Page 14 of Power Play Pursuit

“I’m with Aaron,” Marissa says, scooping the eggs onto our plates. “Definitely don’t call him back.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I won’t,” I say, biting my cheek. He doesn’t deserve any explanation beyond the one I gave him on the phone. It’s not like I ghosted him, or he couldn’t see it coming.

Our conversation shifts to what we’re doing today. And since hockey season has officially started, it means practice and another game tonight for Aaron. Luckily for the Raptors, they have a streak of home games and tri-state area games before they hit the road. That’s the advantage of playing for a city with so many opposing teams close by: another one in New York and New Jersey, two in Pennsylvania, one in Boston, and one in DC. All less than four hours away by car, which means they’re pretty much home games. The guys can come back home right away, sometimes even the same night.

As for Marissa and me, we’re due at the coffee shop later today. Whenever Celia can step in for us the morning after a game, we always take her up on her offer.

We’re discussing new recipes we want to try when my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number. Hopefully, it’s not Lucas using another phone.

“Hello?” I say tentatively.

“She’s alive!” the voice of my grandma blares through the receiver. I don’t miss her sarcastic tone in her voice.

“Hi, Grandma. How are you doing?”

“I’m good. I was just afraid you might be dead, considering you haven’t called since I stepped foot in this death hole.”

“Grandma! Don’t be so dramatic,” I say, slumping my shoulders in exasperation. She’s only been in the nursing home for a couple of days. “I know I said I’d call on your first day, but life’s been crazy. I’m sorry.”

“Are you still coming to visit me tomorrow?” she asks in a quiet voice, and my throat tightens. My grandma is the strongest person I know, so moving to a nursing home is a major adjustment for her. After she took a nasty fall a few months ago, I promised I’d come visit her every week if she moved into the home, and that I’d call her even more. So far, big failure on my end.

“Absolutely. I promised you last week before you moved. I’ll be there. How is it going so far? What are the other residents like?”

“Old,” she grumbles, and I can almost see her rolling her eyes. “I’m probably the youngest person in this place, but they’re nice enough. And some of them even play cards. Poker.”

“Oh, that’s great. Have you played a game yet?” I’m not sure it’s her best move for making friends, since she’s a great poker player, but at least she has fun with it.

“I did. A young boy even stopped by to play with us. We have some sore losers in this place, but we’ll see.”

I chuckle, feeling a lot lighter. “Well, I’ll be there tomorrow, and we can play together.”

“Don’t bring that boyfriend of yours. I want you to myself.”

My mouth goes dry. “Actually, Lucas and I broke up.”

“Oh, okay. Well, in case you forgive him for whatever he’s done by tomorrow, still come alone.”

Her comment both stings and makes me laugh. That pretty much sums up my relationship with Lucas. Even Grandma caught on to that. “I won’t. See you tomorrow.”

The doorbell rings as I’m ending the call. I’m closer to the front door, so I tell Marissa and Aaron I’ll get it.

I swing the door open to reveal James, who’s wearing loose joggers and a T-shirt that seems to highlight his excessive muscles. “Elizabeth!” he says, his eyes sparkling. “How are you this fine morning?”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “I’m good. What’s up?”

He stuffs both hands in his pockets. “Just wanted to check on you, see how you were doing.”

“Well, I’m fine.”

His intense eyes study me for a moment, and he offers a small smile. “I believe you a bit more than I did yesterday.”

This man is way too perceptive for my liking.

“Hey, bro!” Aaron’s deep voice booms behind me. I step aside so they can bro-hug.

Aaron steps back. “What’s up, man? Do you need a cup of sugar or something?”

James’ cheeks redden slightly as he crosses his strong arms over his chest. “Nah, you’re the cook in this building. Hawthorne’s down for a game against the Spaniards in an hour. Are you in?”

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