Page 38 of Broken As Puck

“That’s what we’ve been focusing on most heavily since that game,” I confirmed. “I think we’re improving.”

He sipped his coffee. “I’m glad the team is in a better place.”

I smiled. “Me too.”

“Want to explain where the cat came from?” Mom asked. “I can’t see you going to the shelter.”

She was right. I might’ve thought about getting a dog on occasion, but I’d ruled it out. The possibility of living with a cat hadn’t occurred to me until the fundraiser yesterday. Something about Wasabi’s smooshed nose and the chip on his shoulder had called to me.

“The team was involved in a fundraiser for a local animal shelter,” I told her, rubbing beneath Wasabi’s chin. “I saw this guy, and it felt right.”

Mom’s jaw dropped. “You mean you had options and you chose… him?”

A laugh burst from me. “Yes, Mom. I chose him. I thought you liked him.”

Her lips twisted with mirth. “I do, but I can’t help wondering if this is a cry for help.”

“I’m fine,” I assured her, wondering how I’d come from someone who was such a smart-ass.

“So, was this fundraiser to help the team’s publicity?” Dad asked, drawing the attention away from my dubious choice of pet.

“Yes.” I hesitated, unsure how much I wanted to share with them, but decided to go for it. “Actually, it was Chelsey’s idea. She’s the team’s new publicist.”

“Chelsey?” His eyes widened. “Chelsey Fields?”

“Yeah. She’s doing an incredible job.”

“How is she?” Mom was suddenly a lot more invested in the conversation. “How does she look? Is she married?”

I grimaced at the parade of questions. “She’s doing well, as far as I can tell. She’s as beautiful as ever. I don’t think she’s married.” There wasn’t a ring on her finger, but if she was in a relationship, it would gut me. “She’s keeping me at a distance.”

Mom picked up the remote on the coffee table and turned the heat of the gas fire up. “You two always seemed so good together.”

“We were,” I agreed, inhaling slowly as I gathered my courage. “I want her back, but I don’t think she’s interested.”

In fact, she might throw a party if the team’s management decided to trade me. Not that I thought they would.

“You should try,” Dad urged. “Don’t give up, even if it means making a fool of yourself. Love is worth it.”

Mom smirked. “Listen to your father. He’d know.”

Dad didn’t seem the slightest bit fazed by her remark as he added, “Your hockey career will end one day, but love is forever. If you love her enough, any risk is acceptable.”

That was saying something, coming from my more risk-averse parent. Although I shouldn’t be surprised. Their love story was the stuff of legend in our household.

Dad had been floundering in inherited debt when he’d met Mom, and he’d been scared to pursue her because he didn’t want to burden her with the challenges that came with loving him, but he’d taken a chance anyway, and they’d always been happy together, even when we were broke.

I wanted that kind of devotion, and I wanted it with Chelsey.

The oven timer beeped and Mom went to take the quiche out.

Dad angled himself toward me, glancing warily at the ball of purring fury on my lap. “You never fully explained what happened between you and Chelsey, but you said you hurt her somehow. She might be reluctant to trust you again, so you’ll have to prove you’re worthy of her trust.”

“I will,” I promised.

I’d screwed up once. I didn’t intend to do it again.

We ate together at the dining table, and afterward, I loaded the dishwasher and wiped down the kitchen counter. Corralling the cat took a bit more effort. He tried to hide at the top of one of the curtains, but eventually, I got him down.