Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Ann Marie snickers.
“He’s changed… opened up. We’ve had deep talks, and it’s definitely more than just sex. It’s more than just friends too. Even for him, I believe. I just don’t know if we’re on the same page as far as our futures are concerned.”
“So find out,” she exclaims.
“I will,” I reply with a doleful laugh. “We definitely need to talk. So funny we had this expiration date to coincide with the court date that will decide the injunction. That’s when I figured I’d have my answer.”
“Is he going to win?” she asks.
I shrug. “It’s moot, though, since I’m not going to build. Even if I win, I’m moving on. I don’t want to take away the one place he’s found peace in. I can’t do that to him.”
Ann Marie’s forehead creases with worry. “You’re giving up an awful lot for a man who I don’t think would do the same for you.”
“I know,” I murmur, resisting the urge to rub at the ache in my chest. “But for me, it’s the right thing to do.”
Ann Marie doesn’t say anything, and I know she’s trying to figure out ways to talk me out of this.
But ultimately, she won’t. She’ll support me.
Just as I’ll support her if she moves to Baltimore.
That’s what besties do.
I push up from the couch, wineglass nearly empty. “Let’s fix the butter chicken. Then we’ll get online and start looking at available properties. I’m willing to branch out a good thirty miles from Coudersport, so hopefully that will open up some options. Maybe I can go look at some tomorrow.”
“Maybe you should look in Baltimore,” she suggests with a twinkle in her eye.
I consider that. I really don’t want to leave Coudersport, but really… what’s holding me here? “Okay… let’s look at Baltimore, too, just for fun.”
My Realtor, Jamie Nowak, will gladly take me around on a Saturday to look at properties here locally. He’s another friend I’ve known my entire life, plus he’ll be eager to earn another commission, not only on reselling my property but helping me find a new one.
I have a solid plan in place that will keep my dreams moving forward. Now I just have to figure out what Coen and I really are and if we have a future together.
CHAPTER 24
Coen
Not so awkward, sitting here with Gage, Stone, and Baden. They’re the three people within the Titans’ organization—along with Brienne Norcross and Callum Derringer—who consistently tried to help me through these dark months.
While I wasn’t very good at engaging with them or accepting offers of help, and I outright rejected their advice, I at least know these people care. That has never been lost on me.
I was just incapable of gratitude for their concern for a very long time.
So yeah, sitting at dinner with these guys in a nice steakhouse with good food and pricey liquor, I can tell it’s not going to be as uncomfortable as I worried it would be when I accepted the invitation.
We’ve ordered drinks, perused the menu, and made our selections. Bread has been delivered, and I listen as the guys joke amongst themselves, talking about their girlfriends and their plans for the remainder of summer. Training camp starts in seven weeks, and most of the players are doing some heavy traveling before then.
Gage and Jenna are heading to California to hang with her parents for a bit, then to Iowa to spend time with his family.
Even though Stone and Harlow vacationed in St. Lucia last month, they’re spending a few weeks up in Martha’s Vineyard in mid-August.
And Baden and Sophie are itching to get away as they’ve been spending the first part of the off-season remodeling an old Victorian house. They’re off to Greece.
I remember those days… using the off-season to satisfy wanderlust and truly relax. It’s essential to have the mental and physical break, and part of me is nostalgic hearing their travel plans.
“What about you?” Stone asks, his eyes coming to me. “Going anywhere or are you just hanging out at the cabin?”
“Just the cabin.” I might be a little nostalgic, but I have no desire to travel. Besides, Tillie’s right there, and she’s really all I’ve needed the last few weeks.
“Aren’t you bored?” Gage asks.
“No way. I hike almost every day, been fishing and doing a lot of work on the outside of the house. I fixed up the koi pond, and I’m thinking about building a gazebo.”
Baden shudders in an overly dramatic fashion. “I’m so over building and remodeling right now.”
I laugh, stirring my bourbon and soda with the small, colorful straw. “Well, I might be at some point, but for now, I love it. Buying that cabin was the best thing I’ve done in a long time.”
Because I met Tillie.
Admittedly, though, sitting here with the guys has me curious beyond all measure. I know I should keep my mouth shut, but I ask the question that will betray my previous statement that I’m done with hockey.