hand. My mind, however, was already focused on the day ahead.

I parked near a small florist shop that I’d passed countless times but never had a reason to visit. Today, though, was different. I pushed open the door, the bell above it chiming softly as I stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of fresh blooms—roses, lilies, and something sweet I couldn’t quite place.

A woman behind the counter looked up from her work and smiled. "Can I help you with something?"

"Yeah," I said, scanning the vibrant display of flowers. "I need something that makes an impression."

She nodded knowingly and started pulling together a mix of roses and wildflowers, adding some greenery for good measure. As she worked, I felt a pang of uncertainty—flowers weren’t usually my thing. But this wasn’t just about flowers; it was about making a statement.

When she finished, she handed me the bouquet wrapped in crisp brown paper. "That should do it," she said with a wink.

I paid and thanked her before heading back to my car. The bouquet sat on the passenger seat like an unspoken promise, its colors bright against the dull interior.

Driving to The Snake Pit felt like entering another world. The rink loomed ahead, its steel and glass façade reflecting the early morning light. Inside, the air was cold and familiar—a second home where sweat and ice mixed in an intoxicating blend.

The halls were mostly empty this early. Afew players milled around, but Isla’s office was dark when I reached it. Perfect timing.

I placed the bouquet on her desk carefully, adjusting it so it caught the light just right. The sight of those flowers on her desk brought a grin to my face. This was just step one in our plan.

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