“…We had some really good looks tonight. They threw a lot of pucks at the net but I feel like we, you know, we generated some pretty quality chances.” I adjust my cap and lean a down a little so I can hear the interviewer better.

“That second one, it changed direction so drastically, is that much more difficult than that first one to get under your stick?” Nancy asks, and I nod, glancing at the door as I see Natalie and Addison standing just outside the room.

“Yeah, you just…that kind of angle, you’re trying to put it towards the net anyway you can, and uhh…I don’t know, I think it went between his blocker side but yeah, you’re just trying to get it there any way you can.”

“What were you thinking when you saw that go in?” I hear from the other side of me.

“Uh, just happy. We had some really good looks, some two on ones, I mean we had three two on ones at least tonight and sometimes you go a few games without that and then we get three in a row like that so you know, we did some pretty good things on them. We executed well, they got a save, they got a block, but it was nice to see that one go in.” I see Addison break away from Natalie and I can’t help but grin. “I’m going to have to cut this short guys, thanks.”

I pick up my bag and move through the people in the room, leaning down and scooping Addi up when she gets near.

“Hey, warrior girl.” I kiss her on the cheek and she points to the jersey she’s wearing with my name on the back of it.

“Look, Daddy, I have the same shirt as you!”

“Yes, you do! Did you take mine without me knowing?” I affect a stern face and she giggles, hiding behind her hands.

“Hey, there’s something I want to talk to you about,” Natalie says quietly, and I glance at her, nodding.

“Okay. Hanson is having family dinner catered at his place tonight for his sister’s birthday if you want to come?”

“Uh…”

“No pressure if you’re not ready to hang out yet.”

“Yeah, I have a few calls I need to make anyway. Take Addi, and I’ll just have a mommy night.” She pecks Addi on the cheek. “You’re going to stay with Daddy, but I’ll see you when you get home okay?”

“Okay, mama.” She puckers her lips for another kiss and Natalie kisses them, then they rub their noses together and Addison giggles.

Her giggle is quickly becoming one of my favorite things in the world to hear.

I’m happy that kids go with the flow so easily, though apparently when Addison recently started asking about me, Natalie just told her I was doing a lot of work in a different place but she’d see me soon.

It’s crazy to me that she had a whole life without me in it, and I can never get those years back.

But I’m damn sure going to make sure I’m here for every little second from now on.

We head towards the door and into the hallway.

“Dane.” I turn and Keyra’s leaning against the wall, talking to the team’s PR director. Probably talking about trade secrets.

“Hey. I didn’t know you were here.” I smile, and Addison reaches out her arms.

“Kiki!”

We look at each other with raised brows, laughing.

“I didn’t realize she had a nickname for you.”

“Me neither, I like it.” She takes Addison from me and I feign offense.

“You’d just leave Daddy like that?”

“Kiki has pretty hair.” She says like it’s completely justified and pets Keyra’s head like she’s a puppy.

“Ahem.” Natalie clears her throat and I mentally smack myself.

“Natalie, this is my good friend Keyra. Keyra, this is Addison’s mother, Natalie.”

They shake hands, murmuring different niceties, and I don’t know if I’m imagining things - but there’s definitely some sizing up going on.

“Are you going to Hanson’s?” Keyra asks.

“Yeah, we were about to head out.”

“Do you mind if I tag along?” She asks hesitantly, and I almost trip over my words because I rush to get them out.

“Of course! Yeah. That’d be cool.”

“Daddy, can I sit on your shoulders?”

Wordlessly, I bend down and Keyra places her over my shoulders and I stand, laughing when she wraps her small hands around my head.

Keyra turns to Natalie, clutching her purse in front of her. She must’ve been entertaining people in her Dad’s lounge today because she’s more dressed up than usual.

Most of the time for our games, she’ll wear jeans and a jersey.

Today, she’s wearing dark jeans with low heeled booties and a cream colored sweater that falls off her shoulder.

Damn, I love when her tops do that. It’s more tantalizing to me than her cleavage. Just that peek of shoulder and collarbone.

“It was nice meeting you, Natalie.”

“You too.” Natalie’s smile is a little more forced and I silently hope that there’s no real issue. The last thing I want is there being a problem between Keyra and Natalie if Natalie’s going to be around.

I can’t see myself not having Keyra in my life again, but I wouldn’t want Natalie to leave with Addison.

I’ll ask her about it later.

“Daddy, I’m hungry.” Addison covers my eyes with her hands and I glance at Keyra, and she nods.

“Alright, we’re gonna head out. Call me if you need something, Nat.”

“Got it.” We walk away with Addison twisting and waving, and having Keyra beside me feels good. Feels natural.

It feels right.

I was so selfish and blinded by my anger that I didn’t let myself accept that Keyra was different until way too late.

And she always has been.

* * *

Hanson’s sister has a twin daughter and son, and Addison ran off with them, a few other kids, and their babysitter immediately.

Something about painting.

I just hope Addison doesn’t get anything in her hair this time. The other day, she said she painted half of her hair pink because she wanted pink hair.

Hours. It took hours to get it all out. But damn if it wasn’t amusing.

The adults are hanging out downstairs and playing pool and darts. Hanson’s basement is basically set up like a very low-key bar and everyone’s having a good time while the food’s being set up.

“So, you and Natalie seem to have a good relationship.” Keyra leans next to me where I’m watching some of the guys play foosball.

“Things have been surprisingly smooth.” I agree.

“Have you forgiven her?” She peers up at me, a sparkling water in her hand, curious.

I shrug because I’m not completely sure.

“I’m trying to just let the past stay in the past. We talked a bit.”

“Are you…” She looks down, turning the glass bottle in her hands. “Going to try again? See if things work out?”

“Would it bother you if I did?” The words fly out before I can censor them, but I do want to know.

Her eyes swing to mine and she scoffs. “Bother me? Why would it bother me?”

“In any case, I don’t have any feelings for her that way anymore. Do I need to pass you a note with Do you like me? Yes or No on it?” I decide to not pretend anymore. I owe it to her to let her know exactly where I stand and let her decide what she wants to do with it.

“Why isn’t there a maybe option?” She sips her drink and I nudge her playfully because I can see a smile on her lips.

“Maybe is basically yes.”

“It is not.”

“It definitely is. I’ve never known you to have a problem saying no.” I point out.

“And if I said yes? Does that automatically make us a thing?”

“I’m offended that you think I’m that easy. At least take me out first.” I mock.

“We can have this conversation later.” She still doesn’t answer, and she glances at me, brown eyes amused. “Are you pouting?”

“I don’t pout.” Even to my ears, my voice sounds a little petulant and I shake my head.

Get it together.

“Food’s ready everybody, get your asses upstairs,” Hanson yells, and everyone whoops and cheers. While we’re heading up, Keyra grabs my hand and I give a celebratory whoop like a little kid.

Hey, it’s a start.