by Kristen Echo
He answered after one ring. “Is everything all right? I’ve been worried about you.”
She smiled. “Can you meet me in the lobby of your hotel in twenty minutes?”
“Yes. I can make that work,” he said.
They disconnected, and she raced to change into something more alluring. Something that would turn heads and drop jaws. The early June temperatures had increased the humidity and the heat. She tied her hair into a messy bun and put on a red and white striped bohemian dress. The neckline dipped close to her navel and showcased her large chest. The material hugged her curves and flowed in all the right places. Wearing the sexy outfit, increased her confidence.
When she saw Luka standing in the lobby of his hotel, she ran into his arms. Lines creased his forehead. “You are so beautiful.”
She kissed away the concerns on his face. “Thank you. I’m sorry I didn’t call you back. I needed to decompress.”
He set her down and threaded their fingers together. “Let’s walk. Tell me what that means. Explain decompress, avoid, or whatever kept you away.”
She laughed. It was a sunny, warm afternoon, as they walked down the city center sidewalk side by side. She told him about her conversation with Leonora. She admitted to her cowardice. He didn’t interrupt. She confessed her disapproval of the hockey game and his actions. He remained quiet, but she sensed a hitch to his stride. After she finished pouring her guts out, she stopped on the sidewalk and forced his eyes to hers.
“So, that’s why I didn’t return your calls,” she explained.
He rubbed his beard and smiled. “I’m glad you told me. It doesn’t change my feelings for you if that’s what you expected.” He looked around the busy sidewalk and then back at her. His gaze took her breath away and her body shivered when he brought her hand to his lips.
One soft kiss to her knuckles was enough to make her knees weak.
She leaned against the side of a building. “Thank you for understanding. I’m not hiding us.” On the drive over, she’d planned her next moves. Once the season ended, she’d tell Terry first. Then, she’d sit with the kids and introduce Luka. It was a big step, but it was the right one.
“Then kiss me,” he said.
Without hesitation, she reached her arms around his neck and kissed him. Her fingers tugged on his short strands as he sucked on her tongue. The soft bristles on his face caressed her cheek. The passion between them wasn’t fit for public viewing and she broke away.
“Luka,” she breathed, tearing her eyes from his.
Looking over his shoulder, she saw Terry. He stood across the two-lane street, staring at her. Her heart stopped beating. His cheeks matched the red plaid on his shirt. The scowl on his face left no doubt he’d seen them kiss. A car went by, she dropped her arms and covered her mouth. This was not how she wanted him to find out. She blinked, and he darted across traffic.
A second later, he was standing in front of her. Inches from her face.
His fingers gripped the flesh on her bicep, bruising her. “What the fuck are you doing?”
Luka stepped between them and removed Terry’s hand from her arm. “Don’t touch her.”
“She’s my wife,” he proclaimed. “I’ll touch her any time and any way I please. You on the other hand, better get out of here before I punch your lights out.”
Luka laughed in his face. “I’d like to see you try.” The smile left his lips, replaced by the mask of a warrior. He was ready to protect her regardless of the consequences.
Both men puffed their chests and huffed like bulls ready to charge.
“Stop,” she yelled, drawing their attention. “No fighting.” She moved from behind Luka and placed a hand on his chest. “Terry, back off and Luka… Luka, please go back to the hotel. I need to talk with my ex.”
Terry crossed his arms over his chest and stepped back. “Damn right we need to talk.”
Luka didn’t acknowledge his outburst and shook his head, placing his large hand over hers. “I don’t like you being alone with him.” Their eyes met, and she implored him to go. He cupped her chin and brushed his lips against hers. “If this is what you want, I trust you. Call me later.”
Jill nodded and watched him leave. “You have no right to be upset,” she said through clenched teeth.
Terry scoffed at her. People continued to walk by them, oblivious of the fight about to break loose.
“We are separated and about to get a divorce. I’m allowed to date,” she broadcasted.
“The hell you are. You’re my wife.” He gripped her arm again but dropped it. “Was this to punish me? I fucked a twenty-year-old, so you turned around and did the same. Well, fuck! We’re even.”
She buried her face in her hands. “I love him. My relationship with Luka has nothing to do with you. We were over the second you touched that woman. We were done when you stopped asking what I wanted out of our relationship.”
He peeled her hands away and held them. “You don’t love him. He’s a child,” he spat. “You love me. At least give me a chance. Stop saying no. Don’t throw away over seventeen years for an easy fuck.”
“You don’t know anything,” she replied, pulling her hands free. “I wanted to tell you about me and Luka after the playoffs. I didn’t want this to affect your game. I’m sorry you found out this way, but I’m not ending my relationship.”
Terry laughed like a lunatic. His head fell back, and he clutched his stomach. “I know that kid. Far better than you do. He’s using you. Open your eyes. Besides the size of his cock, what do you know about him?”
She refused to respond. He was lashing out and talking non-sense. She wouldn’t take the bait.
He leaned towards her, breathing hot air onto her cheeks. “It’s mighty convenient he came into your life now. Isn’t it? This conversation isn’t over.” He turned and stomped away.
It took several minutes for her breathing to slow and her heart rate to calm. The walk home was a blur.
Hours later, she was still reeling. It took an entire evening huddled with her family to regain her composure. Terry had failed to change her mind about Luka, but he peaked her curiosity when he sent her a boatload of articles and text messages.
He wasn’t happy and screamed his displeasure over the phone.
“That man is not allowed around my kids.”
“Don’t let him use you and destroy us.”
“Come back to me. I forgive you.”
The last one caused her to laugh out loud. She had done nothing wrong and didn’t need his forgiveness. She deleted his messages but read the news links. Pedlanski was a fighter on and off the ice the headlines proclaimed. He’d avoided arrest multiple times and had more fines than any other hockey player in the league. Nothing she read scared her. He’d been honest about his past and most of those fights were self-defense.
When she called him before bed, he answered any question she tossed his way. She apologized for the scene on the sidewalk and he told her he was glad it happened. He said they were closer because of it. She agreed.
The next day, she was on the edge of her seat as she watched game four. The animosity between the men spilled onto the ice. It was even more brutal than the previous game. The referees broke up more fights than she had fingers. Not just between Luka and Terry, but Luka and everyone. Montreal was out to deliver a message.
She’d thought it was bad in the last game, but this was worse.
Winnipeg won, despite the increased aggression and violence from Montreal. She was happy for Luka, but seeing the dejected look on Terry’s face as he skated off the ice would haunt her for years. Her brain told her she wasn’t responsible, but her heart knew better.
Chapter 16
The tears had flowed for most of the night and into the morning. She’d pulled herself together in order to get the kids off to school, but she was a mess. It was so stupid to cry for Terry, but she couldn’t help it. His dream to win the Cup might slip through his hands and it was all her fault. He
’d never played like a thug. He was crisp, clean and calculated. That’s how he’d played his entire NHL career, but last night he’d played different.
She was scheduled to bring the kids to Winnipeg in the evening, but she wondered if it was a good idea. The fate of a hockey team couldn’t rest on her shoulders. She’d tossed the option of skipping the game to the kids and they’d shot her down. Rianne reminded her of her promise to find Rex, and Wayne loved missing school. Too bad she couldn’t hide under a rock for a few days. Soon this would all blow over, at least she hoped.
“One, two, how you do?” TJ sang a make-believe song, making her laugh. He’d woke from his nap in a great mood.
“Nice.” She patted the top of his head. They sat on the floor in his room, playing with his bucket of cars. “Can you sing it again?”
“Actually, how about you get your trucks and line them up for a race? Mom and I need a moment,” Terry said, startling her. His voice was gruff as he leaned against the doorframe.
“Daddy.” TJ ran to his father and hugged his leg. “Play trucks with me.”
He lifted the boy, hugging him against his chest. “I’d love to play with you. Like I said, line up all the cars for me and I’ll be right back.”
Their son nodded. He raced to the bucket and emptied the contents onto the carpet. She stood and followed Terry into the kitchen. TJ’s door remained open, and she could still see him playing on the floor. He was a great boy and growing up too fast.
Terry cleared his throat and licked his lips. “Are you still fucking the kid?” His crudeness caught her off guard. This wasn’t like him at all.
She straightened her spine. “Those tabloid articles you sent sensationalized the story. I spoke with Luka and got the facts. He’s no more dangerous than you.” She hugged the column separating the kitchen and dining room.
He huffed, running his fingers through his hair. “So, you plan to continue seeing him?”
“Yes. I’m sorry. It’s—”
“Thought you might not be reasonable.” His lips formed a thin line as he reached into his back pocket and slapped an envelope on the counter.
She looked at it and then back at him. “What’s this?” She reached for the manila package and opened it. Divorce papers.
“I had a new document drafted. You want a divorce; these are my terms,” he barked.
“Let me read them,” she said, grabbing her glasses off the counter. She glanced once more at her son before sitting at the table. Scanning the pages, her heart ached. Bile rose into her throat. She didn’t need to read every word to see the hate reflected. By the time she reached the last page, she was speechless.
“I’ve already signed.” He leaned over her shoulder, pointing to the signature section. He dropped a pen next to her. The clatter made her jump, and he placed his hands on her shoulders, keeping her in the chair. “Is this what you want,” he breathed into her ear.
The document gave him full custody and left nothing as a settlement. He wanted to take her kids and everything else. She’d be penniless.
She crumpled the papers and ripped them in half. He could keep the money, but she’d never give up custody. “I’ll never, ever sign that garbage. Why waste your money having a lawyer draft it?”
“I’ve got another copy. Don’t forget, I know everything about you, Jill.” His breath tickled her neck, and she twitched, slapping him away. “This seems fair,” he said, stepping away from behind her.
She stood on shaky legs, holding onto the top of the chair for support. “What are you talking about? I wasn’t being unfair. I suggested a fifty-fifty split of all assets and custody. Given what you did, I don’t—”
“I loved you and supported you,” he sneered. “I gave you everything you ever wanted, and this is how you repay me.”
“We supported each other,” she shot back. “We were a team until you changed the game.”
“You are breaking my heart and destroying our family.” He placed his hands over his heart. “I hope he’s worth it because I’m disgusted by your actions. The kids will be too.”
A slap would have felt less hurtful. “I never hated you until now.” A tear leaked down her cheek and she wiped it away. “No judge would take my kids away. If you want a battle, then we’ll fight, but it doesn’t have to be this way.”
He snickered and dropped into a chair, plopping his feet on the one next to it. “Remember the psychiatric treatments. Remember the meds. I’ve got enough to paint you as an unfit parent.”
His statement stole the oxygen from the room. She felt dizzy and moments from collapse. Those doctor visits had been his suggestion. A way for her to deal and move past the vasectomy. The medication had been prescribed to help her sleep, but she’d never taken them. She fell back into the seat as her legs gave out.
“What do you want?” she whispered.
He tugged on his hair and stared at her. “What I’ve always wanted. You. I don’t expect to kiss and make up right now, but in time you’ll see I’m right.”
A nervous laugh escaped. “Are kidding me? I can’t stand the sight of you.” She clutched the edges of the table to stop herself from jumping on him and clawing his eyes out. “A million years could pass, and I’ll never forgive you for this moment.”
“You’ll get over it.” He dropped his legs and scooted his chair closer. “Just like you got over carrying more of my babies. You took a few months, but we made love again. Eventually, you begged me to make you come. I know how to work your body like nobody else.”
She looked down and her tears dripped onto the floor. “Stop,” she breathed.
He gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “I’ve been patient this past year. I miss making love to my wife. Your need to fill the void is understandable. Hell, I’ve been tempted too, but you’re the only woman for me. And I am the only man for you.”
“You cheated on me,” she whimpered. Her body was shaking, and he refused to let her go. “It’s over, Terry.”
“No. I understand that bitch’s claims pull at your heartstrings, but one mistake will not define me. My legacy is with you and our children.” He kissed her tears and buried his face in her hair.
“Let me go. Please,” she begged. “This isn’t you. You’re a kind and decent man. Dig deep and find that guy again. Don’t let this asshole tyrant win.”
He dropped his hand and chuckled. “You’re being over dramatic. I want us both to win. Don’t you get that?”
She bolted from the seat and circled the counter, putting as much distance as possible without running from the house. That possibility wasn’t far from her mind. “There is no winning in this for me. I can’t believe you’d resort to blackmail or whatever this is.”
“Daddy,” TJ yelled from the other room. “Come.”
Terry stood, and the chair screeched. “On my way, buddy,” he responded.
“Don’t do this. Please don’t do this,” she begged, barely holding it together.
“You’ve got two choices, Jill. Take me to court and lose your family, or stop the affair and let me move back in. We can move past this. I know what I’m rooting for.” He turned his back to her. “I’ll check in with you before I leave.” His swagger never faltered as he rejoined their son.
Neither choice was acceptable. She rounded the counter so they wouldn’t see her as she fell to her knees. “I hate you. I hate you,” she repeated until the sobbing morphed into hiccups.
Tears wouldn’t change her situation. She was screwed. The city viewed Terry as a celebrity and a hero. He didn’t have so much as a parking ticket on his record. If he went for custody, there was a chance he’d win. She refused to accept the possibility.
She needed help, but first she had to get up. It took a gargantuan amount of effort to scrape herself off the tile floor. Once on her feet, she collected the divorce papers and ripped them into pieces. Her hands shook as she held her shattered dreams. Her chance at happiness was torn to shreds like the pages.
In the other room, she heard the devil playing with TJ. The two laughed and joked without a care in the world. She poured a large glass of wine and chugged it. Her nerves were still frayed after the second glass. She put the bottle away and stared out the window. There were no answers to be found on her back porch.
“I have a flight to catch, and I’d like your answer before I go.” His voice was smooth and even. No hint of hesitation. He was serious. “Are you cheering for me, or against me?”
She didn’t turn. His reflection in the window made her skin crawl. “You’ve left me no choice. I won’t lose my kids for love.” She’d once thought when you loved someone, it never stopped. Boy, was she wrong. Staring at him, she no longer carried an ounce of love for this man. His selfishness had reached new heights and she no longer recognized him.
The option to use his secrets against him and stoop to his level wasn’t an option. She wasn’t raised to be cruel. She couldn’t stomach hurting her children for her own gain. There would be no winners from any of this.
“Good answer. I’ll have the moving truck bring my things while we’re in Winnipeg. Let’s wait till after the game to tell them the good news. See you there,” he pivoted, running his hand along the wall. “You might not like my tactics, but I’m doing this out of love. I love you and we’ll be happy again.”
The moment the door closed, she ran to TJ’s room and picked him up. She twirled him around, hugging him tight. More tears leaked as she contemplated the horror of never feeling his soft breath on her cheek or seeing his tiny fingers wrapped around hers. That wasn’t an option. She wouldn’t live without her three beautiful babies.
