by Kim Findlay
“Hmm?” he said, still focused on the radio commentators.
“It’s your summer car. You should get it out soon, right? I mean, this is March, so technically spring is practically here,” she said oh-so-innocently.
It took a moment, but the gears began to turn in Mike’s brain.
“No.”
Bridget rolled her eyes. “No, you’re not getting it out soon?”
He smiled, his teeth glinting in the candlelight. “No, you’re not driving it.”
“You’re not playing fair, you know,” she argued. “We have a bet, and I never get a chance to win it.”
“I guess I should apologize for spending all my time in net playing for your hockey team then, instead of with you?”
“Can I at least get a ride in it?”
“I’ll take that under consideration. Will you promise not to steal the car if we stop somewhere?”
“There’s a bet on the table. I’ll wait for that,” she said, with more confidence than she felt.
Mike leaned over and kissed her, a light brush of the lips that still sent her pulse racing. “Thanks. You’d better get out of here now. It’s late.”
* * *
SHE MET UP with Jee for one of their usual get-togethers. First they had to discuss how things were going with Jee’s pregnancy. She was finally over morning sickness, well into her second trimester, and thought she was starting to show.
Bridget was thrilled for her friend and her brother, but it wasn’t unalloyed happiness. Lately it seemed that her emotions were getting much more complicated and confused. Jee had been her friend since they were kids. Things had changed a little when she married Brian, but they’d still kept their friendship intact. But this, having a baby, as much as she was happy for Jee, would change things a lot. Jee wouldn’t have the same free time, and she’d have different priorities. Bridget had seen it happen with the other sisters-in-law. Was Bridget going to have her turn? That hadn’t been something she’d thought about before. Did her focus on swimming mean she was missing other big things? And would starting to think this way when she and Mike had just started dating mess that up as well?
She told Jee about the fashion show event, and the charity event that she’d promised to get back to Mike about. She wanted another opinion. She was second-guessing herself now, and she wasn’t used to that.
“Saturday. But that’s the swimming awards,” said Jee.
“I know.”
“Why didn’t you tell him you couldn’t go?”
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Bridget answered.
“Are you worried about who he might take as his date? Are you jealous?”
Bridget creased her brow. “To be honest, I think that’s part of it. But that’s not the whole thing. If he was going with, I don’t know, his great aunt, I think I’d still feel left out. He’s been here with the family, but I’ve never really had a chance to see what his world is like. And sometimes it seems like we can never find time to be together. Plus, hockey is Mike’s biggest thing.”
Jee nodded. “Yeah, that makes sense.”
“I think it’s starting to sink in that hockey isn’t just games and practices and training. It’s dealing with fans, and doing charity events and being recognized where ever you go.”
Jee looked troubled. “Wasn’t your swimming like that, a bit?”
Bridget shook her head. “Not to the same degree. Nowhere close. And if this is all part of Mike’s life, and I want to be part of that life, too, I’d better figure out if I can get used to it.”
Jee looked surprised. “So, what are you going to do?”
Bridget shrugged. “I could do a compromise. They give out the awards in the afternoon, and it’s just the banquet in the evening. The younger swimmers and their families don’t even go to that. So if I’m there in the afternoon, I could go to Mike’s thing in the evening. Everyone compromises a little in a relationship, right?”
Jee looked at her seriously. “Well, there’s compromise like blow-drying your hair in the bedroom so he can have the bathroom, and you know, watching TV shows on the PVR if he wants to watch hockey. But there are some things that are too big to compromise.”
Bridget sighed. “I guess I’ll find out, won’t I?”
* * *
MIKE WAS CLEARED for any concussion the next day, but it was too late to join the team in Quebec. Bridget came back home from swim practice to find Mike’s Land Rover parked on the street, but he wasn’t waiting at her door. He was upstairs with the family, watching another ugly loss. Bridget sat down on the couch beside Mike. He wrapped his arm around her, and she curled into him, enjoying the feel of his strength, and telling herself that compromise was essential. She’d go to this dinner thing and find out if she could fit in. If she couldn’t? For now, she pushed that thought aside.
The next game was at home, and Mike played with his disheartened team. There’d been a lot of unfriendly press about Mike the past week. Bridget had yelled at the radio a few times, but Mike had been cool, calm and completely unrevealing in interviews. During the game, though, that anger was channeled into his play. Bridget was there, and she could see that now. No one was going to score. Not tonight. After a couple of spectacular saves by Mike in the first period, the team started to regroup. They stopped playing fearfully and by the time the horn sounded at the end of the third period, Mike had a win—and a shutout.
Bridget met Mike after the game at what was becoming their usual bar. She saw some other players at a table, but she and Mike were left alone. Just as well for Troy Green. If he came over again, she’d do more than verbally abuse him.
Bridget grinned at him. “You know it, but it was an incredible game.”
Mike smiled briefly. “I needed to show that I was back.”
“It’s obvious,” Bridget said. “You’re leading this team, whether they realize it or not. Is it helping in the locker room?”
Mike shook his head. “Not really. They all knew why I missed the games against Quebec, but still, they don’t know if they can trust me when it gets down to the playoffs.”
Bridget huffed. “And they won’t play well unless they know they can trust you.”
Mike reached over and grabbed her hand. “Yes, but that’s for the coaches to work on. You’ve got your own coaching to deal with this weekend. How’s that going?”
“Pretty good. My A-team is looking strong. Today we had just the morning practice, light workout, and tomorrow we head for Winnipeg. Then we’ll see.”
“I’m going to miss you.”
“You’d better.” Bridget didn’t mention Appollonia, but she was thinking about her.
* * *
THE BUZZER WENT, and the results were posted. Bridget leaped into the air, and then ran to hug Annabelle, wet as the girl was. Her star was shaking, overwrought. This had been her final race. She’d had a false start, so she was hesitant off the blocks, but she made up for it in the stretch and came in a close second. Annabelle hadn’t been expected to be one of the final eight, so this was incredible.
Austin had come in fourth in his race, so the club was well represented and had done far beyond expectations. Bridget was thrilled with both of them, and their families were ecstatic. It was a great evening for all. Bridget sent texts to her family, and to Mike. The O’Reillys were all congratulatory. But Mike didn’t respond.
Bridget kept checking her phone, bothered by Mike’s silence—and by her own worry. She finally muted the phone, and went out for a celebration with her A-team and their families. Jonesy came by their group and added his congratulations. It was almost a perfect night.
No, not almost. She knew, absolutely, that she was doing the right thing.
She told the swimmers to take a week off, celebrate, relax and enjoy, and then they would get back into a summer training schedule: less intense
, but keeping them in shape for fall, when the regular season would begin again. They would all feel greater expectations for the upcoming season, but that was months away. Now was the time to enjoy what they’d accomplished.
She fell asleep soon after returning to her hotel room, refusing to check her phone again. So it was the following morning when she found congratulations from Mike. Apparently, he hadn’t been able to keep his phone in the pocket of the outfit he wore for the show. Bridget gave herself a stern talking to. She either trusted Mike, or she needed to get out of this relationship. In theory, she did trust him, but in practice it was tough. She had all the confidence in the world when it came to doing things for herself but found it so much more difficult to depend on someone else.
The team landed in Toronto the next day, met at the airport by thrilled family members. Mike couldn’t make it, but Jee and Karen had come waving congratulation signs that had clearly come from the graduation section of the dollar store. Some of the other members of her team who hadn’t made it to Nationals had come with their parents to cheer their team members. Parents of her swimmers hugged and congratulated her. It was great. She’d taken a big step toward her dream.
* * *
MIKE PICKED HER up on Saturday for the charity dinner. He knew she was nervous about it, but he was pleased she was coming with him. These things could be dull, and Bridget was good at adding life to any event. He also hoped that she’d see dinners like this didn’t have to be daunting. That way she wouldn’t find going to events too strenuous. He had hardly noticed that he was starting to think long-term with Bridget, but somehow, she was there when he looked ahead.
She was wearing the same dress as from their first “real” date, and she looked just as beautiful in it. She normally wore casual clothing, but she cleaned up much better than she realized. He was proud to be taking her with him. He loved watching her, especially the vivid hair, since it could often reflect her mood. He saw the glasses as part of her now, just like the freckles. It all came together in the fascinating package that was Bridget.
He’d thought of a way to help overcome some of her nerves. After going to her door to pick her up, he led her out into the street, where his McLaren was waiting. She actually stopped in her tracks, and turned to look at him with wide eyes.
“I’m driving,” he teased.
She let that pass. He held the door for her to get in the car. She paused, and sat carefully, as if afraid to mar the interior. When he got in the driver’s side she was staring at the instrument panel. For the first couple of blocks she was quiet, eyes closed, listening to the sound of the engine, but then she started asking questions. They’d arrived at the event before she’d satisfied her curiosity. Once he’d given the keys to the valet and come around to escort her in, he could see the tension returning. She gripped his arm tightly.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “If Troy Green can do this...”
He could see her straightening up. He should have thought of this sooner. Make it a challenge, and she’d take it. Her chin lifted, her eyes got back their sparkle and even her hair perked up.
Mike knew the team people: players, coaches, management and administrators. Throughout the course of the year he’d been introduced to some of the non-Blaze people in attendance, too. As they wandered around the vestibule, holding on to glasses of cheap champagne passed out by the wait staff, he did his best to help Bridget, introducing her by her swimming credentials and whispering snippets of information into her ear when he could be heard over the string quartet playing in the corner. They avoided Troy and Turchenko. People wanted to talk to Mike, but he kept the conversation light and his arm around Bridget’s waist so she wasn’t left alone. He didn’t want anything to spoil the night.
It was better when they went through to the dining room and were seated for dinner, as Bridget only needed to remember the names of the people at their table. She was quiet, but he didn’t think too quiet. At these kinds of affairs he knew he was the center of attention. He followed a familiar script, appearing candid without saying much. He’d learned the trick of this long ago.
After the meal and speeches, and the applause for the funds raised, he was beckoned across the room by the general manager. He turned to Bridget, who smiled at him.
“Go ahead. I’m fine. After all, if Troy Green can do it...”
He relaxed. “I’ll make it as quick as I can, then we can get out of here.”
* * *
HE DID CUT it as short as he could. As a rule, these things didn’t run too long; at least, not for the players. Athletes who wanted to maintain their peak abilities couldn’t party too late or too often during the season.
He noticed the team captain’s wife, Olivia Sandusky, at their table speaking with Bridget. She’d been very pleasant when he’d checked on dress code with her for the event. He’d wanted to make things as smooth as possible for Bridget. Still, he was a little uneasy. Would the group of players’ wives be welcoming? He hadn’t even considered that.
He observed Bridget carefully when he returned. She was still quiet but didn’t look upset. He suggested they head out, and she agreed. He noticed her glance at the car—part of him wanted to pass over the keys just to see her face. He didn’t. After all, they still had a bet in play, and he knew she wouldn’t appreciate being denied the privilege of triumphing over him. As well, he still remembered the afternoon she’d kidnapped him. It had been a good day, overall, but he hadn’t liked watching her fall for his car while ignoring him.
There were a few moments of silence while Mike headed out of the downtown core. Bridget had her head laid back, eyes closed. “Could we maybe just drive around for say, a week or so?”
“Even if I don’t let you drive?”
“Even. This car is wonderful.”
“That’s why I bought it. So, how did your chat with Olivia Sandusky go?” He kept his voice casual.
“Oh, she was very nice.” Mike glanced over and saw her grin. “Apparently Troy’s dates don’t get the welcome mat because they keep changing, but the wives consider me to be a little more...permanent.”
Mike felt something open in his chest. Permanent. Permanent sounded good. Was that what Bridget was thinking?
Apparently not. “I need to tell you something, Mike. I should have before. This afternoon was the swimming awards, and tonight was the banquet. I skipped the banquet to come to this dinner with you.”
Mike took a moment to process that. Swimming awards and banquet? This was something big in Bridget’s world. She and her team would probably have had a place in it. But she hadn’t shared it with him.
Mike pulled into an empty parking lot, and turned off the car.
Bridget waited for him to speak.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I thought you would have told me to go to my banquet.”
Mike nodded. “Why did you not want that to happen?”
“I wanted to go with you tonight. Our schedules have been crazy, so I wanted to spend time with you, and I wanted to see if I could fit in. Maybe I wanted to make this more real by being more public? I didn’t analyze it too far, I just knew I wanted to be with you tonight.”
“You didn’t consider that I might have wanted to be at your event with you?”
Bridget’s head tilted. “I guess I didn’t. It seemed like a pretty small thing in comparison.”
“Did you get an award?”
“Yes, and the club and Annabelle did, too.”
“Then it wasn’t a small thing. I would never belittle your accomplishments just because mine might get more headlines.”
Bridget said “I appreciate that. But you’d already said you couldn’t get out of this thing tonight. And I thought there’d have to be some kind of compromise, so that’s what I did.”
“Compromise should work both ways. Did you get a trophy?”
&nbs
p; He saw a happy smile flit across her face. “A plaque. It’ll go up at the club. I’m sure Wally will give it a prominent spot.”
Mike took a moment. He had told her he couldn’t get out of this, but if he’d known before the date was set, he could have done something. He didn’t like the idea of one-sided compromises.
“Okay, I have a plan. Give me your phone.”
Bridget dug into her bag and pulled out her phone. She unlocked it and passed it over.
Mike did what he had to do, then passed it back.
“I’ve shared my calendar with you. You put in your events, and I have mine, and we’ll do our best to make sure we have as few scheduling conflicts as possible, outside of games and swim meets, okay?”
Bridget smiled. Mike turned the key in the ignition and pulled out into traffic. The conversation left him unsettled. He was glad Bridget was trying to accommodate so that they could be together, and he’d been happy to have her with him tonight. He enjoyed it more with her than he would have with anyone else. But that assumption of compromise... He wasn’t sure he actually had made any significant compromises so far, and he wasn’t sure how much of that he was actually willing to do. He hadn’t in the past. The ghost of Amber was still hovering.
* * *
BRIDGET HADN’T TOLD Mike the details of her conversation with Olivia. The other woman had been very kind and welcoming, but the conversation had given Bridget reason to think, and she wanted to work out how she felt before she said anything to Mike.
Bridget had been surprised when Olivia had sat in Mike’s seat at the dinner after he’d gone to talk to the GM. She was blonde, attractive but not intimidating. She introduced herself, and Bridget had realized her husband was Darren Sandusky, captain of the Blaze team.
Apparently Olivia knew who Bridget was, and had come over because the WAGs—wives and girlfriends of the players—had been curious about her.
Bridget had raised her eyebrows.
“If we’d known Mike was involved with someone, we’d have been sure to come to see you to welcome you. Mike was single when he got here, though, so we didn’t realize. You’ve kept it quiet. We try to be very supportive, even if our husbands and boyfriends aren’t getting along.”
