My Hockey Alpha



Chapter 0682

Finally, Tim let out a long sigh. "You know I'll have to look into this," he said. "I can't just take your story at face value, Enzo. And without proof..."

I studied my hands, unable to meet his pained gaze. This was just as bad as I had imagined.

"I know," I finally said. "And I don't blame you for not believing me."

"Look at me, Enzo,"

I forced myself to comply. Tim's eyes bored intensely into mine. "I want to believe you. And if this is truly what happened, I'm so very sorry."

Profound relief washed over me at his words. He wasn't being unreasonable, at least. That was all I had really hoped for.

Tim massaged his temples, staring vacantly at the paperwork on his desk. "Thank you for sharing your story," he said quietly. "I'll... I'll investigate the matter and get back to you as soon as I can."

But I shook my head. I stood, picking my bag up off of the floor. My decision had already been made; I had told my story, and I was done here.

If anything, this entire experience had just taught me that for now, my place was at home in Mountainview, with my pregnant wife. The broad strides in my career could wait until a better time.

"There's no need. I'm afraid this is goodbye, Tim," I said stiffly, "I can't continue to work in an environment with someone like Mila, and besides, my wife is pregnant. I belong with her, not a plane ride away."

Tim simply nodded, profound sorrow etched across his features. It was clear that he didn't want me to go, but neither of us had much of a choice. He stood, extending his hand to me.novelbin

"I'm sorry to see you go, Enzo," he said. "You could have been a great asset to this team."

I blinked against the sudden sting in my eyes and shook his hand. "Thank you, Tim. For everything."

And with that, I turned and walked away from the future of my career; for now, at least.

My watch read barely past noon by the time I made it back to the hotel. The day already felt endless, and now I was stuck here in this city, just yearning for home. I needed a stiff drink and some time to process before returning home to Nina tomorrow.

The hotel bar sat nearly empty save a few other early afternoon patrons perched on vinyl stools.

Perfect.

I settled onto the barstool furthest from the entrance and ordered a double bourbon, neat. The bartender placed the glass down without a word. I swirled the caramel liquid around in the glass, then downed it in two gulps.

As the alcohol sent warmth spreading down my chest, my jumbled thoughts slowly began to untangle. I knew I had done the right thing coming clean about Mila-I felt reasonably certain of that.

Bridges had burned today, painful as it was. But from the ashes, Nina and I could start building again. We would be okay. And maybe this would be for the best. I could remain in Mountainview, with my wife, my child, and my pack. It was where we belonged.

Something else could come along as far as my career went; maybe I could apply to be the official hockey coach for the university. I think I'd like that.

I lifted a finger toward the bartender, signaling a second round. But then, just as the bartender approached, a delicate hand suddenly grasped my shoulder.

"Well, well... fancy meeting you here, Enzo."

Every muscle in my body went rigid. Icy fear trickled down my spine at the familiar lilting voice. Slowly, I turned, and that was when I saw her.

Mila.