Poke Checking

by Kristen Echo

  “Please be reasonable, Daddy. I… we—”

  “I’ve heard enough. Nicolas, go to my den and wait for me. I need to talk with my daughter alone.”

  Nico looked at her and she nodded. There was no point arguing. He kissed her cheek before walking away. Once Spence Northcote made a decision, it rarely changed. She only prayed he’d listen to reason. Once Nico left the room, her father rounded the counter and tilted her chin towards him. They stood eye to eye.

  “I warned you to stay away from hockey players for several reasons. You are an owner whether you choose an active role or not. The players aren’t allowed to date staff. It’s been proven on other teams to be a mess when things end. Those men, they live very hard lives and they aren’t good enough for my little girl. We never mix business with pleasure.”

  “No. You say never to mix them, but there’s nothing wrong with it. We’re in love.”

  He scoffed at her response. “You’re wrong, and now you’ll learn your actions have consequences. This can’t go unpunished. I can’t pull favorites and pretend you both didn’t mess-up. He’ll either be traded or sent down. Either way this relationship ends now.”

  A tear escaped. “Don’t punish him. He had no idea who I was until days ago. But you’re wrong if you think it’s over. I love him, and I’m not walking away. We can re-write the contracts if we need to. Some rules are meant to be broken when they are broken for the right reasons. Daddy, you taught me to love with my whole heart and it belongs to Nico now and forever. If you send him away, I’ll follow him. This isn’t a fickle romance. We get each other.”

  “You’d give up your band so easily? I thought music mattered to you. Do you know his history? I do, and it’s not pretty. He’s a damn fine hockey player, but you deserve better; someone who will stick by you and he won’t. You’re talking about commitment and he’s incapable. Open your eyes and realize he doesn’t love you the way you claim to love him. I’ve known Nicolas for years and he… he’s not the guy for you.” He tried to hug her, but she pushed him away.

  “You’re wrong. You don’t have to do this. He told me everything about his past and about what he wants in the future. He loves me too.” She knew it in her soul. They belonged together.

  “I didn’t hear him professing his love as he walked away, turning his back on you. Sex isn’t love. Breaking the rules comes with hefty consequences for both of you. Your condo is gone and you’ll be moving back home at the end of the month. If you want to continue music, then this is non-negotiable. Next semester you’ll start classes again and get your business degree. Then you will work with me.”

  Caroline had suspected her father would pull those cards. He’d only allowed her to move out because she’d begged and promised to consider working with him next year. Once she learned whether the music career would pan out, she’d make her final decision about hockey. She didn’t care where she lived. In truth, she’d moved out recently, only so she wouldn’t disrupt Connie as she rolled in after a gig. Her sister was a light sleeper.

  “I’ll accept my punishment as long as Nico’s position on the team remains as is. This is non-negotiable. And we aren’t breaking up. Say whatever you want, but get used to that idea. He’s the one for me.”

  “It’s not that simple. He’s in breach of contract. Your relationship was over before it began.” This time she didn’t put up a fight when he hugged her. “I’m sorry this happened. But you’ll get over him, like all the rest.”

  He didn’t know her or Nico very well if he expected her to stop loving him. She couldn’t turn love on and off on a whim. It didn’t work like that. “Talk to Nico. You’ll see what we share is real and not fleeting.”

  “It’s either his career or you. He can’t have both. Would you force him to choose?”

  Her heart shattered. “No. That’s not fair.”

  “Life isn’t fair. I’ll do what I can to keep things quiet, but he’ll go as soon as it can be arranged. I must go break the news. You might think this is entirely my fault, but it’s not. Rules are rules, and I have a legal responsibility to uphold the contract. You cost that man and possibly the entire team the Stanley Cup.”

  With that statement lingering in the air, he walked out of the kitchen. Her legs wobbled, and she sank to the ground as the tears rolled down her cheeks. She’d told Nico everything would be okay and that being with her was fine, but she’d been wrong. Caroline thought she’d been the one taking the risks, but it had been Nico all along. She couldn’t let him give up his dreams for her.

  After a few minutes of well-earned self-pity, she got up and wiped her face with her sleeve. The dark lines of her mascara left their mark against the pale smoky blue fabric. She’d picked that shirt because it reminded her of Nico’s eyes. Eye’s she’d now have to say goodbye to no matter how painful. He deserved to live his dream. He’d already lost too much.

  The door to the den had been left open. She crept close to eavesdrop.

  “I love her.” She recognized Nico’s voice, but those were words he’d never expressed. Her heartbeat picked up, and she missed the next few phrases as she tried to calm herself. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”

  Her father grumbled and shuffled papers. “Make sure your bags are packed, you’ve got a lot to do young man.”

  “I’ll get it all done, and I won’t miss the flight,” Nico said, confirming her fears. Her father must have done it; Nico was being traded.

  “You’re sure this is what you want?” Her father asked.

  “One hundred percent. I’ve never been more certain in my entire life.”

  She leaned in but missed the muffled whispers that followed. “Goodbye Nicolas.” Her father’s words sounded so final.

  A moment later Nico walked out. Their eyes connected and he kissed her. Hard and deep. Every ounce of love poured into that one kiss. She breathed him in and clung to his arms. A sense of desperation thickened the air.

  He pulled away and pressed his forehead against hers. “Caroline.”

  “Don’t go,” she whispered.

  “I have to.” His lips lingered for a heartbeat against her mouth and then he left. She didn’t get the chance to say goodbye or tell him she loved him one last time. She didn’t get the chance to follow him, because he never asked. It happened too fast and within the blink of an eye she was alone. The wall held her up when her legs refused to handle her weight.

  “Daddy, what just happened?”

  “The only thing that could happen. It’s what you said you wanted,” he said, tucking her against his side. She never wanted Nico to leave. Caroline planned to spend the rest of her life with him, but they’d broken the rules. Her plans would never happen. All the dreams she’d had for her future disappeared. In that moment, she realized none of them mattered without him. She had no one but herself to blame. That was a bitter pill to swallow.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  T he kiss replayed in her mind on a loop. It couldn’t have been a goodbye forever kind of kiss, but nothing else made sense. Still, she’d waited five minutes in the hall, expecting Nico to return. He never did, and he also didn’t respond to the three text messages she sent.

  They were done. The part that killed the most was they never stood a chance. Doomed to fail from the second they met, and it tore her heart to pieces. Her level of despair skyrocketed and she couldn’t even bring herself to go back to her condo. The memories of them littered the space.

  Her father refused to discuss his conversation with Nico despite her tearful plea. He ended up giving her some melatonin to help with sleep. She couldn’t be angry with him, not when he comforted her and granted her the space she needed to process her gargantuan mistake. Caroline wouldn’t regret a second of her time with Nico. Not a single moment. But she wished she’d considered the ramifications her decisions had on others. She’d been so selfish and naïve.

  “Do you think Nicolas will take me down the river? I’d prefer a lake to start. The water is calmer. Caroline
are you listening?” Connie didn’t form attachments easily and hearing his name brought more tears to her eyes.

  “Peanut, if he said he’ll take you out in a canoe then he will. Nicolas has summers off for the most part, therefore, I’m sure he’ll take you wherever you want,” her father said before sipping his coffee.

  “Good,” Connie said through a mouthful of toast.

  Given the current state of her relationship, and the fact he was being traded, it seemed unlikely he’d be around during the summer. “Um… I don’t… he’s probably not—”

  “He’s a man of his word.” His tone dared her to disagree, not that she would. “What time is your show tonight?”

  Caroline shrugged her shoulders and pushed the blueberries around her bowl. Her appetite was nonexistent. The thought of getting on stage didn’t hold the appeal it usually did. Everything lacked luster in the light of day, knowing she wouldn’t be seeing Nico. “We go on at ten.”

  The band had picked up another gig at a local jazz club. They hadn’t hit the big time, but they were getting paid. Only yesterday, Caroline had boasted about the new venue and the possibilities. The owner had connections in the business and had the potential to open many doors. It all seemed so insignificant now.

  “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve booked a day of pampering for you and Maddison? You’ll look your best when you get on that stage tonight.”

  She figured that was his way of mending bridges while politely hinting that she resembled a mangy dog. “That’s sweet of you, but I’m not in the mood to go out.”

  “Nonsense, I spoke with Maddison already and she’ll be here to get you at noon.” He folded the newspaper and stood.

  Caroline balked. “You spoke with Maddy? Daddy, really you didn’t have to do this.” She peered down at the table and the article showed a recent picture of Spence Northcote with the team. The headline was only half visible and said the rich aren’t safe or something like that. “What’s the paper saying now?”

  Her father made the news frequently. She’d learned to tune most of it out. “They caught wind of your sister’s momentary disappearance. It’s fear mongering, mostly. See for yourself.” He spun the paper sideways and pushed it towards her.

  Nico’s smiling face caught her eye more than the article. Her chest hurt, like her heart was being split open with a serrated knife. That might have hurt less. She concentrated on the words. The writer condemned the police for the growing crime rates. It showcased a list of names of recent missing teens and listed the attempt made against her sister and Meagan. It mentioned the police hadn’t found the girls, but the NHL team did.

  Something was wrong in their city, but the police weren’t to blame. The officers had been helpful in putting out the alert and spreading Connie’s picture. Their involvement may have scared off the men. Regardless, who brought her sister home, she was safe. Caroline glanced at her sister and her heart went out to the families whose outcome hadn’t been the same.

  “Those poor families, and there’s over a dozen missing. Connie could have easily become a name on the list. We have to help them. This article raises awareness, but no solutions.”

  He took the paper back and tucked it under his arm. “Most of the kids are runaways. The police don’t believe the cases are related, but it’s great you want to help the families cope. I’ll have my assistant send them something.”

  “They don’t need a fruit basket. They need their kids back; their brothers and sisters, and best friends.” Caroline knew firsthand the devastation of losing a loved one. She couldn’t imagine not knowing if her mom was dead or alive. The hell those families went through. “I’d like you to use your resources to keep this in the press and force the authorities to take it seriously. Runaways or not, those kids need to be found. It’s been in the news for months and the numbers are climbing. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to connect the dots and see there’s an issue.”

  “I don’t have the kind of pull politically to hire more cops or force them to take on a case they don’t believe exists.”

  “You’re a persuasive man. You’ll figure something out. Just look what you’ve accomplished. Nico’s on a plane flying who knows where. I didn’t want to get out of bed, yet here I am eating and about to spend the day with my best friend.” Caroline pushed her chair away from the table. “Have a great day!” She hadn’t intended to raise her voice and take out her anger on him. But surely a man who owned the best team in the NHL could bend the damn rules for his own daughter. The fact they didn’t see eye to eye on the missing kids only added to her sorrow.

  Caroline kissed her sister and marched out of the room without saying goodbye to her father. A day at the spa would not make things okay between them. Nothing would take away the sickly feeling in the pit of her stomach. Both men she loved had let her down. She refused to fall apart, but pretending not to be broken would take all of her resolve.

  Maddison made the day a little easier by keeping her mind occupied. Her friend chatted more than usual and Caroline suspected her friend was hiding something. She guessed it had to do with a certain drummer, but kept her mouth shut. Between the spa, the stylist and the shopping, she was worn out; too exhausted to cry.

  By the time they arrived at the bar, she looked like a million bucks. Her hair darkened with golden low lights and styled in loose ringlets down her back. A makeup guru transformed her red, blotchy eyes into a smoky, pop star masterpiece. Maddy insisted she buy and wear a white bohemian dress, making her feel like a bride, something she’d never be.

  The band had set up on stage when the girls strolled in. The room was packed, but the moment she saw Nico standing by the microphone, no one else mattered. Her breath hitched as she drank him in. He wore a suit that fit him like a glove. He didn’t have the right to look so sexy when they couldn’t be together.

  “What on earth?” She peeked at Maddy whose grin gave her away. The traitor expected him.

  “Ah, there she is. You are gorgeous, angel.” The smoothness of his voice shot straight to her heart.

  A spotlight landed on her and she closed the distance from the door to the stage at lightning speed. “Nico, what are you doing here?” She made short work of the three steps to join him in front of the crowd. She needed to touch him, to confirm he was real. Caroline pinched his arm.

  “Ouch,” Nico rubbed his arm before threading their fingers together.

  “I wanted to make sure I’m not dreaming, but pinching my own arm hurts.” She stared into his eyes, mesmerized by this man.

  “You are my dream come true. I only ever wanted to play hockey, and it was my escape. Then you came along. I handled everything wrong. I should have told you I loved you back when you said it because I felt it. In every part of my body, and I still feel it. I’ve never met anyone so damn thoughtful, loving and beautiful. There’s been a gap in my heart for so many years and I assumed it would be there forever, but you filled it. In a few short weeks you did the impossible. I’m on this stage tonight to tell you how much I love you, Caroline. I know I haven’t said the right things at the right times.”

  “You’re saying them now,” she whispered. The audience was silent, hanging on their every word.

  “Caroline Celine Masters Northcote I love you. I love you today, tomorrow and forever.” Nico dropped to one knee. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Caroline could hardly see past the tears but it was impossible to miss the rock in his hand. The sparkly diamond he pushed onto her ring finger was huge. “Nico.”

  “Say yes and let me experience your love for the rest of my life. I’m a selfish man, and I want it all for myself. I’m never giving you up. It’s you and me forever, angel.”

  She loved the sound of that. She gazed into the crowd and her father sat there with Connie and both of them smiled. All the people she loved were in the same room. She looked back to the man pledging to be there for her now and always. He wasn’t going to disappear. “Yes! A mill
ion times yes.” She dropped to her knees and kissed him. First, she kissed his mouth then his nose, his eyes and then his lips again. She’d never get enough of those lips. “How is this going to work?”

  Maddy took the microphone away from Nico. “She said yes for those of who you didn’t hear the answer before she ate his face.” The crowd laughed and Caroline didn’t care. “The band will kick off the night shortly. Thanks for being a part of this moment folks.” She switched off the mic. “All right, you two love birds, you’ve got five minutes before our set begins. Let me be the first to say congrats.”

  Caroline hugged her best friend. “You knew all day about this and said nothing?”

  “Your dad told me to keep it a secret when he called. It was hard to listen to you whine all day, but I suffered for you. Caroline, you deserved this grand happy moment. Something to erase those unpleasant memories, you know.” They didn’t need to say more because their smiles said it all.

  “I get a brother. That’s what dad and Nico said. Is it true?” Connie asked from the front row. She didn’t handle change well, but this was one change she would come to love.

  “It sure seems that way, baby girl. Are you okay with that?” Her sister’s approval mattered more than anyone else. She stepped down from the stage to hug her. When Connie nodded, it was as if the stars aligned and she could finally breathe.

  “Welcome to the family, son.” Caroline turned to see her father and Nico hug. “I wasn’t convinced she’d say yes, but you pulled it off. There is no better man to win her heart.”

  “I promise to take good care of her, and I also won’t miss the morning flight to catch up with the team. Thanks for letting me stick around tonight.”

  “Daddy!” She launched herself at the man she’d tried to hate all day. “You said he wasn’t the man for me, but you gave him your blessing to marry me. Did you come up with this idea? Does he get to stay with us?”

  “He can’t leave his bride to be and the rules don’t apply to married couples. I can’t take credit for your smile. Every detail was his doing. Last night, we sat and discussed what happened. How he'd fallen in love with you and that no matter what happened he’d never leave you. He asked if there was any way he could keep you and keep playing hockey in Winnipeg. I told him not on my team. He said he’d quit and asked me not to hold it against my future son-in-law. I laughed, but he was serious. He chose you over hockey. We talked about his decision and he asked for my blessing to marry you. He convinced me when he told me he'd already bought the ring. I remember what it’s like to find your soul mate, and I will not stand in the way of true love.” He winked and Caroline’s eyes widened.