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“But what about hockey?”
Pushing to his feet. This time, it was Logan who seemed hurt. “I’m retiring from hockey,” he said, and it was as if the excitement had drained from him completely as he put some distance between us.
“Retiring?” I asked, worried about his well-being.
“Didn’t Mia tell you?” He asked, resting his hands on the railing a little too tightly as he spoke. “With my heart the way it is I can’t pass the stress tests. I haven’t been allowed to play in a game since Opa passed. I even have a team doctor aboard to babysit me.”
“No, she didn’t say anything,” I whispered. “Logan, I’m sorry. I didn’t know any of that. Mia and I don’t discuss you and I stopped following your games quite a few years ago.”
“Why?”
“I’d rather not say.”
Tapping the railing with frustration, he ran his hand through his hair. “I’ll be out of my contract next month,” he huffed, dropping back down onto the lounge chair.
The idea of him being free from hockey suddenly had me wondering what’s next?
“You clearly don’t seem happy about it.”
“Hockey was all I ever dreamed about. The thought of giving it up and doing something new with my life is scary,” he admitted. “I don’t know how to do anything else.”
“That’s not true. I’ve come to Sunday dinners and know for a fact that you’re an amazing cook.”
“But that was with Opa’s guidance. I don’t think I can do it without him,” he blew out a puff of air.
Leaning in closer, my arm pressed against his as I offered comfort. “I’m sure you’ll do fine.”
“Hey, Logan,” Jade sings, returning with our mimosas. “What’s going on?” She asks, extending me my flute.
“Not much,” he replies, pushing to his feet so Jade can have her seat back. “I was just telling Stephanie here that I’ve got a spotlight in Leon Stark’s kitchen.”
Jade’s sunglasses slip down her nose enough for us to see her eyes. “Who’s Leon Stark?”
Glancing up at Logan, who was now standing behind me, he smiled as he rested his hand on the back of my lounge chair. “He’s a two-time Michelin star chef that owns Opa’s restaurant here on the ship,” he explains, his thumb absently caressing my shoulder blade.
Lifting a shapely brow in question, Jade shook her head. “I still don’t get it. Why are you spotlighting in his restaurant?”
He laughs casually. “I’m fulfilling one of my late grandfather’s wishes.”
Jade rests her hand over her heart. “Aww. Isn’t that sweet?”
Rubbing the light stubble on his chin, his gaze locked with mine as he smiled softly. “Thank you,” he says, uncomfortably.
Glancing at him from the corner of my eye, my mind wandered to very inappropriate places as I pressed my lips together.
“Anyway, I really should grab something to eat before I’m expected in the kitchen. Can I get either of you ladies anything before I go?” He asked, glancing at Jade, Taylor, and I.
“I think we’re good,” I said, holding up my drink. “I think this will cool me down enough.”
“You’d be much cooler if you were to lose the wrap,” Jade mumbled teasingly from behind her glass.
Knowing this was her way of getting me riled up, I was ready to swat her, but settled for rolling my eyes instead. “I’m fine. Besides, I don’t want to burn.”
“I’m more than happy to help you apply some sunscreen before I go,” Logan offers, his eyes bouncing between us.
Unable to resist, Jade couldn’t stop the bark of laughter that came out in response. “I’m sorry,” she apologized, covering her smile. “It’s just Stephanie’s pretty stubborn in her ways when it comes to being seen in her bathing suit.”
“Don’t I know it? I’ve had more than a few pool parties back in the day and she refused to swim with us until everyone left,” he said. My eyes widened as a chuckle spilled from his lips.
