Chapter 471

Enzo

The flight had felt endless. Between fitful attempts at sleep and staring absently out the window, my mind raced in endless circles. What would I say to Tim? How would he react? Would he even believe me over his trusted team doctor, Mila, who he had known for years?

By the time the plane landed, my mouth felt bone dry.

“We have arrived at our destination,” the pilot announced through the intercom. “Thank you for flying with us, and enjoy your stay.”

I hurried through the terminal, the sound of my pounding heart drowning out the ambient noise. With my carry-on clutched in my hand, I didn’t even bother to check into the hotel first; I simply called a cab straight to Tim’s office, not wanting to waste any time.

I needed to get this over with.

Before I knew it, I found myself outside Tim’s office. I hesitated for just a moment longer, steeling myself, and then turned the handle.

“Tim.”

“Enzo!” Tim jumped up from behind his large oak desk, a look of surprise flashing across his rugged features. He crossed the room in three long strides, checking his watch. “What on earth are you doing here?”

Despite everything, a genuine smile tugged at my lips as I returned Tim’s strong handshake. Over the past months I had come to respect Tim so much, not just as a boss, but as a man. I hated the idea of letting him down, especially when I knew how much the team needed me.

Which only made what I had to say so much harder.

Tim gestured to the chair across from his desk as he reclaimed his own seat. Concern furrowed his brow and he studied me intently, hands folded.

“So, tell me, what brings you here?” he asked, then paused, his eyes scanning my face. “God, Enzo, it everything alright? You look pale.”

I drew in a deep breath. No more hiding.

“Tim, I’m sorry I didn’t let you know ahead of time, but I had no choice,” I said. “I needed to talk to you. In person.”

Tim furrowed his brow slightly. “What about?”

In as calm a voice as I could manage, I recounted the full story. How Mila had given me a drink at the bar that seemed to be laced with something. How, when I had stopped drinking and left, she then showed up at my hotel the next morning, claiming that Tim had given her instructions to give me a ride to the airport.

How I had accepted, but then she had tried to kiss me. My adamant rejection that had sent her reeling backwards, hitting her head and causing it to bleed.

Then, there was the dark fury twisting her features as she grabbed my wrist with a shocking force and threatened to end my career—and my marriage with Nina—if I told a soul.

By the time I finished telling my story, Tim’s face had gone pale. He stared at me wordlessly as a hurricane of emotions swirled behind his eyes. Disbelief, anger, profound sadness. When he finally spoke, his voice came out hoarse.

“I…. I can’t believe it,” he said, leaning back in his chair with a pained expression on his face. “I’ve known Mila for five years. She’s never caused any issues.”

I shrugged. “This is my story,” I said quietly. “You can take it or leave it, but I swear, it’s all true.”

Tim was silent again for a long time. He lowered his gaze, staring down at the oak on his desk now. I knew where this was going; he didn’t trust me. And why should he? He had only known me for a brief time compared to Mila, and my reputation before I had married Nina had been that of a playboy.

Maybe he knew about that, somehow. Maybe he figured that I had slept with Mila and was regretting it now, and that I had decided to slander her in order to save my own skin.

Finally, Tim let out a long sigh. “You know I’ll have to look into this,” he said. “I can’t just take your story at face value, Enzo. And without proof…”

I studied my hands, unable to meet his pained gaze. This was just as bad as I had imagined.

“I know,” I finally said. “And I don’t blame you for not believing me.”

“Look at me, Enzo.”

I forced myself to comply. Tim’s eyes bored intensely into mine. “I want to believe you. And if this is truly what happened, I’m so very sorry.”

Profound relief washed over me at his words. He wasn’t being unreasonable, at least. That was all I had really hoped for.

Tim massaged his temples, staring vacantly at the paperwork on his desk. “Thank you for sharing your story,” he said quietly. “I’ll… I’ll investigate the matter and get back to you as soon as I can.”

But I shook my head. I stood, picking my bag up off of the floor. My decision had already been made; I had told my story, and I was done here.

If anything, this entire experience had just taught me that for now, my place was at home in Mountainview, with my pregnant wife. The broad strides in my career could wait until a better time.

“There’s no need. I’m afraid this is goodbye, Tim,” I said stiffly. “I can’t continue to work in an environment with someone like Mila, and besides, my wife is pregnant. I belong with her, not a plane ride away.”

Tim simply nodded, profound sorrow etched across his features. It was clear that he didn’t want me to go, but neither of us had much of a choice. He stood, extending his hand to me.

“I’m sorry to see you go, Enzo,” he said. “You could have been a great asset to this team.”

I blinked against the sudden sting in my eyes and shook his hand. “Thank you, Tim. For everything.”

And with that, I turned and walked away from the future of my career; for now, at least.

My watch read barely past noon by the time I made it back to the hotel. The day already felt endless, and now I was stuck here in this city, just yearning for home. I needed a stiff drink and some time to process before returning home to Nina tomorrow.

The hotel bar sat nearly empty save a few other early afternoon patrons perched on vinyl stools.

Perfect.

I settled onto the barstool furthest from the entrance and ordered a double bourbon, neat. The bartender placed the glass down without a word. I swirled the caramel liquid around in the glass, then downed it in two gulps.

As the alcohol sent warmth spreading down my chest, my jumbled thoughts slowly began to untangle. I knew I had done the right thing coming clean about Mila—I felt reasonably certain of that.

Bridges had burned today, painful as it was. But from the ashes, Nina and I could start building again. We would be okay. And maybe this would be for the best. I could remain in Mountainview, with my wife, my child, and my pack. It was where we belonged.

Something else could come along as far as my career went; maybe I could apply to be the official hockey coach for the university. I think I’d like that.

I lifted a finger toward the bartender, signaling a second round. But then, just as the bartender approached, a delicate hand suddenly grasped my shoulder.

“Well, well... fancy meeting you here, Enzo.”

Every muscle in my body went rigid. Icy fear trickled down my spine at the familiar lilting voice. Slowly, I turned, and that was when I saw her.

Mila.