Page 112 of The Rebound Plan

Shannon: I’m in New York for a few days (long story). Can we have coffee when I get back?

Russ: I want to hear all about it, but I won’t be here. I’m getting sent down to the Niagara Falls AHL team.

Shannon: What?

Russ: It’s okay. It was worth it.

CHAPTER 44

RUSS

I clear waivers the following afternoon. After getting the call from my agent, I hit the highway and head to the Niagara Falls barn to report to my new team.

CHAPTER 45

SHANNON

The playful knock at my suite door is a hit of deja vu that makes me feel faint.

Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I open the door to my past.

“Francois, please come in.”

He looks shockingly the same. A few more grey hairs, but I I think they’re deliberately allowed to be there, and others have been dyed away. The same is probably true for the slight lines at the corners of his eyes. The best work in the world, allowing him to age on his own terms.

His brows tug together in confusion. “You aren’t dressed for dinner.”

I take a deep breath. “I can’t go with you tonight. I’m so sorry for changing my mind, and reaching out to you in the first place. It was all a mistake.”

He glances at my hair and make up. “But you started to get ready, yes?”

“Yes.”

He holds out his arms. “My beautiful girl, it has been a long time. But we are friends, no?”

“I like to think so.” But I don’t go in for the offered hug. “You look…great.”

“I know.” He moves past me into the suite and gestures at the couch. “May I?”

“Of course. Can I get you a drink?”

“What are you having?”

“New York’s finest tap water.”

He laughs. “Find me a glass of wine.”

I bought a bottle yesterday, one of his favourites, when I thought this would go differently. I open it and decide to pour two glasses after all.

“So, what is going on, hmm? The last I heard, you were married to a very talented hockey player.”

“And the last I heard, you were looking for very talented hockey players for your new league.”

“Ah. I wondered.” He takes a sip of wine. “Was it your idea or his? To reach out to me?”

“His.”

“He knows you are hard to resist.”

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