Outside is freezing and wet, a normal Seattle winter. I didn’t miss those when I was in New York because I got to enjoy the snow. I did miss them in Vancouver, that place takes cold to another level. I’m aware of the irony: a hockey player complaining about the cold, but as I’m brutally reminded again, I’m getting older. Inside the bar is at least 90 degrees and packed to the rafters, it feels so much worse when you take up as much room as I do. Each step I take out of the bathroom bumps me into the path of another person, I give up apologising, it’s too loud for them to hear my apologies anyway. Still I try to slither my 6’4 frame through gaps in the crowd to minimise collisions.

After a few more hits, I spot the table with my fellow Spears players surrounded by women. Jay Brink or “Edge”, the team enforcer and my closest friend who traded with me from Vancouver two seasons ago, is sat on the outside of the fray next to the Seattle Spears captain Aiden Anders, who goes by Anders (great nickname, I’m aware), and I can see they are far from interested in the women surrounding them.

“I give it five minutes before she slaps him.” Anders laughs, his southern twang stronger due to the alcohol. I don’t need to follow his eyes to know they are talking about Finn Jonas, the Spears rookie sign. Rook was the number one draft pick this season and he is soaking in the fame like the kid he is. Floppy hair and a butter wouldn’t melt Canadian accent help him seem innocent, but he is a wannabe ladies’ man through and through.

“What d’ya think Ruin? She gonna slap him or kiss him? Fifty bucks if you’re right.” Edge nods in the direction of the bar and I am down to win money from my team. Despite his young age, Rook gets almost any woman he wants with his heartthrob charms. Before I pick my side I swing around to see the woman he has chosen as his prey. Long legs coming from sky-high heels, and a skin-tight red dress hugs her frame. Her body seems to go on for miles, and it’s rare to see a woman so tall enhance that height with shoes that high. Then I see her beautiful face.

A rock sinks in my stomach, the room spins. I haven’t seen that face in ten years and memories flood my mind. The last time I saw her my heart splintered in my chest. Now here she is again. My heart thunders in my chest when Rook steps even closer so she can hear him over the boisterous crowd.