“You surprised me yet again,” she finally said. “It’s a bold move and not one most people would make, but I can work with this. You’ve had a solid career, and your departure isn’t vindictive.” Her tone went from professional to confident as she talked it out. “I’ll have the women swooning and the men admiring before I’m done with this.”
“There’s one more thing,” he added, the first hint of unease unfurling in his chest. “Two actually. First, I’m working on something for tomorrow night that I hope will do a damn good job of explaining my decision. I’ll get you what I can when I have it finalized. I’m also hoping you and Hauke can be there along with a majority of the guys from the team.”
“What are you planning?” There was the curiosity.
“I’ll let you know if I can make it work.” He deliberately brushed it off and went on to the second item. The one his agent didn’t need to know about. “Jacqui is currently having tests run for cancer.” Vanessa’s soft gasp was the most emotion she’d expressed the entire call. “My decision to leave hockey has very little to do with that, but it does impact it. What I don’t want is for people to think it’s the main reason, because it’s not. Yes, I want to be here for her, but I want that whether she has cancer or not.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you, but it’s not your fault.” It wasn’t anybody’s fault, least of all Jacqui’s. “Jacqui doesn’t need the burden of thinking I left hockey because of her illness when it’s not why I’m leaving. I don’t want the press to spin it that way either.”
“All right. Get me the details for the meeting and your other mystery project as soon as you can.” There was a short pause. “And Henrik? Let us know if there is anything Holden and I can do. We’re here for you.”
He had to swallow hard to get rid of the lump in his throat before he could respond. “Thank you. That means a lot.” Of all the things that should’ve gotten to him that day, this was the one he’d least expected.
It was a few deep breaths later before he was ready to make his last call. He checked the time and ducked into the office area to ensure Jacqui wasn’t back then returned to his window view. The clouds were gray and heavy, the air cold enough for the snow the weatherman had predicted. Just in time for the holiday season.
“Hey, Grenick. What’s up?” Walters answered, tone upbeat. “How bad did Coach chew you out last night?”
“About as much as you think.” Henrik shook his head, smile returning. “I’m more fucking valuable on the ice. Let Feeney do his job blah, blah, blah.” He shrugged even though Walters couldn’t see it. “Nothing I didn’t expect. I owed it to Rylie though.”
Walters was quiet for a moment. “Yeah. Rylie’s a good kid.”
“He’s not really a kid anymore.” Rylie had matured way past his playboy image this season. Whether that was in part due to Samantha’s influence or simply his own doing really didn’t matter. The results were the same.
“True. So how are you?” Like the other guys, Walters hadn’t bugged him on Sunday night. A brotherly hug and “call when you’re back” was all he’d said before leaving with Rachel.
“Good, now. Really good.”
“Yeah?” The surprised note was clear. “What changed?”
So very much. Henrik chuckled, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to process it down to its simplest form. “I fell in love and she loves me back.” He went with the truth, believing Walters would understand.
His laughter boomed through the phone, filled with good-spirited mirth. “That’s really good to hear. I didn’t get a chance to talk to her, but Hauke said it was the piano player, Jacqui. Right?”
“Yeah. That’s her.” Pride filled him again, warm and encompassing.
“Don’t take this wrong, but she didn’t seem like your usual type.”
“Nope,” he agreed. “Not even close.”
“Good for you, Henrik. When do we get to meet her? Are you guys free for dinner one of these nights?”
And here came the favors, the first of many he’d be calling in. “I know you might have plans, but I was hoping you could attend a concert tomorrow night. Jacqui’s performing and...” He inhaled. “I need to show you something. Everyone actually.”
“Okay.” Walters let the word drag out. “Now I’m really curious. What’s going on?”