Page 58 of Not A Chance

It made me realize that I wished I’d spent more time with my teammates socially while I’d had the chance. They were good guys, and I’d missed out on making some real friends here. The only thing I still had waiting for me in Vancouver was a storage unit full of furniture from my condo.

The major difference was the thought that crossed my mind after a particularly impressive save.

Would Indie be impressed by that? Did she see it?

No, dumbass! It takes a lot more than some athleticism to impress Indie Layne.

I kind of loved that about her. Hockey was the last reason why she’d be with me.

Getting back to the hotel was a letdown from the anticipation I’d felt earlier in the evening. I’d realized I could rid myself of this dejected feeling and get to work on Indie’s bucket list at the same time. With the time difference, I had to wait for her to finish up the stats and everything else she did post-game in her role.

Grabbing my phone from the bedside table, I opened the new group chat Emery had added my brothers to. It was aptly named “Get Your Shit Together Theo & Stop Acting Like an Ass.”

My siblings and I weren’t known for our subtlety with each other.

Theo

Hey. I’m up in Vancouver and thinking of you guys. Wish I could stop in for a visit but we’re flying back to Toronto in the early morning.

Chase

Well, well. This is new. I’m wondering what brought on this sudden need to check in on three fully grown adults.

Geez. They were good at holding a grudge. I was tempted to video call them, but none of them would have picked up. My chest burned with regret that they were still upset with me.

Liam

What’s happening? I just woke up.

Theo

It’s 11:30 PM

Liam

Your point? It’s called a nap, bruh.

Shaking my head even though he couldn’t see me, my lips formed a smile. I had no idea if he was being serious, but the details would get even more crazy if I continued down this road with him, and I wanted to catch Indie before she went to sleep.

Theo

Got it. I’m sorry I didn’t reach out more when we all lived in the same time zone all these years. I didn’t realize what I had taken for granted until now.

Emery

What’s happening? I just woke up.

Liam

Bruh…

Chase

Ooo baby sis has jokes.

I choked out a laugh. That was new.

Emery

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