Page 57 of Christmas on Ice
Alexei clapped his hand hard on my back. “Then there is your answer. You must fight.”
You must fight.Alexei’s three simple words made everything incredibly clear. By the time we touched back down in Colorado Springs three days later, I had a plan.
30
Kami
“Still no calls or texts?” Khloe joined me by my bedroom window as I watched Ryleigh play in the backyard with my dad.
I shook my head. On the bed behind me were our packed suitcases. Sutton had been released from the hospital yesterday, and Ryleigh has spent enough time with him over the past two days that he didn’t fight me on my refusal to stay through the weekend. I needed to get back to work.
“You could go to that New Year’s party. See what happens.” She twirled a lock of her hair and shot me an innocent look. “You know Trask will be there.”
“I don’t know, Klo. I feel miserable without him, but I’m scared.”
“Scared of what exactly? Being loved by a great guy who adores you and your daughter?”
“No … I don’t know. What if he turns out to be someone different from who he is now?” I hadn’t been the best judge of character with Sutton. How could I set myself up for that again? Especially now that I had Ryleigh to think about.
“News flash: Trask is nothing like Sutton. I could tell that the second I met him. And you know the important things. And it’s not like knowing someone for years worked in your favor the last time. What I’m saying is, not knowing the future is okay. But don’t deny yourself the present because you’re scared of history repeating itself. You’re smart enough not to jump into anything that doesn’t feel right. Do your feelings for Trask feel right?”
I nodded. “More right than I ever felt with Sutton.” I sniffed. “I think that’s why I’m such a mess. He has the power to hurt me worse than Sutton did.”
“Then why are we even having this conversation? It sounds to me like your heart has already made up its mind. Tell the brain to back off, and go get that man already!”
* * *
I was backat work the next morning, working the early shift. Ryleigh was having a playdate with Natasha, and Kira offered to dress her and bring her to the party. The restaurant was surprisingly dead, and by noon Brenna and I had hung all the New Year’s Eve decorations, refilled all the condiment containers, and prepped all the produce for dinner.
“You sure we aren’t needed here tonight?” I asked. “I have a feeling it’s going to be packed.”
“It always is, and believe me when I say you don’t want to be here.” She straightened the last barstool and beckoned me to follow her.
I followed her to the office in the back. Her oldest brother, Keegan, sat at the desk typing steadily and looking at his computer screen with concern. In contrast, Drew leaned on the back of his chair and grinned at the screen.
“Uh-oh,” Brenna said. “What is it?”
“We’re just shy of two grand to beat last year’s total revenue,” Drew said excitedly. “Barring a total disaster. I’m so going to win this bet.”
“I really didn’t think we’d do it,” the serious, studious Keegan muttered. He didn’t come out front often, preferring to help his parents manage the business side of things.
“That’s cause you’re a pessimist.” Drew tapped his shoulder and grinned at us. “And just because you didn’t like the peanut butter brew, you thought everyone would hate it. What’s up, Bren?”
“I wanted to let you know everything is prepped for tonight and to remind you Kami and I are out of here at three o’clock. Anything else you need us to do while it’s slow out there?”
He shook his head. “Nope. I got the bar stocked, too. Gonna be a big night!”
* * *
The New Year’sparty at Coach Conway’s house was in full swing when Brenna and I arrived just after six. Gemma Allaire, Noel’s mother, answered the door and led us to a spare bedroom where the kids were playing. Ryleigh ran to give me a hug and then told me I could go. Brenna laughed and dragged me out of the room.
We ended up in the dining room with Kira and a few of the older Wags. I nodded and smiled enough to participate, but my senses were on full alert for Trask. Someone said he was outside with a group of players, so I was keeping an eye on the back door.
“Here they come,” Brenna whispered in my ear. Trask, Jason, Brendan, and Rury came inside in a whoosh of cold air.
I stood up and rubbed my hands on my thighs. I looked at Brenna for support. She nodded, and I walked toward the guys, who were now leaning against the kitchen counter discussing their predictions for tonight’s Denver Edge game. Trask saw me approach and excused himself from the group.
“Hey,” I said. “It’s good to see you. Thanks again for the invitation. Ryleigh is having a wonderful time.”
