Page 59 of Playing the Neutral Zone

“No, he isn’t seeing anyone,” Scottie said, letting out a huff.“Now, what are you going to do?”

I tapped the tip of my pen on the circled date and pinched the bridge of my nose as I leaned back in my chair.If this blew up in my face, I’d have to leave the publishing world.

“I’m going to have them print the article, and then I’m heading to Vancouver to cover the playoff game between Floridaand them.”

The line went quiet.I knew the risk I was taking by doing this.I certainly didn’t need to hear anything from Scottie.

It was then the editor of the journal I wrote for poked her head into my office, giving me a thumbs-up regarding the article I’d just submitted.I covered the receiver and pulled the phone away from my ear.

“All good?”I questioned.

“It was great, best thing I’ve read in a while.It will go out when you requested.”She winked.

“Thank you.”

She nodded, pulling my door closed, and I brought the phone back to my ear.

“You there?”I questioned, the line still quiet.

“Just be careful, Scarlett.I don’t know how Levi will react to this.”

I didn’t know how he’d react either.That was what I was worried about the most.

“Noted.I’ve got to run.I’ll call you soon.”

I hung up the phone, looked over at the date circled on the calendar.Only ten more days.I also had accepted the fact that this would be my last attempt at an apology, and if it didn’t work, I’d have to allow myself to let go of the dream of us being together, and move on with my life.

Chapter 18

Levi

“What a crazy week!”I said to Dylan and Aurora as we made our way into the arena.

They had picked me up from the airport an hour ago.Mrs.Fletcher had gotten news that her daughter who lived in Halifax was having some health issues, so I’d had no choice but to take Mia to New York to stay with my parents.I’d flown there yesterday, spent the night, and flew back today in time for our first playoff game against Florida.

“Well, it’s going to be another crazy couple of weeks as well,” Dylan added.

“I know, and I’m already exhausted.”I chuckled.

“Tell me about it.Jackson barely sleeps.”

“Oh please, you barely get up with him,” Aurora added as we stopped outside of her office.

“Babe, I get up with him as much as I can.You know full well I need my rest,” Dylan added, pulling her into his arms.

“So he says,” Aurora added, smiling at me.“But between you and me, I can’t even remember the last time he got up with him.”

“I’d kill to have someone to fight with over who gets up with Mia.”I chuckled.

“So, then, it doesn’t end?These middle of the night moments?”Aurora asked, letting out a sigh, looking defeated.

I couldn’t help but chuckle as Dylan let out a frustrated sigh.

“They do.Well, in some capacity.I will say they are easier now than they were.Having to guess what is wrong as they scream is hell.”

“Well, I’m glad the two of you are talking about me as if I’m not even here,”

Dylan said, shaking his head and laughing.

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