Page 50 of Glitz & Goals

“Nah,” Tristan says. “He’s too grouchy. Even the puck bunnies are terrified. He’s got the look, but then he speaks, and it’s all over.”

Another text comes through.

VivaLaViv: I take it from your silence that I’ve finally got you STUMPED.

I turn the screen off and narrow my eyes at the players. “Get your heads in the game and out of my love life, or puking during practice will be the least of your worries.”

That puts the fear of God in them. They all turn away, but Casual Nuts seems to have lost its appeal. Most of them pull out their phones and lapse into silence.

Pretty soon, Noah is snoring to my right, while Ranger zones out to a movie on my left. I wait until I’m confident that I can get Viktor’s attention without drawing too many curious eyes before getting up from my seat and heading toward the back of the plane. On the way past, I tap Viktor’s shoulder twice. He takes the hint and follows me to the flight attendant galley at the back of the plane.

“If you want help going to the bathroom, old man, I’m not going to wipe your ass,” he quips.

I snort. “Speaking of asses, I trust that yours has healed?”

Viktor hunches his shoulders and sulks. “It has, no thanks to your hellhound.”

“Your sister loves my hellhound.”

“Yeah, well.” Viktor waves a hand. “She’s always got dogs sniffing around her, doesn’t she?”

I lean closer. “Are you insinuating that I’m a dog, Abbott?”

“Coach.” Viktor presses one hand over his heart. “I would never.”

“Good.” Heaven help me, how did I end up with this kid as my wingman? “And I hope you know better than to tell Vivian what I said.”

“Which part, Coach?”

I’m sure that he knows what I mean, but just so that we’re perfectly clear, I reply through gritted teeth. “The future wife part.”

Viktor widens his eyes. “Oh, was that Vivian you were talking to?” I bet that shit worked when he was little, but it’s not flying now.

“You may be an idiot, but you know better than to play dumb with me. Things are complicated enough.”

He scoffs. “You mean because I play for you, because our dad wrecked your career, or because our dad works for you?”

His comment about my career catches me off-guard. “Who told you about your dad ending my time in the NHL?”

“The internet.” He holds up one arm to show off his holowatch. “I looked you up. I even saw the play. You were really good. I hate that it happened, and I mean that.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. I don’t mind Viktor knowing the truth, but I hate the idea of him watching the play. The worst moment of my life can be streamed at any time, by anyone. Inever thought about it much, because what can I do? It’s not like it’s a secret.

“Listen.” Viktor lowers his voice to a whisper. “Before I say anything else, let me ask you something. Are you going after Viv to get back at Dad?”

“What? No!” My eyes fly open. “No. When we met, I had no idea who she was. I didn’t even know her first name. The fact that she’s Noah Abbott’s daughter, niece, whatever, that has nothing to do with why I like her.” I hesitate. “Although it’s a big part of why I’m in no rush for him to find out about us.”

Viktor nods once. “Good. I get to troll my family, but she’s my sister. Nobody else gets to mess with her. Insert obligatory threat about breaking her heart here.”

“I’m not going to do that. If anything, she’s going to break my heart.”

Viktor stares at me for a moment. “Yeah, that makes sense. She’s way out of your league, so if anyone’s going to end up emotionally devastated, it’ll one hundred percent be you. Does Viv know how you feel about her?”

I shake my head.

Viktor sucks his teeth. “Ah. Are you afraid of scaring her off?”

“More than I care to admit.”

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