28. Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Eight

ETHAN

T he coach's anger subsides with time, but it takes three games. That, and the fact that Jameson's got micro-fractures in his ankle. Either way, I'm back on the starting team, though there's a rookie from the bench being groomed to take my place if I get injured again.

Tonight, we're up against the Buffalo Kings. Ruslav zips around the ice with the puck, refusing to pass to anyone.

"Hey Ruslav!" I yell at him. He looks at me, startled. "Pass the puck!"

Raphael chimes in, "Stop hogging it!"

"Uh, sorry!" Ruslav replies.

He's about to pass the puck in our direction, but the opposing team's wingers tackle him and steal the puck, taking advantage of his distraction.

I race after it, but not even rockets on my skates could get me there in time. Luckily, Riker delivers a solid body check, steals the puck, and sends it back to me.

I pass it to Raphael. Their left defenseman tries to stop him, but Raphael dodges him like a slippery eel. Ruslav calls for the puck, and since he's cornered, Raphael obliges.

Finally, I call for Ruslav to pass it to me, but the puck-hungry rookie takes a chance and goes for the winning goal, scoring and reveling in the glory.

I join in the celebration but realize that at twenty-eight, I might be starting to feel the pressure from the younger players. Raphael and I are among the oldest on the team, while Ruslav is just nineteen. As long as I can hold my spot on the starting lineup and stay healthy, I'll keep on playing.

Retirement is not in my plans for now.

The girls and the kids are waiting by the locker room. I have a sip of champagne with Senna hanging from my neck, and he's sulking once again that Mia isn't there.

Unexpectedly, I spot my brother walking with the coach instead of his usual companions, the team owner and directors. He greets the players warmly, offering handshakes and words of gratitude. As the CEO of one of our sponsor companies, he plays a crucial role in keeping the team running for another season.

When Ryan approaches, Senna is busy playing tag with his friends, and Amanda is still by my side, watching with interest.

Ryan greets me energetically. "Great game, dude," he says. "Hello, Amanda!"

"Hello, Ryan," she replies with a small smile. "Did you come to watch the game?"

He rubs his wrist against his sweater, as if polishing an apple. "I did, but I am here to see Mia."

I give him a sidelong glance. Amanda covers her mouth in surprise, then excuses herself to go watch Senna.

"She mentioned you've been talking…" I stand in front of him, arms crossed.

"She said you're okay with it." Ryan instinctively raises both hands in front of his chest to defend himself.

"Yeah, it's fine." I tap his shoulder reassuringly. "Let me take my skates off then I'll take you to her. I'll be right back."

He looks uncomfortable but nods and waits anyway. He's still there when I come out of the locker room.

"What's so important that you had to come talk to her in person?" I ask sharply.

"Mia said she had something important to talk to me about."

My eyes narrow. I've sensed that Amanda knows something I don't, but I haven't pressed her for details, trusting Mia would share in time.

But now, it seems like Mia has come to her ex-boyfriend, apparently planning to tell him the secret first, leaving me in the dark.

"So, I am going to be the last one to know this secret of hers, huh?" I belt out, frustration evident in my voice.

"Ethan, I swear I have no idea what's going on!" Ryan maintains a defensive posture.

I shake my head and wave my hands, keeping my expression as neutral as possible. "If anyone owes an explanation here, it's Mia."

I lead Ryan to the wives' room, where Mia is standing, her eyes glued to the sports commentators on the screen.

"Mia?" My tone startles her. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Ryan with an apologetic look on his face.

"Hi Ethan, hi Ryan!" Mia greets us, arms crossed over her chest. "How can I help you?"

"What's this about you having a ‘very important thing' to tell Ryan?" I inquire. "Is it the same thing you need to tell me?"

Mia's face pales slightly, and she looks at me with a mixture of surprise and unease. Ryan steps closer, his curiosity piqued.

Composing herself, she lets out a sigh and shakes her head. "No, it's not. I just wanted to clear the air with Ryan about our friendship," Mia starts, her voice shaky. "You know, set some boundaries and make sure we're on the same page."

Frustrated, I take in her words, running a hand through my hair. Sighing I reply, "Mia, I've been waiting for you to explain what's been on your mind. Can you please tell me what's been troubling you so much?"

She brings my hand to her chest, and I can feel her heartbeat. It's racing, and I patiently wait for her answer.

With a final, deep breath, she meets my eyes with a look of raw vulnerability. "Ethan," she begins, her voice breaking. "I've been struggling with how to tell you this."

A beat of silence stretches as her eyes well with tears. "I'm pregnant, Ethan."

Her words hit me like a shockwave. Ryan's eyes widen, his jaw dropping in stunned disbelief.

I remain silent for a long moment, finally breaking the tension with a question. "How long?"

"Eight weeks," she admits, looking embarrassed.

I stand there dumbfounded.

I'm not ready.

That's all I can think.

I love Mia, but what I had in mind for us was quite different than what is unfolding in front of us right now.

Ryan takes the hint and disappears, busying himself with food and drink set around on tables.

Still sweaty from the game, I stare at Mia, rubbing my face as I try to process the news. My thoughts are a tangled mess. I want to comfort Mia but find myself at a loss, grappling with the enormity of the news.

She holds her breath, tears filling her eyes. "It was a complete surprise," she sobs quietly. "I didn't know how to tell you."

I take her shoulders in both hands, trying to reassure her. "We will figure it out, okay? I… I just need some time to think."

Mia seems taken aback. As I step back, she looks at me with heartbreaking loneliness. I want to hold her, to promise everything will be alright.

But right now, I can't.

My relationship with Amanda went lukewarm when Senna was born. I can only wonder what will happen between Mia and me.

No matter how much I love her, we're still getting to know each other. A child could complicate things quickly.

Lost in thought, I stand outside the arena for a long time. When the fans disperse and the players head to the hotel, I finally get into my rental car and drive aimlessly through town.

When I finally reach my room, I sit on the edge of the bed, the weight of the news pressing down on me. I consider calling Mia, but my thoughts are a tangled mess.

Tomorrow, I tell myself.

I need a clear head to face this.

As I lie down, staring at the ceiling, I can't shake the feeling that everything is about to change, and I have no idea if I'm ready for it.