A Gilmore's Return

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Cracks Beneath the Surface

The hotel lobby buzzed with the noise of players, families, and staff milling about. It was a clash of voices and laughter, the aftermath of the day's grueling games. Avery walked in with Quinn, both exhausted but pretending they weren't. Quinn was recounting Beau's chaotic plays from the game, grinning as he spoke.

"You saw that dive, right?" Quinn laughed. "I swear, one day he's gonna break something and act like it's no big deal."

Avery nodded absently, his mind somewhere else entirely. He couldn't shake the lingering weight of Marcus' hits or the venom behind his presence on the ice.

As they approached the elevator, Avery's steps faltered. He spotted Marcus leaning casually against the far wall of the lobby, arms crossed and helmet bag slung over one shoulder. His eyes narrowed the moment they locked with Avery's, a smirk curling his lips.

Quinn followed Avery's gaze and immediately tensed. He knew who Marcus was and, more importantly, what his presence meant for Avery. "You want me to stay?" he asked quietly.

Avery shook his head, jaw tightening. "No. I've got it."

Quinn hesitated but relented, stepping toward the elevator. "I'll wait upstairs," he said before leaving Avery to face Marcus alone.

Marcus pushed off the wall, his smirk turning into something colder as Avery approached.

"Well, well," Marcus drawled, his tone sharp and mocking. "Look who's feeling brave tonight."

"What do you want, Marcus?" Avery asked, keeping his voice steady despite the knot tightening in his stomach.

Marcus stepped closer, his expression hardening. "What I've always wanted-for you to face the consequences of what you did."

Avery clenched his fists, his voice low. "I'm not doing this here."

"Why not?" Marcus's voice dropped, a dangerous edge creeping into it. "You can play the golden boy all you want, but we both know the truth. You ruin everything you touch."

Avery flinched, his composure cracking for a fraction of a second.

"Don't think I've forgotten," Marcus continued, his tone venomous. "You're good at pretending, I'll give you that. But pretending won't save you when everything falls apart-again."

Avery's jaw tightened, his nails digging into his palms. "Stay out of my way, Marcus."

Marcus smirked, stepping back but not before delivering one final blow. "Oh, I'll stay out of your way. But don't think for a second this is over. I'm just getting started."

Avery didn't respond. He turned sharply and headed toward the elevators, his chest heavy and his mind reeling.

When Avery reached their hotel room, he found Quinn sprawled on his bed, scrolling through his phone. The second the door clicked shut, Quinn sat up, watching Avery closely.

"You alright?" Quinn asked, his voice cautious but steady.

Avery didn't answer right away. He dropped his bag onto the floor and sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the carpet.

"Avery," Quinn pressed gently, "you don't have to tell me everything, but if you need to-"

"I don't," Avery cut in, his tone sharper than he intended. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just... I'm fine."

Quinn didn't look convinced, but he leaned back, giving Avery space. "Okay. But if you change your mind, I'm here."

Avery didn't reply. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped tightly. His chest felt like it was caving in, the weight of Marcus' words suffocating. You ruin everything you touch.

He wanted to scream, to punch something, to let it all out-but he didn't. He couldn't. Vulnerability wasn't an option, not now, not ever.

Instead, he shut down, his face going blank as he forced the storm inside him to quiet.

Quinn watched him silently, concern etched into his features. He wanted to say something, anything, but he knew better. Avery would talk when he was ready. Until then, Quinn would stay close, ready to step in if his friend needed him.

For now, the room was filled with heavy silence, and Avery was grateful for it.