Page 147 of The Fine Line
Eddie waves the metal detector around me while Maddy types quickly. A moment later, she peels a sticker from the printer and slaps it onto alanyard.
“Aren’t you a reporter?” she asks as she hands it to me.
“Not tonight,” I say, slipping the lanyard over my head. The Storm’s game against Detroit is being aired nationally tonight, so the National Hockey Network’s broadcast team is covering it.
“I have the night off.”
I can’t say I mind either. We’ve been on the road for nearly three weeks, so it’s a welcome break. I love my job, but it’ll be nice to justwatchtonight for a change.
“Well, enjoy the game!” Maddy chirps.
“I will, thanks.”
Eddie hands me back my purse after checking it, and I’m about to walk away when Maddy calls out again.
“Um… Mrs. Sutton?”
I freeze in place like I’m a robot that’s had a malfunction. “Barrett,” I gently correct. “Or Caroline. Caroline’s fine.”
She grins sheepishly and pulls out her phone. “Would you mind a quick selfie?”
“Oh.” I hesitate.
“Maddy,” Eddie warns.
“No, it’s okay,” I say, forcing a smile.
She squeals and spins toward me, lifting her phone to snap a few photos. I smile and nod through it.
Halfway down the tunnel, my phone buzzes. I glance at it—Maddy’s already posted.
@Maddy_in_Mich:Such an honor to meet the NHL’s newest WAG & rinkside reporter! We love a #BossBabe <3
I can’t help the little smile that tugs at my lips.
“You’re here.”
I spin around, finding Rhett standing in the locker room doorway.
“Where else would I be?”
I try to keep my tone casual—it’s about as nonchalant asRhett’s awkward lean against the doorframe, which he nearly misses.
We haven’t said much lately. Not since the night of the gala. And well...
“NHN is doing the broadcast tonight, right?” he asks.
“They are,” I nod. “I’m just a fan tonight.”
“You didn’t want to do something else?”
“I don’t miss a game.”
“I know.” He pauses. “Just figured you might watch from the hotel. It’s been a long few weeks.”
“I thought about it,” I admit. “But it felt silly being across the street when I could be here.”
We’ve already spoken more in this moment than we have in weeks.
