Page 70 of Face Off
“Really quoting theBig Lebowski? Do better.”
He laughs a little before changing the subject. “So, everything okay with Hayley? She and Cam make it to Arizona?”
“Yeah. She’s going to text me once they get settled,” I say, looking out the window as the plan moves down the runway. “Tomorrow, they’re supposed to go to the lab for the test.”
“Heavy stuff, man.”
Yeah. Heavy stuff all right. But the test isn’t what has me in a bundle of nerves. One look at Camden and we all know he is Boyce’s son. It’s the fact that Hayley and Boyce could have a run in. Blindside her.
Halloway continues talking about some random something or other. My mind blocks him out as thoughts of Hayley invade my mind. I lean my head back against the headrest, closing my eyes, trying to drown out the racing thoughts. I shouldn’t have let her go alone. I should have pushed harder. Well, maybe not considering the last time I pushed her. She asked for time and space. Which by the way was probably up there in the ranks of worst weeks of my life.
I finally drift off to sleep that wasn’t as long as I’d like. The plane wheels touching down on the tarmac jostle me awake as we land in Detroit. Slowly, we unload the plane and board the team bus.
Brooks: We just landed. Hope I’m not waking you.
Hayley: Not a chance. Camden just fell asleep.
Brooks: Good. I’ll call once I’m settled.
The trip to the hotel is short and once we’re sorted out with rooms, I head straight for the elevators. I get off on the fourteenth floor and swipe my card quickly to enter my room. I drop my bags in the closet before whipping out my phone to FaceTime Hayley. The phone rings twice before her gorgeous smile fills the screen.
“Hey, stranger. You didn’t have to call,” she says, resting her hand at the side of her head. “I know the time difference has to be kicking your ass. You should really get some shuteye before morning skate.”
I can’t help but laugh at her. All work and no play. Okay, well, sometimes more play and no work. “I see that since you can’t be here to keep me in check, you’re doing it via FaceTime. When really you should be showing me a little skin because I miss you so goddamn much right now.”
“I miss you too.”
“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?”
She brings a wine glass to her lips, taking a long pull before looking at me in the camera. Her eyes search mine for I guess the words. I can only imagine what’s going through her mind. Alone at that.
“Hey, you don’t have to say anything. I can only imagine how you’re feeling,” I say, trying to comfort her.
“No. It’s fine.” She releases a long sigh. “We’re supposed to meet Jess at the lab at nine, then we’re supposed to meet with Boyce’s lawyers. Try to reach some sort of preamble agreement before the results are officially official and we enter some sort of fucked-up custody battle.”
Her voice shakes a little as she tries to hide her fears.
“Hey,” I say in a comforting voice. “Talk to me. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“I’m terrified, Brooks.” She pauses as a single tear streaks down her cheek. “I’m terrified they’re going to take my baby away. Force me into some sick agreement when in reality… I know deep down in my gut that this whole thing… is nothing but a fucking publicity stunt.”
God, I hate that she’s hurting. Scared. Alone. I just want to be there with her in this moment. Holding her in my arms as she breaks down, releasing all her inner fears to me. Be there to deliver a blow to his fucking jaw for putting her in this position.
Fuck this.
I’m getting on a goddamn plane right now and going to her.
“Hayley, I’m getting on a plane. I’m coming to you,” I say, standing from the bed and walking toward my suitcases in the closet.
“Brooks, no.”
“No, Hayley. Fuck that playoff nonsense,” I say to her. “You’re more important to me, Hayley. You and Camden both. So, I’d be damned if you stop me from getting on a plane right now.”
“Brooks…”
I cut her off before she interjects. “I’ll see you in a few hours.” I quickly hang up and make my way to the coach’s room to let him know my plan.
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