CodyOur team photographer, a new girl called Erika is snapping away as we come through from the locker room. I had a nap here the guys went off after practice for lunch and back to the hotel for sleep. I couldn’t face going out and being tortured by the throngs of people whether they’re my fans who are sticking by me or the haters who are on Luna’s side. Sides. Fuck me, it’s almost pathetic how she has catapulted herself into the limelight. Some people will do anything for their five minutes of fame. Thank God I never had any intention of making our hook up anything more. This is the reason that those type of girls are not worth it.I feel adrenaline cursing through my veins as I hear the loud clapping and the music as we make our way into the tunnel. Erika asks us for a group photo by the entrance then starts typing away as she no doubt uploads it to a social media platform. “Great thanks guys, I’ll get one of you all on the ice once you’re all out there.” She smiles. I suppose she

Cody“Guys you did amazing, I’m proud of you. We’ll be flying in a week’s time to Toronto for the semi-finals.” Coach is grinning from ear to ear. My manager comes to me.“Well done, Brannigan. Good to see you didn’t allow your personal life to affect your game tonight. You did good, Son.”“Thanks.” I say as he pats me on the back. Then the guys start to chant and holler as they take their jerseys off and swing them above their heads. It’s a victorious moment that is for sure. The feeling that surges through me eradicates all the negative shit I’ve had to put up with since the baby news has come to the fore. It feels good. Fucking good.Sweat is pouring off my body and I cannot wait to get into the shower and get hosed down. My legs and my arms ache from the exertion out on the ice. It is worth it, to be heading to the semi-finals is out of this world. We are so damn close to winning the Stanley Cup. I can’t stop grinning.I know outside shit awaits me but for now, I just want to reve

Imogen I’m starting to get tired. Watching Cody on the ice was like watching a ballerina with his grace, the way he slides and cuts through, it makes my heart swell with pride. You know he has worked so hard all his life for these moments. It was kind of sad seeing him go through the tunnel, all I wanted was a last minute to see his beautiful face. His hair, when he took the helmet off was soaked and clinging to his scalp, I could see the curls at the bottom on the nape of his neck. I adore those curls. Sighing, I put my hot water bottle on the bedside, the pain in my stomach has now gone down to a low dull ache. It’s manageable. A few more days and this damn period will be over. Thankfully, I only have them for a couple of days. Unlike Autumn who really suffers, and they can last more than a week. My folks will be out with Cody’s folks for a while, they will no doubt have a few glasses of wine, the guys will have cold beers and chat around the fire pit they have outside. I’m so pl

Imogen I slept rubbish last night. It’s tearing me up that Cody is missing me as much as I miss him. Having seen Luna all over social in the early hours when I couldn’t sleep, and the interview has left me sick to the core and drained. I don’t even have the energy to get up out of bed and I have so much for the opening to do yet. Autumn, thankfully is coming down next week and I am looking forward to having my bestie by my side. I wish she didn’t live all those miles away in New York. I miss her like crazy. FaceTime and messaging aren’t the same. “Honey, are you getting up this morning or not feeling too well?” I hear my mom say from the other side of the door. I am wondering if my folks and Cody’s caught sight of Luna with the sports journo. “Sure, I’m getting up just, you know, I didn’t sleep too well, Mom.” I fling my arms over my face, which I bet is blotchy from crying on and off all night. “Should I make you some waffles?” Her voice is laced with concern. Bless her, she is s

Cody There isn’t anything I can do right now; I know I need to give her the space she deserves. It’s a helluva lot to get your head round, shit if I am struggling then she must be too. And yeah, who knows what Luna has up her sleeve next. “Do you still want me to come to the opening night. I mean, I can duck out if you prefer?” I ask her. Not wanting to leave. The sight of her fills my senses, she is my oxygen but no matter how much I tell her I love her, there is going to be no swaying her. “Do you want to come? It’s up to you.” Right, so she isn’t giving anything away. I rake my hands through my messed-up hair. I need a shave; I’m shattered from having had no sleep and I ache from the game. What I need is to get in my tub back home and let the warm water over me and the tension evaporate. “Of course I want to come. I want to be here to support you. I also know what a media circus this could turn out to be.” “I guess it will be o.t.t.” She sits down on the chair opposite me and