Chapter 7

Seven

Maeve

As my shoes tap on the concrete floor, I cast Tanner a quick glance as we exit the elevator at the parking garage level. The place is pretty quiet this time of night, and I naturally glance around, searching my surroundings. When Tanner called the office yesterday, I slotted him in late in the day, because I knew it'd be dark by the time I left for home and he'd be with me in the parking garage.

I catalogue the area as the smell of exhaust and fuel fills my nostrils. There are only a few cars still in the garage. I'm not surprised. It's Friday night and most of the management have gone home already, either to be with their loved ones or to hang out with friends at a neighborhood pub.

I usually walk out with Bethany or Dad. He's somehow always around when I'm late leaving work. He worries about me, and that's understandable. While he would have been here tonight, they had tickets to the theater and I assured him I was perfectly fine, even though I'm not sure I'll ever be perfectly fine again.

I nudge Tanner with my shoulder and he doesn't budge. No surprise there. He's big and powerful, and can fight his way through an opposing team's entire defense. Yes, I watch him play. It's crazy, because he's so aggressive on the ice, but off it, he's so darn sweet.

"You don't have to walk me to my car, you know," I tell him, even though I really appreciate it.

He rolls his shoulder, stretching out his arm. "I thought you were walking me to mine."

I laugh, loving that he's not making me feel like a helpless female. I've taken self-defense lessons after Jake came at me with a knife. I'd broken things off with him after he became controlling, and jealous and was trying to isolate me from family and friends. Apparently, he didn't like that I broke things off. He stalked and harassed me, and then one day he broke into my place and decided he'd ruin me for any other man, and kill my career in the process. I'm tall, but thin, and can only do so much when up against a powerful man.

I nod toward my car as we approach. "I'm here." I pull out my fob and unlock my car. He follows me to it, still stretching. "Shoulder good?"

"Feels great, actually."

"Nothing broken or separated. Just joint pain. You need to hit the boards less often. Make sure you ice it tonight."

"My arm will be a popsicle by the time I go to bed."

Popsicle.

Something I licked to lay claim too.

"Okay, great." He reaches for my door and opens it before I can, and waves for me to get in. "Want me to drive you to yours?"

He clicks his phone and the lights flash on a nearby truck. "I'm right there."

"No puck bunnies going to jump out at you?"

He glances around, but there's a seriousness about him. "I'm fast."

"I'll wait here until you get in."

He taps the roof of my car. "Thanks again for squeezing me in. I appreciate it."

"Anytime." I press the button to start my car and put it into drive to shine my lights on him as he hurries to his truck. There's a new kind of lightness inside me as he hurries. I really like him. He pulls his phone from his pocket and shakes his head as he reads the message.

Unable to help myself, I reach for my phone and send him a text.

Maeve: Is that your mom wanting to meet your plus one?

He angles his body and gives me a big nod as he winces against my bright lights. I think it's funny that his mom is trying to marry him off. I just assumed he was busy proving himself to the team, but maybe there are other reasons he's against relationships. Maybe he was hurt in the past.

I grin and wave, although he probably can't see me. He turns and pulls open his door and I sigh, enjoying the view as he gets into his truck. I turn my wheel and head out, not really in a hurry to get home. It's Friday night and Kate has gone back to Florida, and while I should be out having fun with friends, that's not in the cards for me.

Tanner follows me out of the parking garage, and because we're going the same way, he stays behind for the better part of the drive home. I wave to him as I turn my signal on and pull into the grocery store. He honks in response, letting me know he saw me. I maneuver around the lot, looking for a spot near the door that is well lit.

I ease into one, and glance around the parking lot as people come and go from the store. Outside of the team's away games, where I go from hotel to rink and back again, my weekly outings consist of wheeling a cart through the aisles—usually one with a wobbly wheel, because I have that kind of luck. I don't hate shopping. I actually like it and I like trying new recipes. It keeps my mind occupied.

I hate that I didn't take Kate out to any nice places or restaurants, or show her around Boston while she was here. She does have friends here, but said she didn't mind going alone, and maybe when she finally moves here, I'll feel like getting out more. She's not famous, so it's not like we're going to draw paparazzi, and I always disguise myself.

Speaking of…

I reach into the back seat and grab my ballcap and glasses, tucking my hair underneath and obscuring most of my face with the oversized shades. Isn't it strange how the world thinks they own you when you're a public figure? Strange how they believe they have the right to know every move you make, plus everything personal about you. Tanner deals with that as much as I do, or rather as much as I used to. I never want to be in the spotlight again.

I glance around the parking lot and head inside. As I browse the aisles, thinking about what to make this Friday night, I don't miss the longing welling up inside of me. I really wish I had someone to cook for. I finally decide on spaghetti and meatballs, and maybe I'll make extra and bring them to Mom and Dad tomorrow. I fill my cart with everything I need and as I head to the cashier, my phone pings. I can't help the happiness welling up inside me when I pull it from my purse and see it's from Tanner.

Tanner: Making something delicious?

I push my cart to the side so I'm not blocking anyone and can't seem to wipe the smile from my face as I text back.

Maeve: Spaghetti and meatballs.

Tanner: So, no (eggplant emoji)?

I burst out laughing and that's when I notice I've drawn attention to myself. I pull my hat down lower, and shrink into my jacket.

Maeve: No, I like beef in my spaghetti. (eggplant emoji) could work if I was making vegetarian. What are you having?

Tanner: Some leftover chicken.

I stare at my phone, my heart beating a little faster. Should I invite him over? I groan, as I mentally debate it. I really shouldn't be messing with a player, one who has no desire to be in a relationship. Heck, it's not like I have any desire either, so maybe he's the one guy I should be messing with. But my father, he wouldn't like it and I don't want to drive a wedge between the two men.

Maeve: It's Friday night. Shouldn't you be out with friends?

Tanner: I could be asking you the same thing.

Maeve: I plan to be with friends later.

Tanner: Oh?

Maeve: Ben and Jerry. Chunky Monkey.

Tanner: LOL. Have a great night, Maeve.

Maeve: You too. See you next week.

I stare at my phone, and run my finger along the screen, simply wanting to reread his message. A child shrieks from an aisle over and it snaps me back to reality. I exhale and tuck my phone away when I realize we're done messaging for the night.

Walking aimlessly to the cashier, my mind still on Tanner, I glance at my hands pushing the cart. I enjoyed working on his shoulder tonight, and want to have him in top shape for his game tomorrow night. I can't deny that a very unprofessional part of me enjoyed touching him. We already both know we like each other, so it might have been hard on him too.

Don't think about hard, Maeve.

I chuckle at that and unload my groceries when I get to the cashier, and pick up a magazine from the shelf to flip through later. With Thanksgiving coming next month, I always like to try new recipes. Kate said she'd try to get here for the holiday. I like that idea, and I like the idea of hosting dinner at my place this year. Usually, Mom and Dad do it and it's not uncommon for them to invite players who can't make it home for the holidays. Last year, Ivanov came, and with his thick Russian accent, I could barely understand a word he said.

Why don't you invite Tanner?

I like the idea, but shut it down quickly. He's probably going back to Minnesota, or possibly going to Nova Scotia to be with friends. It could also make Kate uncomfortable, and I wouldn't want to do that.

I pay for my groceries, load my car and head toward home. I have no idea where Tanner lives but as I drive through my neighborhood, I search the driveways. Honestly, it's a big neighborhood and he could be miles away.

My phone rings as I drive, and my heart leaps. I'm not disappointed when I look at my car console and see that it's Dad calling. I press talk on my steering wheel. "Hey Dad. Aren't you supposed to be at the theater?"

"On our way now. Just checking to see how your Friday night is going."

What he's really doing is checking to see if I made it home safely and I truly love him for that. But a measure of guilt niggles at me. I'm a grown woman, and a part of me wishes they didn't worry so much. I guess Tanner and I have overprotective parents in common. At least mine aren't trying to marry me off. Truthfully though, I'm not sure I can navigate this world without them. Which is the opposite of Tanner. I get that he wants to prove he's his own man and can take care of himself. I'm just not sure I can take care of myself and that's quite pathetic.

"Just pulling into my driveway now. I had to stop at the grocery store."

"What's for dinner?" Mom asks in the background.

"Spaghetti and meatballs." I kill the ignition and sit in the dark, looking at my house. My heart jumps into my throat as I take in the darkness. Ever since my home security system went on the fritz and the company went out of business, I always leave the front light on, and the inside light in the hall, but the place is pitch black. I left before Kate this morning, so she probably turned them off. God, I really hope the new security company I hired can fit me in sooner rather than later. Apparently after a string of break-ins in the area, they, and every other company in the area are booked up for months.

"Maeve?" Dad nudges.

"Sorry, what's that?"

"Are you okay?"

I don't miss the concern in his voice and I quickly explain, "Yeah, I'm just struggling with this paper bag." I open my door, and go to my trunk so I'm not making a liar of myself. "Mom, did you get that new cranberry dessert recipe that I sent you?" I ask, pathetically wanting to keep them on the phone with me until I get inside and make sure everything is okay, and I'm sure it is. I'm just being paranoid.

"Yes, I was thinking of trying it out for Thanksgiving."

I guess now is as good of a time as ever. "I was thinking about cooking here."

"Really?"

There's delight in Mom's voice. I'm sure she's happy to see me doing normal things again. "If it's okay with you. Kate is coming."

"Fantastic," Dad says. "Oh wait."

"What?"

"I was going to ask Tanner to come." My heart jumps at his name. "He's not going home this year."

I can't help but think his mother won't be happy about that. She probably has some nice girl lined up to marry him. I'm guessing that's why he's avoiding it, and it kind of makes me sad.

"He can come, and anyone else you want to invite," I tell him, trying for casual when my pulse is jumping. I hit the lock button on my car fob and hurry up my walkway. Once I'm inside, I flick the lights on and stand still, listening for sound.

He's not here, Maeve. Jake does not know where you are.

"If you're sure."

"I never want anyone to be alone at Thanksgiving, Dad, and it's just another potato in the pot," I say, one of Mom's favorite sayings. She's fed a lot of players over the years. Now that she's not managing my modeling career, she has more time on her hands and has dedicated herself to making the guys feel welcome here in Boston.

"Are we still on for the craft fair next weekend?" I ask, and hurry to the kitchen to drop my bags. It's a small craft fair held at the elementary school, so I'm okay going there. Maybe I'll find something for Tanner for Christmas. What the heck? Why am I even thinking that?

"Absolutely," Mom replies.

"I'm home now and in the kitchen," I say, knowing Dad was waiting for that all along. I take off my coat and kick off my shoes, wanting nothing more than to get out of my bra and into my pajamas. Look at me slaying Friday night like a boss. "I'd better get dinner started. Have fun at the show."

"We will. Talk to you tomorrow," Dad says.

"Night."

I end the call and reach into the bag to unload my groceries when I hear a bang outside on my deck. I nearly jump ten feet in the air as my heart thunders in my ear. I glance at my phone and resist the urge to call Dad back. I am not going to ruin their night.

I quietly walk to my patio and flick on the outside light. I peer out into the backyard, and when I spot movement—something or someone ducking behind the big oak tree I love so much—blood drains to my toes.

It's not him, Maeve. It's not Jake.

No matter how many times I recite that mantra, no matter how many times I tell myself it's likely my imagination, I still can't calm down. I glance at the phone in my hands, and before I can think better of it, I make a call.