Page 137 of The Import Slot
When I finally head out of the dressing room, the rink is eerily quiet.
I peek into the bar area, which is now deserted, before heading for my car, which sits alone in the empty parking lot. My phone vibrates as I slide in.
Jen:I’m sorry about your dad. I love you. Come to mine?
I debate for a few minutes, sitting in my car for a beat before I start the engine.
I’m so frustrated. I’ve never felt less in control. It’s starting to rain, so I get out of the car, wanting to feel it on my skin. I don’t know what else to do, so I start walking, ignoring the throbbing in my calf.
Jenna
It’salmostmidnightwhenthere’s a knock at our door, and I’m beyond relieved to see Ryan standing there, even if he is soaking wet.
I’ve been trying his phone for ages, and I was just about to wake Johnny up and start a search party.
“Is that him?” Vicky shouts from the living area.
“Yep,” I call back. “Oh my god, you must be freezing.” I pull him inside and tug his hoodie, soaked with rain, from his body.
“I went for a walk,” he says.
“I can see that. I’m sorry,” I say. “I’m sorry that I called your dad. I just didn’t—”
He kisses me hard at first, but then tenderly.
“I’m not going back, Jen. I’ve had a lot of time to think tonight, and my decision still stands.”
“I know. And so does your dad now. He said he just wanted to make sure you knew what you were giving up, but then he said he saw you play, saw us together and realised that you’d be giving up more by going back. He said he only asked you why you wouldn’t go back to hear it from you and understand fully, and he does.”
“So, he’ll quit pressuring me?”
“No one will mention it again. I just want you to know I’m sorry. When you first came here, you were adamant that you were going back, only here for a season and all that. I didn’t want you to feel trapped here because of me.”
“I’ve told you; I think this has been what I’ve needed for a while. I feel alive again, and that’s down to you.”
He pulls his wet t-shirt off and tosses it on top of his hoodie.
“Can you come and sit on my dick now, please?” he pulls me in, nuzzling my neck. I can practically feel my underwear melt away.
“I would, but your dad is sorta in the living room—”
His face drops.
“I’m joking, I’m joking. They’ve gone to a hotel, but they’re coming for Sunday lunch tomorrow.”
“Are you doing potatoes?” he asks, following me into my bedroom.
“Of course, I’m doing potatoes.”
Epilogue
Ryan - Eight Months Later
Mytwinbrother,Liam,sits across from me, picking at a bagel.
“It won’t be that bad,” he says, reaching to take a chunk and popping it in his mouth. I scowl at him and look down at my cup. “I promise I’ll try not to be so bossy. We’ll be back on form in no time, bro. Trust me.”
Liam and I will be on the same line since Scottsy has gone to Germany, an opportunity that came up toward the end of the season, and he and his wife jumped at the chance. He reckons he’ll be back in a few seasons, though. I reckon he’s set for life.
