11. Brock

I pull into the parking lot of the local ice rink, the sound of skates scraping against the ice filling the air. It"s a familiar sound, one that brings back memories of my days as a child on this hockey rink.

I make my way inside, the cold air hitting me like a slap in the face as I step into the rink. The stands are already filling up with parents and spectators, eager to watch the game. I spot Layla and her parents and walk over to join them.

"Brock!" Layla's mom, Janet, exclaims as she jumps up to hug me.

"Eric said you were back in town, good to see you," her dad, Jack, grins widely as he shakes my hand.

"Good to see you guys too," I smile back.

Eric's parents always knew how to make me feel loved and special, a vast difference from my own parents.

"How long you home for?"

"I'm playing it by ear right now. It's been too long."

"Well, we're glad to have you. Hopefully, we'll see you a lot more from now on," Janet says.

Her eyes flit in between Layla and me before she smiles and then winks at me conspiratorially.

What is that about?

No one knows that I'm already in negotiations with the Bruins to play for them next season. It's not something I can make public yet.

I was ready to be back in Stetson Falls for good, and even more so now.

The game is just starting as I take my seat, the sound of the referee"s whistle echoing through the rink. The teams line up on the ice, a group of pint-sized players clad in colorful jerseys and oversized helmets. They may be small, but they"re filled with energy and enthusiasm, ready to give it their all.

As the game gets underway, I feel a surge of pride as I watch Breckin take the ice. He may only be five years old, but he"s already showing promise as a hockey player. His movements are confident and sure, his tiny skates glide effortlessly across the ice.

It"s clear from the start that Breckin is the star of the show. He"s everywhere on the ice, darting back and forth with lightning speed, his eyes fixed on the puck. He maneuvers past opposing players with ease, his skill and agility far beyond his years.

"He's so good," I tell Layla.

"Dad and Eric have been playing hockey with him since he could stand. He's always been a natural, but I think he could skate before he could walk."

I find myself holding my breath as Breckin takes a shot at the net, the puck sailing past the goalie and into the back of the net. The crowd erupts into cheers, my heart swelling with pride.

The game continues, each team fighting tooth and nail for control of the puck. But no matter what the other players throw at him, Breckin remains unfazed. He"s a natural on the ice, his grace and determination shine through with every stride.

As the final buzzer sounds and the game comes to an end, I find myself beaming with pride. Breckin skates right up to his Uncle Eric and hugs him tightly. He takes off his helmet and his eyes immediately land where I'm sitting with his mom and grandparents. His eyes light up and a wide grin forms. He waves at Layla.

"Is five-year-old hockey as exciting as playing with the Predators?" Jack teases.

"It's even better. They have such a love for the game."

"Breckin would eat and sleep with his skates and stick if he could," Janet interjects.

"That's no lie," Layla giggles.

"We're going to Pizza Inn, would you like to join us, Brock?" Jack asks. "We always celebrate after a game no matter what."

"I'd be honored, thank you."

Layla walks down to the ice to help Breckin get his skates and pads off. He's talking animatedly about the game.

"You know, I often thought you and Layla would end up together," Jack says thoughtfully. "It's a shame you and Eric weren't both drafted by the Bruins."

"That's true. That was the dream. Nashville isn't so bad though."

"It's not home," Janet interjects.

"Nothing can take the place of Stetson Falls."

"We had our reservations about Layla and Breckin moving here, rival town and all, but it's been good to them. So many people love Breckin like their own."

"He seems like an easy kid to fall in love with."

"He definitely is, but I may be biased," Jack laughs.

My phone begins vibrating and I see Tierney's name flash across the screen. She calls me repeatedly when I don't answer.

"I'm going to head out, I'll meet you guys at the restaurant."

I wave and hurry toward an exit before I pick up the call.

"Tierney, is everything okay?"

"Brock, baby, I miss you so much. Where are you? Your mom invited me to stay with them so we could fix this."

"I'm sorry, she did what?"

"I'm here in this God-forsaken town to see you, to make things right. If that doesn't prove to you that I've changed I don't know what does."

"Tierney, I told you it was over. I don't… I'm sorry that my mom invited you or misled you, but I'm not interested in rekindling anything with you. I met someone else."

"Met someone else? What? You were cheating on me?"

"No, I never cheated on you. This just kind of happened when I got back in town."

"You've only been in town for a few days and you met someone?"

"It's not like that."

"You're a liar and a scumbag."

She slams down the phone and immediately my mother starts calling.

"Mom, you had no right to invite Tierney. I told you already that I didn't want to be with her."

"Where are you?"

"I'm on my way to the Pizza Inn to meet Eric for dinner. Why?"

"You better get to this house right now and fix this," she hisses.

"No Mom, this is on you."

I hang up the phone. I get in my car and drive to the Pizza Inn.

I'll sit here, calm down a little, and clear my head before I go in to celebrate with Layla and her family.

By the time Layla and her family all arrive I see Tierney pull into the restaurant.

How in the… dang it, Mom.

"Oh shit," Eric says with wide eyes. "You look like you're in trouble."

"Brock!" Tierney spits as she stalks up to me.

"Tierney, what are you doing here?"

"I came to find this bitch that you've been cheating on me with."

"I'm not cheating on you, we're not a couple."

Thank goodness that Layla and her family already went inside when Tierney accused me of cheating. I'd be more worried that Tierney would immediately go after Layla if she saw her.

"You love me and we will get back together. This other woman isn't shit compared to me and you know it!" she screams before she gets back into her car and storms away.

I look longingly back at the restaurant. I don't want to go in now and risk Tierney's wrath if she decides to come back for me.

I shoot a text to Eric telling him something came up and I leave to go back to my Airbnb.

Tierney looked pissed

Mom apparently invited her to stay with them so we could work things out

Oh shit. Did you work things out?

No. I don't want to. I ended it for a reason. We're not on the same path

Understood. Seems like you and Layla have something in common

What do you mean?

You saw the guy on her porch this morning lol. That was her ex. He wants her back and won't listen when she tells him it's not happening. Maybe you and Layla should pretend to be together so they get the hint

I don't reply to his text because my brain is already working to figure it all out.

***

The next afternoon I arrive at Layla's house. Eric and Jack are outside with Breckin playing hockey in the driveway.

I sit in my car for a minute just watching the scene before me. I'm grinning as I watch the three of them together.

When I get out Breckin comes running to fist bump me.

"You want to play with us?" he asks.

"Sure, is this a normal Sunday afternoon for you?"

"Yes, Sir," he grins excitedly. He turns to his Grandpa and Uncle. "Brock is on my team."

"I am wounded," Jack teases.

The four of us start our game. Breckin is relentless in his pursuit of the goal.

"Breckin, you're a force kiddo," I laugh as he slams the puck into the back of the net.

"You two favor the same side. You're like identical in your passing skills," Jack says thoughtfully.

He chuckles and shrugs it off. My face remains emotionless.

"Sign of a great puck handler," I laugh as I pat Breckin on the back.

"That's what Mama says since most people use their other hand," Breckin adds with a grin.

Eric makes a face and is about to say something when Layla walks outside and onto the porch.

"Hey guys, I made some grilled chicken and veggies, and we can have ice cream in a bit."

"This is the best weekend ever!" Breckin cheers as he runs inside.

Jack and Eric follow him inside the house while Layla and I stand on the porch.

"Hey Brock, I wasn't expecting to see you out here."

"Well, I came to see you and Breckin asked me to join their game."

"He loves to play," she smiles. "You're welcome to join us for lunch."

"Thanks, I'd like that."

"Why'd you come to see me?"

"Well, it's kind of weird," I laugh. "But your brother gave me the idea yesterday."

"Uh oh."

"I broke up with a long-term girlfriend not long ago. My parents wanted me to propose, and so did she. I realized that's not what I wanted and ended the relationship. She's not handling it well and my mother invited her to stay at their house so we could fix things. I told her and my mother repeatedly that's not happening. Eric mentioned that you're having a similar problem with your ex."

"Yes."

"What if… what if we pretend to be engaged so that they both back off?"

"Engaged? That's… wrong."

"Hear me out," I say quickly, hoping she doesn't smack me across the face. "I really like you and I'd like to date you, get to know you and Breckin better, especially if he is my child. I think there will be too many interferences if we don't do it this way."

"You want to date me?"

"Yes, of course. The other night wasn't a one-night stand for me. I want to pursue something with you and… this is how I think it works."

"I think the only reason why Randy showed up here yesterday morning was because he saw your car in the driveway overnight."

"And maybe this option is more beneficial to me because my mother won't back down otherwise. She's relentless with something like this."

"Can I have time to think about this?" she asks quietly. "It's not just me involved, it's Breckin too."

"I respect that. I'll talk to Eric too, so he doesn't try to deck me."

"Good idea," she giggles. "Come in for lunch."

As she starts to open the door, I tug her back into me and brush my lips across hers. She sighs and melts into me before quickly pulling away.

"I haven't thought about anything else since you walked out on this porch, I had to kiss you."

She smiles and quickly goes inside the house.

I can't wait until I can kiss her again.