Page 94 of Playoff
Alek glanced back at my brother who was talking to Cooper, deliberately avoiding any involvement in what I was doing. Justin knew and he was willing to go along, but he didn’t really approve. And that was okay. I didn’t need his approval.
Alek sighed before shrugging and accompanying me to the door. “Did you drive? I came with Fitch so I don’t have my vehicle.”
I’d come with JJ, but I always had his spare keys in my purse. We’d gone to the game together, where I’d sat with the rest of the PAC while JJ hung out in a box where he could avoid fans. “We can take JJ’s car.”
He stopped again. “Is he okay with that?”
“I’ll let him know. He can get a ride with Fitch or take an Uber.” I quickly texted him, then started walking down the street to the lot where we’d parked. Alek stayed with me, not speaking.
Traffic was a little busy—post-game celebrations—but it was still easy enough to get to our place. I couldn’t think of anything to say, beyond the speech I’d prepared, which I wasn’t going to start while navigating. Alek didn’t speak either.
I pulled into our slot, with the charger for the Ioniq. I drew in a long breath, screwing up my courage.
He broke the silence, his hand on the passenger seat handle. “Sure you want to do this?”
I nodded. “Absolutely.”
He sighed and got out of the car.
I slid out between the vehicle and the pillar on this side, maneuvering past the back bumper. I’d parked too close. The Ioniq was charged, so I headed for the elevator. Alek was quiet again. We’d never not been able to talk. My doubts returned in full force.
I made myself to speak in the elevator. “So, the team is in the playoffs.”
He nodded. “With your brother and Cooper out, it’s not looking so good.”
And JJ was out because he’d broken his hand on Alek’s helmet. Idiot. “At least you’ve been able to fill in for Ducky.” The team had been plagued by bad luck this season.
“He’s doing well. Started skating.”
Which meant Alek’s future was in jeopardy. I was relieved when the doors slid open on my floor because I was sticking my foot in my mouth every time I spoke. My hands were shaky as I twisted the key in the condo lock. There was a lot riding on this conversation. I went in first and led the way into the living space.
“Can I get you a drink?” I needed something to do with my hands while I bolstered my courage.
“No. Thanks.”
“Have a seat.” I waved at the living room. The layout of our place was the same as Fitch’s condo, and they looked a lot alike. Justin had furnished most of it before I arrived, and hockey players had similar priorities from what I’d seen. Roomy and comfortable couch, a big TV, coffee table for remotes and beer.
“I’m good.” Alek stood stiffly, barely inside the living room.
“Okay, well, I’m going to sit.” My legs were a little shaky.
I dropped into the chair I normally claimed and looked up at him, his face blank, jaw set. He was dreading this. Because he wanted to be rid of me, or was he afraid I was going to hurt him?
“I shouldn’t have left the way I did the last time we were together.”
He shrugged. “The jig was up. JJ knew. And your grandmother died. You were obviously leaving.”
Long breath. “I didn’t have to take off like that—running out without speaking. We had at least become friends. I apologize. And no matter what had happened with us, Justin shouldn’t have hit you. But I can’t say I’m sorry he did.”
That got a reaction. Alek raised an eyebrow. “You were pissed at me?”
I shook my head. “Not at all. But what he did? Started a whole chain of dominoes falling. Things that should have been dealt with years ago.”
He tilted his head.
“I didn’t get a chance to see or speak to Justin after he left your place that night, not until he showed up at our grandmother’s house to discuss her will with my parents. And by then he’d done a lot of thinking, and it changed things.”
His eyes were focused on my face, but his expression was still set, hiding his feelings.
