Page 57 of Westward

“Are you seeing somebody?” she asked me. “I realize that it’s none of my business, except that it is. You are still in the news cycle because of the attack. And while we all agreed that it was most likely a fan from the other team, one they somehow cannot find, it’s still an unknown.”

I swallowed hard, trying not to remember the pain of lying there in that shower, when I hadn’t even realized exactly what had happened until it was too late.

“I’m pissed off that they haven’t been able to find him.”

“Same here. And the detective in charge has already heard me yell at him.”

My brows raised. “Really?”

“What? I’m taking care of my people. And you are my people. But there have been some rumors on a few social sites that you’ve been seeing your ex. And since there are only slight rumors, and you’ve never truly been in a relationship for your entire career, I’m assuming it’s Ms. Elizabeth?”

Lydia didn’t know everything when it came to my past with Lizzie. Of course, she didn’t. I had barely let myself believe in the truth of what we’d once had—and what we had now.

But she knew enough of it because I had been a morose little shit when Lizzie and I had broken up. When I had left her behind and broken her heart. All because I hadn’t seen the trees in front of me and realized I could have had more. I had thought I’d been doing the right thing, had felt that we had both agreed, but I had been wrong. Oh, so fucking wrong. Because I was a damn idiot.

“Atlas?”

“Lizzie and I are seeing each other. I love her.”

“I’m happy for you.”

“Really?”

“Does she know what’s coming once the world finds out? You’re still one of hockey’s hottest bachelors according to that poll.”

I groaned. “No. I’m not going to think about that.”

“About the poll? Or the fact that Lizzie is going to have to face certain realities when she comes with you to games.”

Ice filled my veins, and I swallowed hard, trying not to grip the phone too tightly. “I don’t think she’ll be coming to games,” I whispered.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Lizzie’s a teacher here. Ashford protects its own, so she’ll be safe here, but she can’t come on the road with me. She does important work here, and the town needs her.”

“She’s not the reason that you’re going to retire, is she?”

“No.”

“Wait. You are an adult and capable of making your own decisions. And you’ve always made smart ones. If this is your last year because you want it to be, or because you want to settle down with the love of your life, then go for it. If you want me to talk with Elizabeth, or have any one of your team do so, so that she’s prepared for what could happen if she goes to a game or if the world finds out her name, let me know. I protect you because you’re my client, and my friend, and I’m going to protect your girl too.”

And just like that, the tension eased from my shoulders. Whatever happened next, it wouldn’t be easy, not with my career, the ongoing investigation, and Lizzie, but I had people in my corner. Including my family. And for that, I would forever be grateful.

“You’re a good egg, Lydia.”

I could practically hear the eyeroll in her voice. “I’m so glad you think so, Mr. Carter. Now, let’s go through a few more things, and then you can get back to the weight room. I know you’re dying to do so.”

“I’ve only done my yoga today, and a quick run. So yes. And I need to get back on the ice as well as to the weight room.”

“Don’t you have that small skating center that you built? Is that not enough?”

“When I was a kid, we used to have to travel over an hour every day just for me to practice. My mom spent far too many hours dealing with my ungrateful ass, and I love her for it. And while building an entire stadium or something ridiculous here is not feasible, not if we want to keep the integrity of the environment intact, I don’t know, I want to do something. To help others like me.” Thoughts of Will filled my mind, and the fact that we had the small arena I’d built, but not much else.

“Well, we can talk about that. Make something happen. I’m sure there’s a facility that is already built, or space that you can make work that won’t destroy the environment. There are some good resources out there. And honestly, the more people we get playing hockey, the better.”

“Did you know that there isn’t a girl’s or women’s team still in any high school and beyond here and nearby? No clubs, nothing. You have to go all the way down to Denver to make that work, and it’s highly competitive there.”

“I do know that. I’m an agent for a few PWHL players. You know that.”