Page 115 of Dancing in the Rain

“What’s your plan B?” she asked. “If they don’t want to do that.”

“I’ve never been one for backup plans. Usually I get what I want the first time.”

The corners of her mouth lifted. “I know. You’re spoiled.”

He snorted.

“Seriously, Drew. It’s great when things come easy. But when you have to work for them…it makes success even sweeter. You can do it. Come up with a plan C even, in case plan B doesn’t work, either.”

“Having a plan B or a plan C feels like I’m expecting to fail.”

“And I know how much you like to fail.”

“I fucking hate it.”

“I know. But having a backup plan doesn’t mean you’re going to fail. It’s just thinking ahead. Anticipating different outcomes and exploring solutions. Sometimes the outcome is because of something outside our control. Sometimes it’s within our control. Doesn’t it make sense to think about all those things, and then if it’s something within your control you can deal with it? That helps ensure success, not failure.”

“You’re so goddamn smart.” He couldn’t stop the smile that tugged his lips.

“I know.” She grinned. “So are you, though. I know you can do this.”

Her unquestioning support and honest assessment bolstered his confidence. He’d been envious of her plans and thought-out strategies for her life and for her clients. Well, he was learning that, too.

“You’re right. I can.”

His confidence in what he was doing had built. Peyton’s words jacked up his determination. He was going to do this, whether it was with the Blackhawks or with someone else. So the next day he sat down and did a bunch of research into elite local prospects, and Friday met with a few kids from a Major Midget team of fifteen- to seventeen-year-old players in the Eastern Illinois Hockey League. Once more he pitched his ideas, offering to work with them pro bono for the chance to prove himself at a higher level. Who could say no to free? The parents knew him and his NHL career. These kids were taking their hockey seriously, hoping to play Tier II hockey. The parents were excited to have their kids work with him, which was a bit of a comfort to his bruised ego. He was going to do initial assessments then set some goals for them that he would hopefully help them achieve.

It wasn’t the end goal, but he was happy to be doing something he loved and believed in. And luckily he didn’t need the money and he had the luxury of time to prove himself.

Chapter 26

Drew had a date.

He glanced at his watch as he left the rink where he was working with the midget players late Friday afternoon. He’d better hustle to get home and change.

That evening Chloe was going over to Ashley’s place for a sleepover and he and Peyton had a date.

An actual date.

It wasn’t their first…exactly. They’d had dinner together that day he’d opened his door to her naked. But that was different. They’d gone to Red’s party on his yacht. They’d said they were just friends, but that hadn’t been friendship they’d been feeling that night.

Tonight was the first time they’d planned to go out as a couple.

He had a feeling Peyton was as hesitant about it as he was. And yet how could they not? They snuck around while Chloe was at school, pretending there was nothing going on. When they had this chance to be together, out in the open, how could they not take it?

He’d debated in his mind for days what they should do. They could do the expensive romantic dinner thing. That would be nice, but they’d shared many meals.

So he told her to dress warmly and when they got in his car, he headed toward the Loop. He parked near Daley Plaza.

“What are we doing?” Peyton asked as they left the car.

“We’re going to the Christkindlmarket.”

“Oh, my gosh! Really? I haven’t been to it for years.” She actually did a little skip that reminded him of Chloe.

“It’s the first night.”

The white lights in the trees, the lit-up booths of the vendors, and the glittering skyscrapers rising around them created a magical feel. The big Christmas tree glowed with colored lights and ornaments. A few small snowflakes floated down from the sky, sparkling in the night air.

---