Page 39 of Play to Win

“You’ve obviously been successful, though.Just in a different way.”

“Yeah.I love hockey.I knew I had to be involved in the sport somehow.I always liked numbers and stats—the guys used to make fun of me because I’d spout all these statistics.So I started my own analytics company.It took off, and teams were coming to me for advice on all kinds of hockey decisions.Then the Mustangs offered me a job as assistant GM, and it was a chance to really be back in the game.”

I nod, impressed with his resilience.“That’s really inspiring.”

“Eh.Just did what I had to do.”

My heart squeezes again.“I don’t know.I think overcoming something like that is pretty remarkable.”

His face relaxes, a smile touching his mouth.“Thanks.”

Of course, this all makes me want to jump him even more.Damn.

We drive in silence for a while, then my phone rings.Like, actually rings, with a phone call.

I grab it.“It’s Chris!”

Théo’s eye widen.

I answer the call.“Chris!Where the hell are you?”

“Never mind me, where the hell are you?”

“Almost in Los Angeles.”

“What the fuck are you doing?What do you mean you got married?To who?”

I ignore his questions.“Are you okay?”

“Yeah.”He sounds surly.

“You took money out of my bank account.”

“Stole,” Théo says from beside me.“Hestolemoney.”

I shoot him a quelling glance.

“I’m going to pay it back,” Chris says.“You know I will.”

“Idon’tknow that.I don’t believe you, Chris.You’ve lied to me too many times.And what the hell?Trying to pimp me out to your bookies?That’s low.”

“That’s bullshit,” Théo puts in.“Despicable.Reprehensible.”

“Who is that?”Chris demands.

“My husband.”

“Jesus, Lacey!You’re not serious.”

“Oh, I am.This time you’re going to have to get yourself out of your own mess.”I pause.“Just be careful.Those guys came to the apartment looking for me.Or you.Or both of us.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah.We got away.I ...”I almost choke up but swallow the lump in my throat.“Take care of yourself, okay?And stay in touch.”

“Lacey.I’m sorry.Look, just come back and I’ll show you?—”

“I’ll come backwhenyou show me you can deal with this.Bye, Chris.”

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