Page 159 of Triple Pucked
I’m only now realizing how deep his friendship runs with Eden.
Cody glances around at us. His smile is tighter than normal. He assesses Eden carefully.
I wave, which is our signal that I will check in with Eden for him and call him over if I am concerned at all.
Satisfied, Cody turns back to the rink.
Eden nudges his thigh closer to mine. He has made sure to be within sight of one of us since we got him back, as if he imagines that if he doesn’t, he may be taken or we will be.
My heart breaks.
I hope that therapy will help but seriously, is it any wonder that he feels in danger?
“Pain rating three.” Eden touches his side. “The rib is only fractured. I will tell Cody if the rating rises higher. I took my meds.”
“Don’t sayonly.” My voice catches at the thought of Eden being shot with that tranquilizer dart.
He could have died.
He shrugs. “It’s nothing. What matters is that I am here with you. I almost wasn’t ever again. At least, not asme.Also, I’m D’Angelo’s PA. I take my job seriously.”
I feel sick. I could have lost him. We all could.
It would have wrecked us.
Would any of us have recovered?
Eden has worked his way into my heart and soul.
Does he understand how important he is to me?To all of us?He binds us together with his steady care, love, and cups of tea.
Eden saysPAwith a glow of pride and a defiance that I don’t understand.
A shadow lies behind his eyes that makes my heart ache. I am sure that he will tell me when he is ready.
Eden spoke to his brother this morning alone in the library. Shay’s eyes were red rimmed afterward. He has stuck close to his brother ever since, refusing to be more than a step away from him.
Eden isn’t the only one who has been shaken by this.
The Avs have already taken…and made…their first shot.
Grayson moves forward to take his first shot on goal.
My breathing speeds up.
The atmosphere in the arena is electric.
“Come on,” I whisper.
Grayson skates forward. He fakes a shot, before suddenly shifting to his backhand and confusing the goalie.
Then he raises his stick and scores between the goalie’s legs.
“Yes!” I grin.
The audience cheer.
Eden is watching with a serious, quiet intensity.
