by Robyn M Ryan
“As soon as I board the plane.”
Andrew set her bag on the floor, hesitated just a beat, and tentatively reached to hug her. “I don’t want you to leave.” When Caryn pressed her face against his shirt and grasped his waist, he closed his arms around her. He realized she needed time alone, no matter how much he yearned for her to stay.
After a long moment, Caryn pulled away, her eyes bright with tears. “Tell your mom and dad I send my love. We’ll talk when you return to Tampa.”
He nodded, kissed her forehead, and walked beside her to the security line entrance. He watched until she was out of sight, wishing more than anything that things were different and they were returning to Tampa together.
2
Andrew saw Tom look at him expectantly as he settled into the seat beside him. “What?” Tom started to speak, but Andrew cut him off. “In answer to your question, yes.”
“Which question?” Tom countered.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes to work things out between us.”
“You tell her?” Tom looked over his shoulder as he merged into the airport traffic.
“Several times.”
“It’s about time.” Tom looked at him, his eyes reflecting his concern. “I hope you find some way to help her defuse the stress.”
“I asked her to stay in Toronto. I think she wanted to, but…” He shrugged as his voice trailed off and then looked out the window. He absently noted the curbside drop offs and returning travelers waiting for their rides.
“She needs time, Andrew, to sort everything out. When you return to Tampa, you may need to start fresh. Take her on a date, plan romantic experiences…do some old-fashioned courting.”
“I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll even take the job in Ottawa, if it’s what she wants.” Andrew watched one couple embrace, then turned his gaze elsewhere.
He saw Tom shake his head with a wry laugh. “Brother, I think you need to listen to what Caryn has to say. Going to work for her father is not what she wants for either of you.”
“We’ll see.” Andrew stretched his legs out in front of him and leaned back in the seat. He glanced at Tom. “So what did you say before that made her laugh?”
“Nothing you’d care to hear.”
“I can imagine. Though, I guess she’s entitled to a little humor at my expense.”
“At the very least. All kidding aside, Andrew, this hasn’t been easy for either of you. Right this moment, you need patience. And make Caryn your first priority. I’m pretty sure she needs to believe your marriage is more important than getting back to hockey. Especially once you start back on your self-inflicted rehab schedule. You’ve been pushing yourself beyond your limits. You’ll get back to one hundred percent, and you don’t need to maintain the insane pace you set for yourself.”
Andrew shrugged, but didn’t respond.
“Come on, Andrew—just focus on what you have accomplished,” Tom continued. “You looked good on skates the other day.”
“Yeah, if I were five years old.”
“It was your first time on the ice. Give yourself a break. You’ll get your balance back. In the meantime, you’re on track with your weight training and running, aren’t you?”
“I guess. I’m just focused on being ready by the All Star break.”
Tom quickly looked at him. “Maybe you will, or maybe you’ll join the team later? No one’s saying you have to be ready by the end of January, February, or March. You’ve done a hell of a job getting to the point where playing hockey is just a matter of when, not if. Most people would still be walking with a cane, not running five miles or tying on skates.”
Andrew didn’t reply as Tom drove into the city. His thoughts shifted to Caryn, realizing how empty he’d feel if he achieved his goal without her by his side. He regretted leaving her at the airport and wished he had booked that flight or she had agreed to stay in Toronto. He worried about her health and the emotions that seemed so close to the surface. And rejecting my touch…never expected that. How could I allow things to get to this point?
When Tom stopped for a red light several minutes later, he glanced at his brother and saw the worry in his expression. “I guarantee you’re going to look back on this someday—after you’ve had a couple fifty-goal seasons—and realize just how amazing your progress has been.”
Andrew looked at him. Amazing progress? Fifty goals? What did I miss here? “Sorry, Tom. What did you say? I was thinking about Caryn.”
“Worried?”
“Like you said, she’s obviously having a rough time. Somehow, I don’t think ‘trust me’ is going to reassure her when she’s back home.”
“Maybe it will, Andrew,” Tom replied quietly. “In time.”
Andrew hesitated. “Well, I did promise her time to sort things through. Caryn dictates the pace.” He paused and glanced at Tom with a slow smile. “But I can stop by the house to visit my brother—maybe every day or so.”
Tom chuckled quietly. “I’d expect nothing less.”
Caryn jerked awake with a start as the plane’s wheels touched down on the runway, not realizing it had even begun its final approach. She looked out the window at the late evening sky, the drizzling rain a perfect mirror for her mood. Encountering Andrew in Toronto had left her drained, the pain of their separation still acute, despite his assurances they’d work things out. There’s no way I can tell him about the baby until I’m one hundred percent positive he’s sincere. The absolute worst scenario is if Drew stays with me because I’m pregnant.
She gathered her purse and carry-on bag, mechanically following the other passengers as they slowly exited the plane and made their way to baggage claim. Caryn retrieved a cart, and then angled it toward the carousel, standing on her tiptoes to watch for her suitcase. After a few minutes she spotted it and excused herself as she reached for it…and watched it slip through her fingers. She sighed, resigned to waiting until the crowd dispersed. She moved the cart back, then looked up in surprise as a man walked toward her with her bag.
“Yours?” he asked. “I saw you try to grab it.”
“Yes, thank you,” Caryn replied with a smile. “That’s so thoughtful.”
He set the bag on her cart. This close, Caryn noticed he was a little younger than she had first thought. Her best friend and business partner, Lauren Gentry would definitely approve of this extremely good-looking man—blond hair curled against his collar, eyes a startling shade of grey, and a mischievous smile as he met her gaze.
“My mother would be disappointed if I hadn’t. Besides, that’s one heavy suitcase.”
Caryn laughed in agreement. “I know. Thank you so much.”
“Are you familiar with customs here? My first trip to Tampa.”
“Get your bags—I can show you the quick way through customs.” Caryn watched as he turned toward the carousel, absently noting his muscular physique and the nice way the T-shirt and jeans emphasized his build. Lauren would gravitate to him immediately.
He grabbed a couple suitcases, set them aside, and then reached once more for a familiar equipment bag. She moved the cart closer when he started gathering the luggage. “Just set them on this. It’ll be easier.”
“Thanks. I didn’t have much notice for this trip, so I packed everything I thought I might need.” A rueful smile crossed his face. “I’m Cliff Camden.”
“I’m Caryn—nice to meet you.” She watched as he set the equipment bag on top of his luggage. “You play hockey?”
He looked at her in surprise, and then laughed as Caryn nodded toward the bag. “Yeah. I’m invited to the Suns training camp. How’d you know?”
“I’ve seen a few of those bags over the years.” Caryn smiled briefly. “My husband plays for the Suns.”
“Seriously? Who?” His eager smile morphed into a sympathetic expression when he heard Andrew’s name. “Man, what a tragic accident. How’s his rehab going?”
“Coming along…he hopes to be back by the All Star Break.�
�� Caryn tried to suppress the sense of panic she fought whenever she thought about Andrew’s accident. She could still see the entire sequence of the on-ice tragedy as a movie that looped in her mind…the puck crashing against the side of Andrew’s head, the blood, his body lying motionless on the ice.
“I think the entire hockey community, especially in Toronto, has followed his amazing recovery,” Cliff said and Caryn focused her attention on his words. “I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
Caryn showed Cliff the shortest route through customs, and they finally reached the main terminal. Hearing her name called, she turned and waved when she saw her friends Terri Rogers and Kelly Peterson walking toward them. “They’re also married to Suns’ players,” she told Cliff.
“I’m glad we didn’t miss you!” Terri greeted her with a hug. “We got caught in traffic and I didn’t think we’d make it in time. You should have seen the deluge out there.”
“Perfect timing.” Caryn smiled, indicating her new friend. “Small world. This is Cliff…um…”
“Camden,” he supplied with a disarming smile.
“Who has an invitation to the Suns’ training camp and was nice enough to help with my suitcase—along with all his equipment.”
Kelly and Terri introduced themselves, and then Kelly asked, “You need a ride into town? Where are you staying?”
“I think there’s a Marriott near the arena? I need to meet with the front office staff tomorrow.” He paused. “They have an airport shuttle.”
“So do we,” Kelly replied. “There’s plenty of room in John’s truck. Unless you prefer waiting for the shuttle?”
“No way can I turn down that invitation.” Cliff flashed a broad smile with a wink. “As long as it’s not out of your way.”
When Kelly sent her husband, John a text, he responded suggesting they come home and then indicated he’d drive Cliff to the hotel. He also extended a dinner invitation through Kelly.
“Are you sure it’s no trouble?” Cliff asked.
“John wouldn’t have offered if he didn’t mean it.” Kelly smiled. “Take advantage of his dinner offer—he’ll tell you everything you need to know about training camp, if you ask. Or…he may just give you pointers anyway.”
“At the very least, he’ll get you off on the right…skate,” Terri added.
When Kelly pulled into Caryn’s driveway, John and Steve Rogers stood outside between the homes. After introducing Cliff and handing John the keys to the truck, Kelly pointed toward Caryn’s luggage. “John, could you…?”
“Of course.” John brought Caryn’s suitcase inside her home, and then he gestured to Steve and Cliff. “C’mon, we’ll get you checked in and go to this restaurant near the arena. It’s the team’s gathering spot after games.”
3
“Okay, a free evening,” Terri said with a laugh as they watched the SUV drive away. “Girls’ night to catch up—unless you’re exhausted, Caryn?”
“Oh, I’m good for a few hours. I napped on the flight. Why don’t we relax by the pool? I’ll get drinks and snacks—assuming Tom left food for me.”
“We can order dinner, too. Whatever you'd like,” Kelly added.
“I’ll eat anything,” Caryn said with a laugh. “You decide.”
As Terri and Kelly stepped onto the pool deck, Caryn took a deep breath and headed toward the kitchen. No surprise, Tom had filled the pantry and the fridge before he left. She prepared a platter of fruit and crackers, grabbed three bottles of water, and balanced everything as she walked to the pool.
Kelly jumped to help her and took the platter. “Tom never disappoints, does he?”
Caryn laughed. “No, he’s one in a million.” She motioned for Terri and Kelly to sit. “It’s fantastic to be home. I realized how much I love this house—and how much I’ve missed you both.”
“We’ve missed you, too. It's not as much fun without you,” Terri said.
Caryn laughed. “Oh, I’m sure you’ve missed my jolly—make that whiny—attitude.” She summarized the surprise encounter with Andrew on campus.
“We would have warned you if we’d known you went there from St. Louis.” Kelly's voice reflected her sympathy as she reached for a cracker.
“I’m sorry I kept you in the dark. I wanted to think about everything.” Caryn shrugged as she sipped on her water.
“He came for dinner last night,” Kelly said. “Did you know Tom’s interviewing for a residency program here with Dan Forster’s recommendation?”
“I’m not surprised,” Caryn said, taking a small bite of a cracker. “I’m sure Andrew would love him to stay here.”
“That’s one reason they went to Toronto. Tom wants to talk with their parents, then meet with whoever he needs to see at the school.” Kelly reached to squeeze Caryn’s hand. “Andrew looks great, don’t you think? He seems strong…I think he’s put on most of the weight he’d lost—all muscle, of course.”
“He wondered where you were,” Terri added. “I told him you were off having an affair with this gorgeous hunk you’d met in St. Louis,” she giggled. Caryn laughed, not entirely sure her friend was kidding. “No, seriously, Caryn—he asked if we knew where you were. He’d called Lauren. We couldn't tell him and totally frustrated him.”
Caryn shook her head. “He’s had weeks to see me, text, or call.” Make that months.
“Physically, Andrew’s recovery is amazing,” Kelly said. “But, he seems depressed. You know, he gets the same expression in his eyes when he talks about you that you get when you talk about him. You both look like you’ve lost your only friend.”
“Best friend,” Caryn whispered. “Surprised he didn’t bring Kristen with him.” Bitter memories of watching them kiss in the PT gym flashed through her mind. She knew what Kristen wanted and the lengths she’d go to achieve it.
“I doubt that would ever happen,” Terri said.
“It wouldn't surprise me if she went to the rink. She has a habit of popping up wherever he is.” Caryn didn’t attempt to keep the hostility from her tone.
“Have you asked Andrew about Kristen?” Kelly asked.
Caryn shook her head. “Not yet. We have more issues than time to discuss in those few hours we were together.” She looked at both friends. “There’s a huge new addition to this equation.” In response to their questioning looks, she added. “I’m pregnant.”
Kelly reached to hug her. “What exciting news!”
“When is the baby due?” Terri asked.
“Late December. The timing's not perfect.” She looked at each of them. “Andrew doesn’t know. Please, promise you won’t say anything to anyone.” Caryn pinched the bridge of her nose to quell the tears that threatened.
"Of course we won't," Terri assured her as she moved to sit beside Caryn. “Let us know what we can do to help.”
“Thanks. I need to think and get questions answered.” Caryn sipped her drink. “Also tackle one huge to-do list with Lauren.” She paused a minute. “Andrew and I need to figure out what type relationship we’ll have before I tell him. We have plenty of issues before adding a baby to the mix.”
Later, after Kelly and Terri left, Caryn pulled her iPhone from her purse and switched it on. She saw numerous texts from Andrew and Lauren. Rather than text, she pressed his name, and he answered her call before she heard it ring. “I’m sorry, Drew. I had my phone off, then chatted and caught up with Kelly and Terri.”
“You’re home safely, great. How was the flight?”
“No turbulence in the air. It’s just a rainy day here.” Caryn wandered through the house, locking all the doors before activating the alarm.
“Terri and Kelly met your plane?”
“Of course.” She then told him about the chance encounter with Cliff Camden. “Have you heard of him? He said the Suns invited him to training camp.”
Andrew didn’t respond for a moment. “I’ve heard the name. Young?”
“Early twenties at the most.” Caryn poured a glass of lemon
ade and sat at the table.
“So…did he hit on you?”
Caryn laughed. “Not at all. Once he heard your name, it was twenty questions about your recovery.”
“He may have played in the AHL last year.”
“John and Steve took him to the hotel and then to dinner. I guess they’ll tell him about ‘Hell Week’ at training camp.” Caryn laughed a little, remembering the unpleasant surprise the previous year when the coach banned all electronic devices for the first week of camp.
“Yep, as much as I wish I could be there, that’s one week I won’t miss.”
Caryn heard the disappointment in his tone. “Andrew, you’ve been going through your own ‘Hell Week’ since November.” She reached for a grape from the bowl in the middle of the table, then changed her mind, selecting a cracker.
“Maybe,” he admitted. “But I never dreamed I’d still be working on balance now. I tried putting on skates the other day…booked an hour at the practice facility and asked Tom, John, and Steve to skate with me.”
“How’d you do?” She nibbled on the cracker and took a small drink of her lemonade.
“Like a toddler. Fell on my ass a dozen times before my muscle memory kicked in.” He laughed. “At least no one was there to take pictures or video to upload to YouTube or Instagram.”
“But, aren’t you excited?" Caryn asked. "Every time you step on the ice, you’ll get stronger, steadier, more comfortable.”
“You know, I’d forgotten that adrenaline rush I always felt just walking into an arena…the smell of the ice, the sound of a puck hitting the boards.” Andrew paused a moment. “That lasted until the second I actually stood on the ice.” His laugh conveyed no humor. “I need to find new skating partners now that training camp’s about to begin—at least until I’m cleared to skate with the team.”
“Do you mind skating with girls?” Caryn teased him. “I think Terri’s pretty good.”
“Yeah, Steve said Terri has a wicked slap shot. It will be weeks, if not months, before I can coordinate skating and shooting.”