My Hockey Alpha

Chapter 309

Bonus 9: A Call

Nina

It was well after the party, and everyone else had gone to sleep. ]

Lori and Jessica took over the guest- room after all due to the fact that Melania, using her magic, conjured up an amazing little hut outside. When we walked into the hut, we were all astonished to see that it was bigger on the inside, although I was more astonished to see the loving look in Luke’s eyes when the attractive witch performed her trick.

The hockey team took up residence on the floor of the living room, and now Enzo and I were lying in our bed, too energized to sleep. We had a movie playing quietly on the television, but neither of us were watching it. We had … more important things to do in bed.

As the credits rolled on the screen,

Enzo and I lay comfortably entwined in the bed, a blanket draped lazily over our nude bodies.

The peaceful silence was broken only by the low hum of the movie soundtrack and our quiet breaths syncing in harmony. It was the calm serenity of shared solitude, a comforting quiet that came with the understanding that it was enough to just be in each other’s presence.

A slow smile was creeping across my face as I traced patterns on Enzo’s chest with my finger.

Suddenly, the shrill ring of my phone pierced the tranquility and caused my smile to fade.

I glanced at the screen, an unknown number flashing brightly. I furrowed my brows, expecting an annoying spam caller at this late hour. With a sigh, I picked up the call, ready to hang up at the first sign of a recorded message.

But the voice that greeted me was tar from mechanical. It was warm, familiar, and it brought a lump to my throat. “Nina?” The voice was shaky, hesitant.

sitting up abruptly.” I can’t believe it’s you,” I whispered, the surprise and emotion clear in my voice. “Why haven’t you and mom been answering

know it’s been a while,” Taylor replied. “We’ve been really busy, and mom’s phone hasn’t been working properly. I’m sorry that you haven’t heard from us,

felt him stand and watched as

honkingand people talking in the background, but I knew fully well that Taylor didn’t own a cell phone. “Are you at a phone booth?” I

He chuckled. “They’re still a thing over here. It’s actually awesome. You know I

“Yeah,” I replied.

too often that he threw it in the street and watched with satisfaction as the school bus ran

I always teased him and said that he should

asked, wanting to know why he and my mom had been radio silent for almost

he replied. He almost sounded as though he had more that he wanted to say, but he couldn’t bring

I had been clinging to the hope of my family being there on my special day. But understanding and love for my brother quelled the rising storm of sadness within me. He was sick, after all. I swallowed hard, forcing a smile into my

you and mom are

replied quietly. “I promise we’ll see each

I decided that I was just imagining things, and decided to change

the payphone and, not knowing when I would get a chance to talk

revisiting shared memories, love and longing stitched into every word. Our words, echoing with years of lost time and connection, painted a bittersweet picture. By the time we hung up,

bed, the phone

another movie, turned to me, his brows creased with concern at my tear- streaked face. I sank into his arms, seeking comfort

Nina?” Enzo asked, his voice soft as a whisper, his hand running through my hair in soothing

the weight of unshed tears. “I don’t know why, exactly. I think they’re just

didn’t need to say anything. His presence,