Page 103 of The Rebound Plan

Maybe I stayed away for a whole year because I worried that I would miss it. And while it is good to be back, I realize that I didn’t miss it, and I won’t miss it when I leave again, because I know it’ll always be here for me to return to whenever I need another reminder of how far I’ve come.

It’s your turn now, my queen.

But on the other side of this trip, I'm hoping that I will have some time to make somewhere else my new home.

Lauren warned me that when the divorce is finalized, I will have to leave Canada pretty quickly to “exit” off my spousal visa. And then I’ll be able to come and go like any other American visitor, but that’s all I will be. I won’t be able to live forever in Hamilton as a hockey player’s ex-wife.

I try not to think about what that means for a fledgling relationship with Russ.

But he travels enough that it shouldn’t matter where I live. Lauren lives on the other side of the country from Andrew, for example.

I ignore the wave of grief that rolls through me at the thought of being forced away from my new home just as I was putting down roots.

One thing at a time, Shannon. First, you need out of your marriage.

Even though it’s been years, the hotel’s detailed guest notes means they act like they remember me and I get upgraded to a suite when I check in.

“Right this way, Ms. Barker.”

I smile at the use of my maiden name, which I used to make the reservation because it’s what I had the account for this hotel chain under.Thatsounds good.

The concierge shows me to my room personally, and asks me if I need anything.

“Not tonight,” I say, already thinking about a shower and bed. A decade ago, I’d be just getting started for a night of being seen at clubs.

There’s only one person who needs to see me this trip. And I’ve put off contacting him long enough.

Since my phone number has changed, I go with an email from my rarely used old account to his private address because I’m hoping he still checks that constantly.

From: Shannon Barker

To: Francois Dumas

Subject: I’m in NYC for a few days and I’d love to catch up

Francois,

It’s been a long time. But I’ve been watching your Ice League news with great interest. Do you have time for a drink? I’m in the city for at least three days. And if you’re somewhere else in the world, just let me know where. Your girl is overdue for a vacation.

Shannon

P.S. If texting is easier, this is my current number: 742-555-0081 and I’m on WhatsApp with that

CHAPTER 38

RUSS

To keep myself from texting Shannon, I meet up with Gustafsson, Zondi, and Watanabe for dinner at a steakhouse across the bay in Burlington.

Zondi is our most promising rookie this year, and we need him to feel hyped for the rest of training camp.

Selfishly, I could use some hyping up, too. I need to get my head back in the game.

On the drive, I have my phone read me the scouting report for the game we’re playing day after tomorrow so I’m prepared for practice in the morning.

Detroit is expected to send a prospect heavy squad because they haven’t cut as many players as other teams at this point in the pre-season, which should make us the better team, but sometimes the chaotic oversized puppy energy of prospects thinking they might make the big show can surprise us.

A text notification drops as I’m getting off the freeway. A message from Max, to the whole team.

---