Page 71 of In My Hockey Era
Chase moves beside me, adjusting his stance for a deadlift when my phone buzzes on the bench.
I glance at the screen.Natalie.
“Hold up,” I tell Chase, setting the weights down.He grunts in response, already mid-lift.
I swipe to answer.“Hey, Nat.”
“Finally,” she sighs.“Took you long enough.”
I wipe the sweat off my forehead with my shirt.“Some of us have to work for a living.”
“You play hockey for a living.”
“Exactly.Hard work.”
She snorts, but there’s something tense in the way she exhales.I recognize it instantly.
“What’s up?”I ask, sitting on the bench, resting my elbows on my knees.
“Divorce stuff,” she says, and yeah, that tracks.“I met with my lawyer again, and they’re pushing for me to take the settlement, but I feel like I’m getting screwed.”
I rub my jaw.“Then don’t settle.”
“It’s not that simple, Ben.”
“Sure, it is,” I say, leaning back.“You know what you deserve.You put in just as much—hell, more—into that marriage.You shouldn’t walk away with less than what’s fair.”
She’s quiet for a second.“You really think I should fight it?”
I nod, even though she can’t see me.“I do.And whatever you need, I got you.Lawyer fees, moral support, someone to talk shit about Kyle with—I’m your guy.”
That finally gets a small laugh out of her.“Thanks, Benny.”
“Anytime.”
There’s a pause, and then her voice shifts, lighter but a little smug.“So… what’s new with you?Are you dating anyone?”
I roll my eyes.“You really don’t follow my social media, do you?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” I say quickly.“Never mind.Yes, I’m seeing someone.Her name’s Lucy.”
Chase, still lifting beside me, smirks at the mention of her name.I ignore him.
Natalie, on the other hand, makes a surprised noise.“Wait,really?Bennett Wilderdatingdating someone?Not just a ‘hanging out’ situation?”
I shake my head, grinning.“Yeah,really.”
She hums, then goes quiet for a second before saying, “Have you told her about Holly yet?”
My stomach tightens.
“Not yet.”
“Ben,” she says, sharper now.“You need to be honest.Isn’t that what you’re always telling me?”
I exhale slowly.“I know.I will.I swear.”
