Liam takes my hand in his, to the eyes of onlookers we must look like a real family. Him with Jack on his shoulders, my growing bump stretching my jersey while we walk hand in hand through the small crowds. Liam moves to put a steady gentle hand on my back leading me towards the staff parking area until we hear something that makes us freeze. From somewhere in the crowd, someone yells my name.

“Ellis!” a male voice yells. But not just any voice – it’s a voice I know. Or used to know.

Michael is pushing his way through the crowd until he is a few feet in front of me. Jack’s dad is breathing so hard his nostrils flare with each exhale. I stand in front of Liam, my heart racing and my skin prickling with heat. Sensing that something is wrong, Liam lifts Jack from his shoulders and passes him over to Rook.

“Hey Rook, why don’t you take Jack to meet Spike?” His voice is tense, he must be able to see the resemblance. Michael has the same dark hair Jack has, as well as the same eyes. Eyes I thought I loved, even when they were looking at me with hatred. Rook takes Jack’s hand and leads him back into the arena to introduce him to the Spears mascot.

“What are you doing here?” As strong as I wish I could be, my voice still trembles. Today has been a long day, so high in emotion and tension. Seeing Michael was so far down on the list of things I expected today. I knew he followed hockey years ago, but the chances of him actually being here tonight were small.

“That doesn’t matter, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he spits out, his lips curling in disgust. Dark eyes glaring at me as though he caught me committing some crime.

“Excuse me?” I gasp out. It’s been six years since the last time I saw him and the first thing he does is verbally attack me. Not even asking about his damn son.

“I knew you loved him. You never gave a shit about me did you? He snapped his fingers and you came running like a pathetic whore.” His face was red with anger, that vein in his forehead pulsing violently. Before I have a chance to defend myself, Liam pulls me back to his side, stepping in front of me.

“That’s enough.” Liam’s voice is low and scary. I could let him handle this. I could stand behind him and let him get rid of Michael but that’s not what I want. Michael doesn’t get to scare me any more.