Page 84 of Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights

Oh, crap. Is this what I think it is?

When all four women aim identical concerned gazes my way, it’s confirmed. I just walked into a fucking intervention.

“I know I’m a total stranger, Molly,” Olivia begins. “But believe me when I say I’m very familiar with the complications of life with a hockey player.”

Oh god.

“Oh, no. Really, I’m fine.” I try to wave her off, but Kaitlyn leans forward on the couch and cuts me off.

“We all know what happened, Molly, and we’re here to help. You and Bobby broke up right before the Gold Rush game, and he’s been flailing ever since. Not that you’re to blame!” she hurries to add. “We just figured you’re probably hurting tooand might need a friendly ear from women who’ve been in your shoes.”

Shit. “That’s really kind of you.” I scan the women’s faces. “But I’ll be okay. I’m sorry if I messed things up for the team.”

All the women protest at once with such vehemence that I almost want to smile. Almost. “Listen, we all know Bobby can be...a lot sometimes,” Chloe adds.

“But you two seemed so happy together,” Sara chimes in.

Kaitlyn jumps on board with, “We just want to know if there’s any way we can help.”

I quell the rising panic in my chest and respond, “If you’re asking if there’s anything you can do to get us back together...”

“No! That’s not what we’re doing at all,” Olivia exclaims.

“Uh, yeah it is,” Chloe objects.

Olivia throws her arms out. “I’m sure Molly thought through her decision before she called things off, and we need to support her.”

“Wearesupporting her,” Kaitlyn interjects. “Can’t you see how miserable she is? We want her all swoony and smiley like she was when she was with Bobby.”

“You didn’t see it, Olivia. They’re adorable together,” Sara informs my only ally.

“Excuse me!” I raise my hand. Everyone shuts their mouths and turns my way again. “Olivia is right. I did think things through. I’mstillthinking things through.”

“Sorry, Molly. I guess we got carried away.” Chloe’s expression is a bit chagrined. “You’re both just such awesome people, we loved the idea of you two.”

“I did too—when I let myself lose sight of real life there for a while,” I admit.

“What do you mean?” Kaitlyn asks.

I shake my head with a sad smile. “It never should have been anything more than a fling, but I was stupid and let emotions getin the mix. Pretty soon, Bobby was buying a house and asking my kid and me to move in with him. After a month!” I look around the room, expecting at least some degree of allegiance. I don’t get it.

“I fell in love with Roman in less than a week,” Olivia shrugs.

“I’m pretty sure I was in love with Niko after our first kiss,” Chloe adds.

Sara furrows her brow. “It took a few months for Danny and me, but he was twenty-two and trying way too hard to play it cool. I went out on a date with another guy andbam! Danny was at my door the next morning with roses and a ring.” She shakes her head.

“I don’t think Bobby could ever play it cool. He wears his heart on his sleeve.” My voice catches on the last couple words and all the women spring from their seats and gather close.

“Oh, honey,” Sara says. “You love him, don’t you?”

I tilt my head back so the tears can’t fall while I try gathering myself together. Only when I’m sure they’ve receded do I lower my chin again. “It doesn’t matter. Better to cut things off now before it got more complicated. I have to put Matthew first.”

“That’s her son,” Kaitlyn informs Olivia.

“Oh. Did your son and Bobby not get along?” Olivia asks.

My responding laugh is almost maniacal. “Matty worships the ground Bobby walks on.” Since I know I’m not getting out of here without spilling my guts, I turn to Chloe and say, “I changed my mind. I’ll take the wine.”

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