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“This is where you like to fight, so I thought we’d have it out here.”
“Havewhatout?”
“Your misconduct tonight. I don’t want you fighting because of me. At least, I don’t want you fighting other skaters because of me. It’s not worth it.”
“It is – youare– worth it. Your family is still out of town, I’m about to go on a week long road trip with the team, and you’re going to be having surgery. But you’re not worth it?” Stefan’svoice is raised, echoing in the empty, dimly lit, arena. “Francine, I don’t want you to be left alone here while everyone who loves you is out of town. But fine, keep telling yourself you’re not worth it.”
Everyone who loves you.
Those words crash land in my brain and everything else is a blur.
“What…what did you say?”
“I don’t want you to be alone…” He takes a step closer, reaching for my hand. “Not when someone who loves you is in another country.”
“I love you too,” I whisper, reaching out for his waist and steadying myself. “But that doesn’t change the fact that I’m mad at you for what you did tonight.”
“There are more important things in my life than hockey and all I asked for is enough time off for your surgery and they can’t even allow me that?” Stefan puts distance between us as he walks toward the penalty box, voice carrying.
“Stefan, that’s the reality of our life in professional sports. I’ll be here when you come home, and I won’t be alone when you’re gone. I have friends here. Friends who care for me and can stay with me if I need them to.”
“You’ll stay at my place,” he says, as I walk toward where he leans against the door to the box. “No arguments.”
“Stefan…”
“Stats.”
“Fine. I’ll stay at your place. But I’m not doing it for you, I’m doing it for Stevie.”
“I’ll take it,” Stefan opens the door to the box and guides me inside, pointing me toward his usual spot on the bench. “I am sorry about tonight.”
“I’m not the one you need to apologize to.” I sit down, grateful to be off my feet.
“I talked to Chris at practice. He told me if I needed to blow off some steam, he was my guy.” Stefan sits beside me stradling the bench and gently turns me to face him. “We played for Canada together a lifetime ago. He understood. Even thanked me for not breaking his nose. Again.”
“Do I want to know?” I ask with a laugh, slinging my non-injured leg over the bench and scooting closer to him.
“I shot a puck at his face, it’s not worth getting into right now. And he knocked out one of my teeth tonight, so I’d say we’re even.” Stefan’s hands frame my face and his lips seal over mine. Wrapping my arms around him, I press my body to his, seeking his warmth. “Admit it, Stats,” Stefan grins, revealing his nowtwomissing teeth, “you love the toothless look.”
“You make it work.”
Stefan pulls me into his arms and kisses me again. Taking control and stealing my breath as he does. I may never look at the penalty box the same way after tonight.
“I’ve called this meeting of Team Francine so that we can all get on the same page before her upcoming Surgery,” Stefan sits at a table in Donut Worry, across from Rachel, Malina, and me. “I’m going to be on the road with the team, and I’m counting on the two of you to take over in my absence.”
“As if it would take both of us,” Rachel says under her breath. “I’m more than capable on my own.”
“What was that?” Stefan throws her a pointed look.
“Just that Ihavetaken care of Franny a few times when she’s been sick or aggravated her hip injury, and I think I know what I’m doing.” Rachel leans forward, resting her forearms on thetable between her and Stefan, staring him down. “You’ve been around for what, all of a week?”
“Rach,” I settle a hand on her arm, “back off.”
“It’s been more than a week,” Stefan backs down the tiniest bit, “but I’ve been taking care of her sincethisinjury and know that she…”
“Is sitting right here,” I interject. “And last I checked I cantake careof myself. All I need is someone to pick me up, take me to the surgery center, and then bring me home.”
“Tomyhouse.” Stefan interrupts and I shoot him a ‘shut up if you know what’s good for you’ glare.
