4. Chapter Four

Chapter Four

ETHAN

T he St. Louis Rapids were using the arena in the morning and there are still remnants of their practice on the ice. The Zamboni has smoothed out most of the rough patches, but some areas still need attention. As I lace up my skates for practice, my mind wanders to the events of the past few days.

Having Mia back in our lives, and Amanda teasing me about it, stirs up a flurry of emotions I'd rather leave alone. Although I try to focus on the drills, Mia's presence lingers in my mind, pulling my attention away.

I shake my head, attempting to clear my thoughts. I have a game to prepare for, and I can't afford any distractions.

As I step onto the ice, the familiar chill of the rink envelops me, and a sense of calm washes over me. The sound of skates scraping against the ice fills the air as my teammates and I go through our drills.

During a break, I skate over to Ryan, who is watching from the sidelines. Right now, his head is down, engrossed in whatever he is reading on his phone.

I know he attends our games and practices to show his support as the CEO of a sponsoring company, but I also think he's there because he still loves hockey. He used to play, but he chose to pursue business when his hockey career didn't take off. I like to think he's here to support me as my brother too.

But as I reach him, I can't ignore the tension simmering between us.

"Hey, Ryan," I say, gliding to a stop before him.

Ryan looks up, a hint of surprise flashing across his face. "Hey, Ethan. How's practice going?"

"It's going alright," I reply, trying to keep my tone casual. "Listen, about the other day..."

Ryan's expression darkens, and he nods, acknowledging the unspoken tension. "Yeah, Ethan, there's something I need to talk to you about, too. It's about Mia."

My expression softens, but I can't resist the urge to tease him. "What is it? Do you want her back?"

Judging by his downturned gaze, it looks like Ryan really needs a friend right now. "I know I made a lot of mistakes."

My gaze is sympathetic, though I don't pity him. Stalling over a girl like Mia for over eight years just for her to finally leave must be eating at him. "Then what is it?"

Ryan sighs loudly and runs a hand over his face. "She's doing just fine without me, man."

I shrug, eyes wide with surprise. "What did you expect? For her to be crying over you?"

He tenses, growing more and more exasperated. "I just didn't expect her to be so… indifferent."

I bob my head from one side to the other, trying to understand. "Do you regret that you two aren't together anymore?"

"She was the best," he admits. "However, I realize I let it go on too long. I felt comfortable with her, and in my selfishness, I stayed in the relationship, knowing deep down I couldn't give her more."

I reach out a hand, placing it reassuringly on his shoulder. "Try to see this as a learning experience. I got Senna and a good friend out of my relationship. What did you two get together?"

Ryan sighs with frustration, his jaw clenched. "It was a learning experience," he murmurs. "Seeing her again was harder than I thought it would be, and I feel terrible."

I lightly punch his shoulder. "There will be someone else, Ryan," I try to reassure him, hoping my growing interest in Mia is well hidden. "And you'll be an even better boyfriend after what you have learned with Mia."

Ryan nods yet again. "Yeah," he says softly. "I think you're right."

I give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, and we lapse into a comfortable silence, each lost in our own thoughts. Knowing he's over Mia, I can't help but feel a growing interest in her.

Coach's whistle signals practice is resuming.

"Just know that I'm here if you ever want to talk." With a final nod, I skate away from the boards and rejoin my teammates on the ice.

When Coach blows the whistle to end practice, I head over to the locker room.

The first thing I do is reach for my cell phone and listen to an audio message from Senna, saying he can't wait to see me play.

"I'm excited to see you too, bud!" I send an audio message back. As the guys pour in, many of them also reach for their phones. I decide to video call Amanda and see Senna.

I step outside the locker room for some privacy. I'm still a sweaty mess from training, but the person who answers the video call is used to seeing me like this. "Hello, Ethan," Amanda says, sitting on the couch in her hotel room. She then looks over her shoulder, calling, "Senna! Your father's on the phone!"

Amanda decides to make small talk. "Did you run into Mia today?"

I nod. "I saw her earlier today. She dropped off some of Ryan's things while Senna and I were at his hotel room visiting him. I saw Ryan again at practice."

"Really? And how was he?" Before I can answer, Senna appears on screen with a loud "Dad!" and jumps around Amanda, who hands him the phone.

"How are you doing, buddy?" I ask cheerfully. Raphael, the right defenseman, heads out of the locker room, and seeing Senna on the screen, stops to talk to him.

"Hi, Senna!" Raphael says with a wave.

"Hi Uncle Ray, my daddy plays better than you!" Senna says giggling.

"Ow, burn!" I mess with Raphael, pointing a finger at him.

Raphael laughs, and before leaving, comments, "I wanna see you playing against me in a few years, Senna."

Senna gives him a thumbs up in response and Raphael leaves, waving goodbye and shaking his head good-naturedly.

"Wish I could drop by to say goodnight, bud, but I won't be able to see you until after the game tomorrow." Senna nods in understanding, and I continue, "Can't wait to see you!"

"For a win?" Eager eyes look at me, very big and lively.

"For you? Always." Senna jumps in place, fist bumping the air. "Pass me to your mom."

He hands the phone back to Amanda, yelling a "Buh-bye, dad!" and still jumping around. Amanda immediately asks, "What did Ryan say?"

"Ryan said he's over Mia," I answer, amused.

Amanda then slaps her forehead, and with a resounding "Duh!" continues, "That's another example of you being a bit slow on the uptake!"

Confused, I ask, "Hey, are you saying I am slow?"

"A little," she smiles. "But it's endearing. You look like you need a shower and good night's rest, so I'll let you go. See you tomorrow, Ethan," Amanda says with a smile and then hangs up the call.

I head back into the locker room, store my phone in my locker, and head to the shower.

This is going to be a long weekend, surrounded by testosterone, but only one person will be on my mind.