Page 40 of Second Chance Player

Liam and I both get in the front seat, and then we are off. His car smells like him, and it’s intoxicating.

“Where are we going exactly?” I ask.

“It’s Midtown. There’s an arena there. I haven’t ever been there myself,” he explains.

I look over at him driving this fancy car. He’s all grown up, handsome as ever, and his jaw is more chiseled. His features are more defined, but it isn’t just his looks that have changed. Something about him gives off the vibe he isn’t as stressed as he used to be. There is an air of peace about him.

“Why are you doing all this?” I ask him.

He looks out to the road, never taking his gaze away. He’s also driving at a safe speed, which I appreciate with my son in the car.

“I want us to get to know each other. Since I’m figuring you and Crew are a package deal, we can call this our first date,” he says pointedly. Saying exactly what is on his mind is also a new Liam thing, as I remember trying to pry his feelings out of him in the past.

“You, me, and my son are on a date?” I ask, feeling confused.

“Yes.” He nods like it makes sense to him. “I’m hoping one of many.”

My stomach somersaults, and excitement bubbles inside me, but I know better than to get carried away by this fairy tale.

“Liam, I don’t think you understand what you’re asking for. Life with a kid isn’t all fun and parties,” I point out.

“I understand. Maybe the life of parties is behind me, but I reckon we can still have some fun.” He winks at me.

The jerk actually winks.

I melt in my seat.

The drive to Midtown isn’t too bad either, and we arrive at the arena with ten minutes to spare to get Crew’s gear on. The place has underground parking so finding a parking spot isn’t a problem. We head inside the building from the parking lot by taking an elevator. The doors open to some fancy facility.

“This way,” Liam says.

“Have you been here before?” I ask, as he leads us into the building and then an elevator.

“No, but my buddy gave me very specific instructions,” he explains.

He’s carrying Crew’s bag on his shoulder, along with his skates, as we walk past a desk, and Liam gives a lady our information. She tells him we are all checked in, and then we head into a large changing room filled with big duffel bags.

“Give me one sec,” Liam says, and he leaves the backpack and skates behind.

“I’m playing hockey,” Crew says with excitement filled in his eyes.

“Yes, my boy, you are.” I give him a quick hug as Liam walks in with his uniform.

“I’m not sure what to do with these things,” I say.

“I got it,” he says. “Crew, I can show you how to get dressed.”

Crew gives him a toothy grin and walks over to Liam, happily eating up all this male attention.

Liam quickly describes the importance of all the padding and gear as he suits him up. Then he puts on his skates, explaining they should be super tight to hold his ankle in place. Finally, he gets his helmet on. I don’t exactly know how these programs work, but I’m guessing the gear and helmet are not just given out at an arena, which means Liam must have gone to a lot of trouble to get Crew prepared to play hockey.

“I’ll take you over to the ice,” he then says to Crew, who is absolutely beaming. “My buddy is one of the coaches. I can introduce you to his son, Liam,” Liam says.

“Your friend has a son with the same name as you?” Crew asks Liam with a confused tone.

“It’s just a coincidence,” Liam replies.

“What does that mean?” Crew asks.

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