“No, I was… I think I might have been nervous about the flight. Flying over all the water, you know.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“Oh.” The line moves forward and we place our order. I dance my fingers up and down her side until we reach the cashier and I have to pull out my wallet. Avery takes our tray and finds a seat. Conversation doesn’t start again until after we take our first bite. “Well? Is it as good as your memory?”
“Yes, but this time we’re not outside, and I’m not in my ugly scrubs.”
I laugh. “I’ve always liked you in those ugly scrubs, you know.”
“No,” she softly speaks, shaking her head, “I didn’t know that.”
My smile falters for half a second. “Well, of course I do. You were wearing them when I met you and if you could look beautiful in ugly scrubs, then you could pull off wearing anything.”
“You didn’t say that last night when I sent you the picture. I mean, I know I said we shouldn’t talk, but I thought you would’ve tried.”
“I wanted to, but I didn’t want to ruin your vacation by talking to you if you really didn’t want me to. I wanted you to have a good time away from everything here.”
“Jax, I know this is an oxymoron, but sometimes it’s nice when you fight for me. These past six months have been the longest of my life.” She takes a deep breath and continues, “Let’s forget all that and have a nice day, okay? What else do you have planned?”
Before I can comment, a young fan walks over to our table. His grin is from ear to ear and he happens to be wearing his Gambler’s T-shirt.
“Hi! You’re Jax Godwin. I told my dad it was really you.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, it’s me.”
“Can I have your autograph?”
“Of course.”
He hands me a marker and turns around where my number is on his back. I quickly scribble my name. He thanks me and then practically runs back to his dad with excitement over me signing his shirt. When I look at Avery, she’s not happy. Her eyes have narrowed, and a frown has dipped her lips.
“Sorry,” I mutter. She probably doesn’t like it, but that’s one of my favorite parts about my job, seeing the excitement and passion from fans, especially the kids.
“I don’t mind the kids, but it seems like every time we have a normal conversation, something happens to remind me I’m number two again.”
“You’re not. I know you have been lately and I’m sorry for that. I didn’t even realize it until you said it, which bothers me, but that’s not the point. You come first, Avery. It’s why I took today off and plan to do so a little more often.”
“Jax,” she sighs my name, “I have been married to you for almost five years. I’m a hockey wife; I know where your priorities are. It’s hard for you to take time off. I know that, but I wish there was some way for us to have a happy medium. I don’t know if there is,” she whispers, quickly wiping away a single fallen tear.
“There is. We just need to find it.”
“Let’s stop talking about it. You, Mr. Godwin, promised me a fun day, so let’s have it. We need to think about today and not the future.” Her face looks more sad than optimistic and I’m not sure why.
“Okay. If Mrs. Godwin wants a fun day, then I can’t deny her. Let’s go.”
We leave the deli and go across the city. Avery questions where we’re going, and I tell her, “I thought you might want to see your favorite musical.”
She smiles. “Thanks, Jax. I’m excited.”
Despite her words and smile, she doesn’t seem as excited about this as I thought she would be. I’m not one who particularly enjoys musicals, but Avery loves them, so I’ve sat through quite a few for her before. While she’s paying attention to the stage, I pay attention to her. I take her hand in my lap, using my right hand to trail my fingers lightly over her palm while using my left hand to glide slowly up and down her thigh. It sure has been a long time and just how long it’s been mixes w
ith how much I’ve missed and how much I simply want my wife.
Avery glances at me when my hand goes to slide up and down the inside of her thigh. She’s trying not to smile and focuses on the front of the room. To distract her further, I discreetly place her hand in middle of my lap. This time when she looks over at me, I lean in and whisper, “It’s almost over and you’ve seen it a million times. Are you ready to go home?”
When I pull away, her smile fades away a little, but she nods. The entire drive home all I can think about is Avery and what we’re about to do. I hold her hand, but keep them in her lap. Once we park in the driveway, I practically drag her into the house. I close the door behind us quickly, pulling Avery flush against my body.
“I've missed you so much,” I whisper, placing kisses along her neck. Her grip is loose on my arms. I turn us and press her against the nearest wall. With my mouth returning to hers, I begin to lift her shirt when she pushes me away.
“I cheated,” she blurts out.