Page 206 of Cross Check

“There’s one more person who needs to hear that,” he says.

We pull into the parking garage under Hannah’s apartment complex, and Coach leads me up the elevator to her floor. I wait outside while Coach heads in first, a quiet conversation happening between the two of them before he holds open the door.

“You look like shit,” Hannah says when she sees me.

“Feel like shit too. Can I come in?” I ask.

“Yeah.” She steps back and gestures me inside. “You can come in.”

I walk to the living room and find a spot in a leather chair. I stare out the large window until a glass of water is set in front of me.

“In case you’re thirsty,” Hannah says, sitting on the couch.

“Thank you.” I take a sip of water and blow out a rough exhale. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what, Grant? Embarrassing me? Saying hurtful, callous things to me and the man I love?”

“All of it. You’re right, Hannah. You’re an adult. You’re the only one who can make decisions about your life, and my opinion shouldn’t have any sway over what you do or don’t do.” I wring my hands together. “But I wish you would have told me what was going on.”

“I’ve been very intentional about what I share with you, Grant. You’re a professional athlete who constantly has microphones shoved in his face. Why should you have to answer questions about my personal relationships when they don’t have anything to do with the sport you’re playing?” She sighs. “Do you want me to be honest?”

“Yes,” I say.

“Brody and I have been seeing each other since the holiday gala. We also slept together the night of Riley’s accident, but we didn’t talk again until he reached out about coaching his daughter.” Hannah pauses for a breath before continuing. “It started out as a one-night stand, but then I fell in love with him because he’s great and wonderful and so not the man you all think he is. I’m going to therapy twice a week to talk about my burnout. I’m setting new goals for myself, and I think I’m going to announce my official retirement from skating soon because my heart isn’t in it anymore. And I’m bisexual,” she adds. “I had a girlfriend when I was nineteen, but I also like men. There. That’s me being honest.”

“You’re bisexual?” I whisper. “Why didn’t you say anything? Did you think I would judge you? I would never⁠—”

“I’m not embarrassed of who I am, but I’m protective over it. Over who gets to see these sides of me, and the only reason I didn’t tell you is because your heart is so damn big, Grant. You’re a hockey player. That is your priority, and I’m okay with my relationships being left out of the limelight.”

“Hannah.” Tears prick my eyes. “Relationships, jobs, and sports all come and go, but this is who you are. It’s something I want to know about, even if there’s a damn microphone in front of me. I want to know everything because I love you. And when you love someone, you put your personal opinions aside, and you listen. Which is what I should’ve done originally. I’m so sorry that I didn’t.”

Hannah stands and walks around the coffee table until she’s sitting by my side and resting her head on my shoulder.

“I’m sorry for not telling you. We told Olivia, Brody’s daughter, because she’s the most important person in his life. You’re the most important person in my life, and I should’ve been honest with you from the beginning,” she says.

“I probably wouldn’t have believed you,” I admit. “It’s Coach.”

We talk some more, and then Coach joins us. He smiles at Hannah, looking relaxed and laid-back in a way I’ve never seen before. After another round of apologies and a warning that I’d ruin his life if he ever hurt my sister, I stand. I give Hannah a hug and hold her tight.

“Thank you for coming by,” she says. “I’m glad we could clear this up.”

“Me too,” I tell her. “Thanks for hearing me out.”

“What made you come to your senses?”

“I had some help from outside influences. People who are smarter than me.” I rub the back of my neck. “People I’m really grateful for.”

“Good.” Hannah squeezes my hand. “Want to get dinner soon?”

“Once the postseason starts, I’m yours, sis.” I ruffle her hair, grinning when she swats at my arm. “And hey. Can y’all keep the PDA to a minimum when I’m around, please?”

“No promises.” She laughs when Coach pulls her into a hug and kisses the top of her head. “But we’ll try.”

Out in the hall, I chuckle to myself. I fix my sleeve, inspired.

If Hannah and Coach can make their relationship work, so can Amelia and I.

There’s hope for us, and I call an Uber, desperate to get home so I can tell her all is well.