I don’t need any more of them. I wanted one last season, one last blaze of glory but what if me staying here and playing this season is going to make the team worse? Could I forgive myself if the newer boys had a shitty season all because I wish I was cuddling my little girl instead of scoring goals?

The game comes to an end with us being all but obliterated out there: four one to them.

Waiting until the end of the season might not be beneficial for any of us. I guess another thing on my to-do list at home is going to be talking to Ellis about if I should hang up my skates now instead of in seven or eight months’ time.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Ellis

I know it’s coming. I could feel it through the screen. Every sharp turn and missed puck blared out at me. I could see him give up, down to the exact second I could feel the joy of the sport flow out of him and his shoulders slumped. His face was hidden behind a helmet but I could paint a picture of the hopelessness that I’m sure was there. All that said, the moment the front door opens a few days later I know what Liam is going to say.

“I’m retiring.” I can hear the defeat in his voice.

Even though I was expecting it, I still can’t believe what I’m hearing. “The fuck you are!” I yell. He doesn’t answer me straight away. I hear as he slips off his suit jacket and kicks off his shoes before his sock-clad feet pad into the room.

“Why the hell not?” He is still undressing, rolling up his sleeves and unbuttoning the top of his shirt as he looks at me. His face is painted with confusion, frustration clear as day behind his eyes. No matter how long we were apart I can read this man like it’s nothing.

“Liam. That game sucked, but how many bad games have you had over the years?” I urge him to think carefully. Having spent the better part of the weekend expecting this conversation I have a few techniques lined up.

“I don’t want to leave because I played bad, come on El, I’m not that pathetic,” he replies, disgruntled.

“So, you are breaking your contract why?” I quiz with a raised eyebrow. I need him to lay it out, because the Liam I know never backs down from a challenge.

“Because I don’t care!” His words are loud and not at all what I was expecting.

“What?”

“I don’t care that we didn’t win.” He drops down next to me on the couch and his head falls into his hands. I give him time, knowing he needs to find the words.