Page 8 of Across the Boards

“Nothing!” She protests. “Tommy might have mentioned that his wife’s best friend lived in the same complex where Brody was moving. That’s all.”

“That’s all?” I repeat skeptically.

“And he might have shown him a picture from my birthday party last year.” She winces at my glare. “The one where you wore that black dress?”

“I’m going to kill you.” I drop my head into my hands. “Both of you.”

“In our defense, we had no idea he’d recognize you from the team events back when you were with Jason.” Sarah’s voice gentles. “Tommy said he asked about you the minute he saw the photo. Wanted to know if you were still married.”

I lift my head slowly. “He recognized me from back then?”

Sarah nods. “Apparently, you made quite an impression.”

A memory surfaces—Jason’s annual Christmas party, years ago. A rookie nervously asking me about the book I was reading while the other players drank themselves into oblivion. I’d thought him sweet but forgettable.

Clearly, I’d been wrong about the forgettable part.

“This doesn’t change anything,” I insist, even as I’m trying to ignore my heart pounding in my chest. “He’s still too young, still a hockey player, and still my neighbor.”

“All valid points,” Sarah agrees too readily. “So you won’t mind if I tell him you’re definitely not coming to the gala?”

I narrow my eyes. “You’re the worst.”

“I’m the best,” she corrects, grinning. “And you know it.”

Another crash from next door, followed by what sounds like a hockey bag being dumped on the floor.

“Your clumsy neighbor seems to be having some trouble over there,” Sarah observes innocently.

“Not my problem.” I reach for my third pastry. “It’s my birthday. I have plans.”

“Yoga and takeout isn’t plans.”

“It’s a tradition.”

“A sad tradition.” Sarah checks her watch and stands. “Speaking of traditions, I have to run. Tommy’s taking me to breakfast before practice.”

“Abandoning me on my birthday? Some best friend.”

“I brought pastries and gossip,” she reminds me, grabbing her purse. “And tonight, I’m bringing wine and more gossip. Seven o’clock. Wear something nice.”

“I’m not going out.” I follow her to the door. “It’s Thursday. I never go out on Thursdays.”

“It’s your birthday.” She kisses my cheek. “Break some rules.”

“My yoga mat will be very disappointed.”

“Your yoga mat will survive.” She opens the door, then pauses. “Oh, and fair warning? Tommy invited Brody to join us tonight.”

“Sarah!” I hiss. “You can’t just?—”

“Already did.” She’s halfway down the walkway before I can properly yell at her. “Seven o’clock! I won’t take no for an answer!”

I close the door, leaning my forehead against it with a groan. This is not how I’d planned to spend my birthday.

My phone pings with a notification. A social media reminder from something I haven’t thought about in months. Someone I’d hoped to never think about again.

A birthday memory from years ago:Happy Birthday to my best girl! Miss our birthday traditions. Remember that time in Cabo?

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