Page 123 of A Major Puck Up

Vivi had zero interest in napping, so once the grocery order is placed, we head out for a walk. As I enter the hallway, a flash of pink appears next door.

“Psst, c’mere!” Lennox is peeking out into the hall, her eyes darting left and right comically.

I can’t help but laugh at her theatrics. “It’s just us.”

“Come in!” She steps back, leaving the door open, clearly assuming I’ll obey. And because I’ve got no real plan and a heck of a lot on my mind, I do.

In hot-pink spandex, Lennox crouches in front of the stroller and smiles at Vivi. “How are things with Hockey Daddy?” she asks, pulling herself up again.

I roll my eyes even as my heart sinks. “The same.”

She eyes me, and my cheeks burn under her perusal. “Nope. Something happened.”

I snort. “Nothing happened. Promise.”

My pink-haired friend shakes her head. “Nope. You saw him naked.” She taps her finger to her cheek. “Water was involved.”

My mouth falls open. “How do you do that?”

With a squeal of laughter, she claps. “It’s my superpower.” She snags an oversized water bottle off the counter and starts toward the door. “Come on. We’re going to the gym, and you’re going to tell me why, even after seeing Hockey Daddy’s cock again, you’re all frowny faced.”

“I’m frowny faced because I haven’t slept in like forty-eight hours.”

“A workout will do you good, then,” she says without even the slightest bit of remorse.

I follow her because I’m too tired to argue.

As we approach the gym, she steps to the side and juts her chin at the door. “You go in first and make sure the coast is clear.”

I laugh. “Sara really is awesome. I don’t think you have to continue hiding from her.”

She purses her lips and hits me with a glare. “Go.”

Smirking, I slip into the empty gym. “All clear,” I sing, not at all surprised that the facility is empty. It’s the guys’ first day home in ten days. They’re probably taking it easy.

She stalks in, eyes narrowed and peering over her shoulder. While she sets her water down and tightens her ponytail, I lay a blanket out on a mat, lift Vivi out of her stroller, and settle the both of us on the floor. Immediately, Vivi reaches for her toes and pulls them to her mouth. I grasp her hands and gently pry them off, then hand her a teething toy. “Don’t eat your toes, bestie. I got you.”

“You’re so good with her,” Lennox says, clipping her shoes into the stationary bike.

I shrug and look down at Vivi, who’s gurgling and cooing at her toy now. “She makes it easy.”

Lennox shakes her head. “No, babe. She’s a baby. Even if she’s the cutest one I’ve ever seen, I’d be losing my mind. You haven’t slept in two days, and her father has been an ass to you, yet you’re so chill and serene when you’re with her. You’re everything she needs.”

My throat closes up, and I have to blink to stave off tears threatening to spill over.

Everything she needs. Just me.

The idea—that I could ever be enough for someone—slices through me.

The door to the gym swings open, startling me. I wipe at my face, even though I haven’t shed a tear, and turn at the sound.

“Hey, Baby Hall,” War hollers, stepping into the room. His eyes are bright and his smile is wide. Apparently, he’s over the flu. Hopefully that means Gavin will be feeling better soon too. “Yo, Sar,” he calls over his shoulder. “Your new bestie is here!”

Lennox squeaks and wiggles one foot, then the other, trying to dislodge herself from the bike. Frantic, she gets one free, then practically falls off the bike in one very un-fluid motion. “Shit, shit, shit,” she mutters as she rushes past me and darts into the storage closet.

Sara appears then, scanning the space. “I swear I saw someone wearing bright pink on a bike when we passed the window a second ago.” She shakes her head. “Am I losing it?”

Shrugging, I scoop Vivi off the floor. I’m a terrible liar, so looking away as I do is my best bet. “Just Vivi and me here right now.” Not exactly a lie.

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