Page 158 of Check & Chase
“Shut up,” I grumble, but there’s no heat behind it. They can tease all they want. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
The media session is brutal. Questions about my disappearance, about my “erratic” play in recent weeks, about rumors connecting my performance to my personal life. I deflect as best I can, focusing on the team’s victory, on the upcoming games.
But one reporter won’t be deterred. “Sources say you were seen chasing a woman through the parking lot after the game. Would you care to comment on how your relationship might be affecting your play?”
I consider my options: denial, deflection, distraction. But in the end, honesty feels like the only path forward.
“My personal life is personal, but I will say this. Some things are more important than hockey. Tonight I had to make a choice between following protocol and following my heart. I chose my heart. And I’d do it again.”
The room erupts with follow-up questions, but Coach steps in, declaring the session over.
“That sound bite will be all over sports networks by morning,” he warns.
“I know. But it’s the truth.”
Later, my phone buzzes around midnight—a text from Maya that stops my heart.
Maya:She made it home safe. Still planning to leave tomorrow, but packing light. If you’re serious about waiting, prove it.
Relief washes through me. Emma’s safe, and Maya is reaching out, which means she doesn’t completely hate me.
Me:I’ve never been more serious about anything. Tell her I meant every word.
Maya:Tell her yourself when the time is right. But Chase? Don’t screw this up again. She won’t give you another chance.
The warning is clear and deserved.
Me:I won’t let her down. Not again.
Maya:Good. Because I know where you live and I’m not afraid of hockey players.
Despite everything, I find myself smiling. Maya’s the kind of friend Emma deserves.
The next afternoon brings a call I never expected—Jackson Anderson.
“Mitchell.”
I freeze, completely unprepared. “Jackson. What can I do for you?”
“You can explain why my sister arrived here upset. She nearly crashed twice on the drive because she was crying.”
Guilt slams into me. “Is she okay?”
“Physically? Yes. Emotionally? That’s complicated.” He sighs. “Look, I don’t know exactly what went down between youtwo. Emma won’t talk about it, which is saying something since she usually tells me everything.”
“It’s complicated.”
“So I gathered. Here’s what I do know: my sister was really happy with you. Happier than I’ve seen her since before her accident. Then suddenly she’s devastated.”
I wait, sensing there’s more coming.
“So I’m asking, what’s your endgame here, Mitchell? Because if you’re just messing with her emotions…”
“I’m not. I love your sister. Breaking up with her was the biggest mistake of my life, and I’m doing everything I can to fix it.”
Silence stretches between us. Finally, he speaks again. “She told me about the complaint. Is that why you guys broke up?”
“Yes. I thought I was protecting her.”
