24. Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

ETHAN

I had to sit out the next game, which gave me the chance to sit at the bleachers and scream at my teammates like I'm usually screamed at.

But for the Boston Ironclads games, the stitches are off and my face is back to normal. I'm in full gear, tapping my skates against the floor, eager to hop on the ice and play. However, the coach decided to bench me and start with the reserve players, saving me for the last period.

After what feels like an eternity, the last period finally comes. When the coach releases me onto the ice, I feel like taking a bite out of someone's face, even though my teeth haven't been fully restored yet.

I face off against the Ironclads' center and gain possession of the puck. Ruslav, playing left wing, bodychecks one of their defensemen, clearing the way for Raphael and me to approach their goal.

The defenseman marks me, so I pass the puck to Raphael. He maneuvers around the goalie, but the goalie intercepts the puck and attempts to send it back to his teammate.

I intercept it and shoot it straight into the net. Now we're just one point behind, and we need to continue our offensive push until we take the lead.

Andrews gets into a fight with the Ironclads' center, causing a brief interruption in the game. I start shouting for them to break it up. We've got a game to win. The referees swiftly intervene and break up the fight before penalties are assessed.

The winning goal is a team effort. I don't score it, but I make the final assist to Raphael, who sends the puck right in between the goalie's legs.

We roar in celebration, passing the puck between us to stall the time until our victory is confirmed.

We've advanced to the next round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The boys and I pile up on the ice, celebrating under the coach's watchful eye. A stadium drone hovers above us, capturing videos and pictures, so we all make faces and shout, reveling in the moment.

Afterward, I head to the locker room and shower as quickly as I can. Mia is busy taking care of everyone's kids and I can't wait to see her.

After changing, I head out to go find her. Raphael yells something to me about an after-party at a local cheesesteak place, meaning they'll be ditching the wives' room, so Mia can come along with us.

When I reach the wives' room. The place is full of kids and Mia's employees who are helping. Mia and Amanda are standing by the buffet, chatting as usual.

Mia has a somber look on her face, which I promptly work on wiping away with a hug and a kiss, interrupting their conversation and causing Amanda to giggle.

I know she asked me for more time before taking the next step, but I can't wait to call her my girlfriend.

It's not a secret to anyone that we're together. Even the guys' girls have accepted her as one of their own. Amanda is amicable to the idea, Ryan still seems a bit hurt, but overall, everything seems to be going well… except she wants to wait. God knows why.

But I really care about Mia. So, I'm willing to wait and be patient.

"Great game," Mia says, holding me. "Congratulations, big star!"

"Nah, it was a team effort…" I say, averting my gaze and scratching the back of my head.

"Senna tried to pay attention to the game, but the trampoline seemed more attractive," Amanda says, glancing at our son, who's jumping like a popcorn kernel about to explode.

"Everyone is going to grab a bite outside the stadium. Wanna come?" I ask Mia.

She raises her eyebrows in surprise. "But I have to take care of things here. Oh man, what should we do with all the leftover food?" Mia mumbles.

"There will be nobody here," I continue.

"Are they taking the kids?" Amanda asks.

"I don't know…" I scratch my chin.

"If you want to go, I can stay and help your employees take care of them until you get back," Amanda offers with a smile.

I tease Mia gently, "It wouldn't be such a bad idea to take a break, you know."

Mia opens her mouth to object, but then pauses, considering. She bites her lip, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"You really don't mind?" Mia asks Amanda.

"Not at all." Amanda waves dismissively. "I've chaperoned many slumber parties with these little ones, and I'll be here with Senna anyway."

"Okay!" Mia says, bubbling with excitement. "I'll let everyone know and be right back. I'll ask Simon to be in charge while I'm out. He's been suggesting I take more time off too."

She gives her instructions to her employees and comes with me. Once she's done, we leave for the locker room and find the crowd already leaving.

The girls seem happy to see Mia tagging along. Sarah and Joan, Andrews' girlfriend, take her by each arm and pull her away from me. I tuck my thumbs in my belt hoops and watch her mingle. It's not her element, but she seems glad for the attention.

We walk to the restaurant, stopping occasionally to take pictures and give autographs to fans still hanging outside the arena.

We're recognized as soon as we enter the restaurant, which smells delicious. My stomach growls in hunger.

The owner seats us himself in a private area in the back. Each of us sits with their significant other, except for Ruslav, Smith, and Jameson, who are single. Orders are made, drinks arrive, and once again Mia is having a Shirley Temple.

"Hey, Mia!" Anna, Riker's fiancé, calls to her from across the table. "Are you and Matthews official or what?"

A buzz of voices arises. More questions come. Mia and I look at each other, both red and in a silent dispute over who will speak.

"We're giving it time, Anna," Mia is the one to reply.

"Yeah, no need to rush things," I lie to go along with her.

Mia looks at me, confounded.

Come on, I was just going along with you.

Don't make me feel guilty for it.

"What?" I ask, a defensive smile on my lips.

"You don't want it to be serious?" she mews like a kitten.

Now I'm the one confused, my heart thumping a beat ahead of time.

"I do! I thought you didn't want to."

She bows down her head and takes a while to respond.

"I want it more than anything, Ethan," she finally whispers. Our sandwiches arrive, but she ignores hers. "But before we make it official, there's something I need to tell you. Something important, Ethan."

I see her bite her lip, and I lift her chin to look into her eyes.

"What is it?" She's been acting strange lately. I feel like she's been holding back, but I've been trying to give her space at the same time.

Mia sighs deeply, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm not ready to tell you yet. Would be too much of a distraction for you, and you have a championship to win," she smiles sadly.

"Are you saying you won't tell me until after the Cup?" I ask, caressing her cheek.

"Maybe sooner," Mia nods. "I don't know yet. Like I said, give me some more time, okay?"

I smile softly, brushing her hair away from her face. "Of course, Mia. I'm here whenever you're ready."