Page 57 of Play the Game

EMORY

My phone buzzeswhile I’m mid-change, and I expect it to be my parents for their positive after-game message or, as of late, their dismay over my marriage. But instead, it’s Scottie and I already know what’s coming before I read the text

Really? No warning at all?

I knew she’d be frustrated with me, but in my defense, Corbin pulled me aside seconds before the game and filled me in on what they do after the games and warned me that his wife would likely talk Scottie into going.

I didn’t have time to tell you. I was a little busy, in case you didn’t notice.

I pull my shirt on and shake out my damp hair. Corbin throws me a nod and tells me he’ll see me there. This isn’t the norm for after a game, but since Coach Jacobs gave us the day off tomorrow and we have a one-day break, this is apparently athing. The team is pretty focused on hockey—we all live and breathe the sport, just like with any other pro hockey player I’ve known. It’s our livelihood. But even veteran hockey players havesaid there has to be a balance in the world of work and play. I’m not sure I really believe that, but it's apparent that my new wife was persuaded by Corbin’s wife, so off I go to play another fucking game.

How could I not notice? Your ego took up the entire arena.

I silently laugh at Scottie’s insult. Even through the phone, she has a bite to her tone.

And you screaming my name did the same.

Of course I saw her cheering from her box seat. The entire arena did because she was on the jumbo screen more times than I was. I smirk at my text, and something hot moves against my skin. I watch her little bubble pop up, like she’s typing. When a message doesn’t come through, I take the initiative to drive her mad even further.

Nothing to say back to that? I wonder where your mind went when you read that text.

I highly doubt she had the same dirty thought I did, but I can’t help myself. I am already picturing her scrunched-up nose.

My mind is full of other things. Like how I’m going to kill you when I see you.

I’m heading to my car when I pull open my phone to text her back.

I love it when you talk dirty to me.

I wasn’t expecting to play husband and wife in front of people so soon. I needed a warning. Or perhaps some practice.

My car starts up, and although I’m tired after the game, there’s something brewing in my stomach that is awfully close to excitement. Over the last several months, I haven’t felt the itch of a thrill except for when Scottie entered my life, which is worrying.

How hard can it be? Just treat me like your last boyfriend. Act like you’re in love with me.

Though you probably don’t have to act.

When Scottie texts back, my car plays it over the speaker:

That would be a great idea, except I’ve never had a boyfriend! And I’m most definitely not in love with you.

I slam on the brakes, and the seatbelt almost chokes me. “What? Never had a boyfriend?”

My car repeats what I said aloud, and I panic. I reach forward and try to hit “don’t send,” but a second later, I hear:“Message sent.”

I grip the steering wheel tightly. Not only is Scottie unprepared, but now, so am I.

“There he is, folks.”Applause breaks out when I walk into the club downtown that I’ve never even heard of. I send the guys a glare. I’m not one to want attention, and I’m really not one to brag to my team. I only brag to Scottie because I know it irritates her.

“A beer for our number one goalie?” Matthew comes over and presses a full cup of ale into my chest. I grip it and begin to search through the strobing lights for Scottie.

This is mostly exclusive to the couples on the team, and in order to keep up the charade of my freshly new marriage, it’s something that Scottie and I needed to attend. I’m used to hanging with my teammates from the Coyotes, but that got me in trouble, which in turn has led me to this moment right here.

A few sips of beer and a lengthy conversation about the game later, I finally ask the question I’ve wanted the answer to since stepping foot in the club.

“So, where exactly is my wife?”

That word is becoming a staple in my vocabulary.

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