CHAPTER 16

Jarrett

This was our first home game and of course the league had scheduled it like this. It was Brent’s team, his ex’s new team with my girl on the bench.

The jumbotron flashes: "WELCOME BACK COACH HELENA BROOKS."

Then the camera pans to Brent in his stupid tailored suit with Vanessa behind him and a clipboard in hand and a smile that was too sharp.

The reporters in the tunnel were already calling it “The Divorce Game, between the two teams.”

Like their marriage was some kind of PR stunt.

Helena was on our bench in the in her jacket with her hair packed into a tight bun with no makeup on and her jaw set like she was about to go to war.

She looked tired, despite that she still looked perfect and at the same time, she looked like she hadn't had a good sleep in about 3 days.

Because she hadn’t and I was the reason, mostly because of Vanessa. I could tell something besides the jeopardy and the jealousy was going on, something Helena wouldn't want to talk to me about.

I skated a warm-up lap and the crowd booed at Brent’s team before they started to chant my name.

I didn't want to look at Helena, because if I did, I’ll lose my head.

It was already the second period and we were down to the second period already with 1-0. I made my way to the bench, took out some water and poured half of the content mouth then gagged for a few minutes.

I swallowed before emptying the rest of the bottle into my mouth, then I heard it.

“Coach Brooks missed three practices this week. Therapy appointments, apparently.”

Vanessa who was leaning against Brent’s bench, talking just loud enough for the ESPN mic to catch it.

“Accidentally.” she said with a dirty smirk on her face.

Within 30 seconds the reporters were already swarming the glass behind our bench, holding up their cameras in Helena’s face.

“Is it true, Coach?”

“Are you okay?”

“Is this about the divorce?” they asked all at once but Helena didn't flinch. She just bowed her head and continued writing on her board but I could see her knuckles go white.

Vanessa caught my eyes and smile on her face grew. I immediately shift my gaze from her. I had to focus, the game wasn't over yet.

************

Brent’s defenseman #44 took a run at our rookie in the third. His elbow up and gave a headshot.

Ref missed it, making my blood go hot, because Helena was the one who recruited that kid. Because she texted me at 2am about his skating drills, and I knew we had to let him in.

I dropped my gloves before my brain could catch up.

#44 grins. “Heard your girl's in therapy, Jarett. No wonder you’re so...”

I didn't wait to hear the rest before I landed the first punch on his jaw and the second on his ribs. I could already feel his blood on my knuckles.

Whistlings filled the arena, players were already taking their helmets off and bodies were piling on one another.

I had gotten the five minute penalty box. So I say there, breathing hard, and looking through the glass.

Helena was just standing, looking at me. I had expected her to cry or yell at me in frustration but she didn't.

I smirked and wiped blood off my lip, then mouthed the words: "I did that for you."

She shook her head but the corner of her mouth twitched.

Gods, how I've missed that.

After the punishment, we got back to game and won 3-2. I didn’t play the last 10 minutes but it was worth it.

We all retired to the locker room at the end of the final round. The locker room was loud with music, beer and reporters trying to gather news.

Amidst it all, I could hear Brent’s voice near the coaches’ offices.

“You look tired, babe. Still boring?” he said.

I quickly change out to jeans and a wet t-shirt before I even think and sprinted out.

He had Helana cornered by the exit. The manner in which he was so close to her got me riled up.

His hand was on the doorframe like he owned the space. While Vanessa was standing behind them, filming with her phone. Of course she is.

Helena’s face was stone. “Get out of my way, Brent.”

“You used to let me...”

I grab the back of his suit jacket and yanked him back before he could finish.

He stumbled back. “Whoa, Jarett. Just talking to my ex-wife.”

“You don’t get to talk to her.” I growled at him.

Brent laughs. “Or what? You gonna fight me too? You’re already bleeding, man.”

I stepped in, raising my fist up before a security guard quickly stepped between us.

Helena didn't say anything. She just looked at me, then at Brent before walking past the both of us.

My facial expression was all the warning I could give to Brent before I quickly went after Helena.

She was already getting into the car by the time I got to her. She had gotten into the driver's seat so I quietly settled into the passenger's seat.

There was an awkward silence in the car before she said, "Tell me, Jarrett. Why did you actually leave?"

I stared out the window. I thought we were already over this.

"And what made you come back? Because you thought I was awakening." She answered the question herself.

I let out a huge sigh and turned slowly to look at her. My eyes caught her burning wrist. Her knuckles grew whiter as she grabbed the steering wheel tighter.

I couldn't let her drive at this state, she was in no condition to drive us.

"We've already talked about this, Helena." I said and waited for her to say something else but she didn't.

She started the car, causing my heart to begin pounding faster.