Free Between a Jock and a Hard Place by Mona Ingram Page A

seeing him at the hospital. What was he doing there? Is it something I can tell Randy about?”
    Claire paused. “I’d rather you didn’t. It’s something he’s been doing for a while now...visiting the childrens’ ward without a lot of fanfare. The people who work in the hospital know about it and they haven’t alerted the media, as the saying goes.”
    “I wish you hadn’t told me.”
    “Don’t ruin it for him, Zoey.”
    “It would be great for his image though.”
    Claire could almost hear her friend thinking.
    “Speaking of image. He has a bit of a reputation for being a ladies’ man.”
    “Cam told me about that.” She went on confidently. “But until I see signs to the contrary, I’m going to assume he’s on the up and up.”
    “I guess that’s fair. When do you see him again?”
    “Not sure, but it can’t be soon enough.”
    “That bad, huh?”
    “That good.” A wave of longing swept through her; she was glad she was sitting down. “I’ve never known anyone like him, Zoey.”
    “Stop! You’re making me all teary-eyed. Gotta run. Talk to you later.”
    * * *
    The Canucks lost both games in San Jose. It was a tired and dejected group of athletes that boarded the aircraft late Friday night for the flight home.
    Jack took his usual seat across from Lars Nielsen and closed his eyes but he couldn’t sleep. Not even the thought of Claire could lift him out of the fog of misery that threatened to engulf him. It was the same after every loss, but to get this far in the playoffs and lose the first two games wasn’t a good sign.
    Lars leaned across the aisle. “Hey, Jack. That blogger is at it again. You should read this one, man.”
    “No thanks.” But the forward’s words stayed with him and he eventually dug out his laptop and called up the blog.
    He read it twice, anger oozing from every pore of his body. He may be in the middle of one of the most important playoffs of his life, but he had to respond to this idiot. He would find the time somehow, of that he was sure.
    * * *
    Claire grabbed the phone, noting that caller ID was blocked. Please let it be Jack. “Hello?”
    “Hi.” He let out a sigh. “How are you, Claire?”
    He didn’t sound like himself. “I’m fine. Are you all right, Jack? You sound different.”
    “Just tired. And a bit disappointed.” He paused. “I’m not going to be able to see you for the next few days. We really have to focus.”
    “I understand. I wish there was something I could do.”
    “There is.” His voice dropped. “Just tell me you’ll be there when it’s all over.”
    “I’ll be here,” she said.
    “Good.” There was a moment’s silence. “Goodbye, Claire.”
    * * *
    Claire watched the game on Sunday night with Cam. Their father had somehow scored tickets to the game in the hope that Cam would go with him, but Cam wasn’t feeling up to the crowds and the noise.
    “I’ve got a bad feeling about this one.” Cam rose after the end of the second period, looking for something to eat. “Down 3-1. They’re not playing badly, it’s just that nothing’s going their way.”
    The Canucks lost and Claire waited to hear from Jack, but he didn’t call. Maybe it was just as well; she didn’t know what she could have said to make him feel better.
    The phone remained silent on Monday. Claire tried to work but it was difficult when every thought led her back to the man who had so quickly become the most important person in her life. Suddenly dating a hockey player didn’t seem so glamorous. She jumped at the chance to watch tomorrow night’s game with Zoey and Tony at the sports bar. At least she had something to look forward to.
    * * *
    The bar was more crowded than it had ever been. The air was thick with tension as Claire edged her way toward Tony and Zoey’s usual table.
    “Do you know how hard it was, saving this stool for you?” Zoey kicked it out from under the table. “Sit down and hang on to it for all you’re worth.”
    Claire