Page 97 of Actions and Reactions
“Well actually, my aunt Lyla was there and she let me in.”
“We’re going to talk about all those details you skipped too by the way, but go on.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t tell you that either, sorry.”
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Tell me about this morning.”
So I do. While we walk slowly around the rink, I know I’ve got her full attention, which feels really nice of course.
What I notice the most, though, is how good it feels to be back here.
There are frames all over the place of the guys on the ice, the team holding the Stanley Cup over their heads, and some of Bear’s best saves as well.
I actually love it.
And Ijustlove it.
That’s something I never thought would be possible six months ago. Of course, I still think life’s unfair for how I lost my chance to be a hockey player, and I think I’ll always wonder what it would’ve been like, but I don’t hate hockey.
It’s as miraculous as my timing, since I finish the story just as we get to Abigail’s desk outside Gab’s office.
“Silas, you’re back!” She’s around her desk and going for a hug in just a couple of seconds, and it takes me by surprise since she’s never hugged me before, but I return it either way. “Gab told me to let you in as soon as you got here.”
“She knows I’m back?” I ask and pull back.
“She had a long breakfast with Lyla,” she explains.
“Ah.” I nod, not needing any more information. Gab loves her gossip, and honestly so does Lyla, but I don’t mind that they’re gossipping about me since I trust both of them completely.
Annie, though, she squeaks and starts looking around.
More patient and understanding than most, Abigail smiles at Annie.
“Lyla’s not here.”
“Sorry.” Annie winces.
“It’s fine, honey.” Then she offers Annie a hand to shake and I introduce them. “You can go right in.”
“Thanks.” I open the door for Annie and Gab’s head snaps up.
“You’re here,” she cheers, and like Abigail, she roundsher desk and comes over for a hug. “Oh, Jesus, I’ve missed you.”
“You have?” I ask, confused.
“Sandy’s a good person, and fun, but she’s not you and half the marketing team has been helping her out. But besides that, I like our chats.”
“I actually missed you too, Gab.” And that’s the truth. “And the work,” I admit. “I got maybe too good at staring at a wall and thinking about my life, so I can’t wait to dive back in.”
“Pfft.” She waves a hand around. “You can get back to it tomorrow and put poor Sandy out of her misery.”
“I’ll do that.” I step back and gesture to Annie. “Gab, this is Annie. She was in New Hope with me and we became friends there, and now she’s moved to Vegas. Annie, this is Gab Darnell. Please call her Gab or she’ll get cranky.”
“I really will,” Gab adds and shakes Annie’s hand. My friend just stares, starstruck. Even people who don’t know anything about hockey or football know who Gab Darnell is. She’s a legend in multiple industries. “I’m glad you made a new friend.”
“Me too.”
Gab stares at Annie for a long moment, like she’s seeing something other than her dark eyes and careful smile.
