Page 116 of A Major Puck Up

I frown. “The what?”

“Oh goodie. You don’t.” She claps, making Vivi grin and wave her hands, trying to mimic her. “I didn’t know about it either until a few months ago, but let me tell you, it works.” Teeth pressed into her bottom lip, she fights a grin. “Although you should encourage Gavin to sanitize his desk at the arena when we get back. It’s seen things.” The face she makes is half cringe, half starry-eyed smile, if that’s possible.

“You’ve lost me.”

“The first time Brooks saw me in his jersey, he fucking lost it. You should have heard the feral tone he used on me. I wish I had a recording of it. That sucker would come in useful on the nights when—” She shakes her head. “Actually, there’s never really a night when he doesn’t give me the D, so I guess I don’t truly need a recording.”

A surprised “oh” slips out of my mouth, and my cheeks heat.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?” She grimaces. “I’m totally making you uncomfortable. Sorry. Sometimes I go off on tangents and forget that not everyone is as insane and open as I am.”

“I’m beginning to see that.” I smile. “But it’s good. Now tell me about this jersey thing.”

THIRTY-NINE

GAVIN

Beckett: War isn’t playing tonight?

Me: He’s got the flu.

Brooks: Everyone has the fucking flu.

Aiden: Not me. My immune system is steel. It’s the vitamins. And the orange soda.

Brooks: You should donate your body to science when you die.

Beckett: I’ve never seen anyone eat more candy, and I once lived in a house with seven children.

Aiden: Thank you.

Beckett: that wasn’t a compliment.

Aiden: And yet I have eight-pack abs and get to enjoy candy.

Brooks: Like I said, medical miracle.

Beckett: Anyone else not playing?

Me: Better not be.

I pocket my phone and turn my focus back to Fitz and Turner. They’re going over the lineup now that our biggest instigator is out for the night.

“Bring Camden up?” Fitz suggests.

I want to say no. I’m still pissed at him for the incident with Millie. But that’s unreasonable. “Yes. But have Pastanowitz ready to jump in if necessary.”

Turner nods. “I’ll let the guys know.” He heads in the direction of the locker room.

I rub a hand over my head, too tired for a game day.

Fitz studies me. “You feeling okay?”

No. I feel like complete crap. My stomach is a mess because I’ve barely slept, and Vivi’s teething is only partially to blame. Sebastian followed our little run-in up with an email that night. It’s what I was reading when Millie walked in and I snapped at her. Again.

His veiled threats made it clear he has suspicions surrounding Vivi, and I’ll die before I let him take her, regardless of DNA.

Fuck, I’m in so far over my goddamn head I can’t see straight.

---