Love on Ice

Chapter 55 - James

Heading to my office, I've never felt more nervous about a practice.

I haven't spoke to Liv since Sunday morning, Megs text me telling me she was okay and just needed time.

Time.

What does that even mean?

I cancelled Tuesday's practice; I guess I needed some time as well.

It's two days before Christmas, but there's no time to rest yet, I need to make sure the boys are ready for the Boxing Day game.

I step through into my office and immediately eye the gift bag on my desk.

What the hell?

I walk around my desk and bring it forward. I grab the tag first.

James,

don't open this until xmas day,

I mean it!

Love Liv xx

I sit back in my chair, rubbing my hand through my hair.

She must have dropped it off before the game.

I take it off the desk and place it underneath, leaving it for another moment.

I'm so glad I get to see her today; I just want to see she's okay.

It's killing me not being able to talk to her, be with her, hold her.

I miss her.

I lean forward onto my elbows, hands holding my head.

How the hell did I let this happen?

I've never been such a mess.

A knock at the door has me looking up quickly.

"Come in."

Tommy opens the door, "hey coach, got a minute?".

I smile, glad to see Tommy again and nod, I lean back in my chair while he takes the seat opposite.

"How you doing?" I ask.

"Getting better every day, getting bored though, just wanna be back already," he replies.

I nod, knowing how he feels, "all in good time."

Tommy nods, staring at me I know what's going through his mind.

"Don't," I mutter, looking back down at my desk.

"She'll come around, I'm sorry coach."

I shrug, knowing with Liv, I have no idea what's going on in her mind.

"I don't know, you hanging around for practice?" I ask.

Tommy nods, "yep, got nothin better to do, she coming?".

I shrug again, because honestly, I don't know.

We both stand, making our way down to the changing rooms.

When I enter Liv's not here yet, and I'm glad for that, I'm nervous of how she's going to act around me.

Before I even finish that thought, laughter catches me off guard, the door opens behind us, and Liv and Connor walk through, Connor smiling and Liv mid belly-laugh.

As soon as her eyes land on mine, her face goes blunt, and her laugh stops.

"I'm serious Liv, it was embarrassing," Connor finishes as they make their way inside the changing rooms.