“Noah, hey. How are you?”
“Good. How are you?”
She takes a deep breath. “Worried. I was calling to tell you that my daughter has apparently lost her mind. I tried to reach you earlier, but got your voicemail. Meredith is in Raleigh. She texted me this morning, saying she needed to get away, and that she was flying down there. She’s been miserable since she’s been home, Noah. Absolutely miserable. I don’t know why she’s there or if she’ll reach out to you, but I wanted to tell you in case you wanted to get in contact with her. Just in case she needs help, at least.”
“I actually caught the same flight home that she was on. I came to visit Ashley.”
“Oh, of course. I need to call to congratulate her on that beautiful baby.” She briefly pauses. “So, you talked to her? How is she? Is she staying with you? Did she say more about why she was there? I’m worried about her, Noah.”
“Me too. She only told me the same thing she told you. She wouldn’t give me many details when we talked. She’s at a hotel right now. I offered her the spare bedroom here, but she wouldn’t stay. I let her borrow my car, though. I’m going to try to talk her into having dinner with me.”
“Good. She hasn’t texted me since she left for the airport. Did you get her number? She changed it once her engagement was called off.”
“No, I didn’t. Hold on a sec.”
She waits as I pull up my contacts and then she gives me Mere’s new number.
“Keep an eye on her, Noah, please. I don’t know what’s happened because she won’t talk about it. She used to tell me everything. Anyway, I’m hoping she went to Raleigh to see you. Maybe she’ll let you in since she’s shutting everyone else out.”
I won’t tell her that she’s shut me out so far. “I’ll try, Hope. I’ll do my best.”
She’s quiet for a moment. “You still love her, don’t you?”
“Yeah.” I love the girl I knew, at least. I loved her so powerfully that I’ve been hoping she’d be mine again one day. However, I’m not sure if that girl is still there or if I’ll fall in love with the ways she’s changed since the last time I was with her.
“Good, because I think she needs someone to love her, truly love her, not like that ass she was engaged to. Between you and me, I never did like him, but that’s beside the point. Call Meredith and have dinner with her.”
“I will,” I promise.
Not that it does any good. She doesn’t answer when I call. Knowing she hates voicemails, I decide not to leave one, but to text her the reason I’m calling.
Me: Just wanted to ask you to dinner. Please say you will.
When she doesn’t respond right away, I grab my duffel bag from where I dropped it by the door when I left to run after Meredith. I unpack and start a load of laundry. I have a few days until training camp starts, but I’ll be hitting the rink for some unofficial ice time. I’m so ready for the start of the season, which is looking promising.
The Carolina Rebels last won the Cup thirteen years ago. Last year was the first since then that the team made the playoffs. The timing couldn’t have been any better. It seemed like the Rebels were losing fans by the handful, only the extremely faithful and loyal sticking around. There would be numerous empty seats every game. Sometimes, when the crowd was large, it was because we were playing a popular team. Those games would bring out more of our fans, but also a lot of the opposing team’s fans.
Us not only making the playoffs, but fighting hard in the first round and going seven games, has to pay off with attendance this season. If not, oh well. That’s not really my concern, but having our own fans support us would be nice. It’s only my second season with the Rebels, and I’m definitely looking forward to it. I wasn’t so sure I’d truly be happy here when I learned of my trade. It’s worked out well so far, though.
Hockey aside, I definitely wouldn’t mind finishing out my career here. I love North Carolina, humidity and all. The weather is great. Hot in the summer and cold in the winter, although the cold is different here than back home in Pittsburgh. My first year as a Rebel has been great in many ways, so if we can become a contending team again, that would be even better, would definitely make me want to stay here even more.
I’ve finished all my laundry, including putting it away, when my phone dings with a text.
Meredith: Sorry, I took a nap and then I had to call my mom. I’m starved. Dinner better be good.
Me: It will be because I’m cooking. Do you want me to come get you or do you want to drive back here?
Meredith: I’ll drive. Give me enough time to shower first.
I get started on our spaghetti dinner. I’m kind of surprised she’s accepting my offer, and I wonder if her talking to her mom had anything to do with it. Either way, I don’t care. She’s coming and that’s enough to make me happy. One big “what if” keeps circulating in my mind as I cook.
What if she does want me back?
We obviously can’t pick up where we left off, but could we salvage what we had to start another relationship? Do I want that?
Who am I kidding? That’s a stupid question.
This is Meredith Quick we’re talking about.