Page 125 of A Game Of Love

Between exams, studying, practice, and games, I’m already stressed out enough as it is.

Thankfully, there aren’t too many side effects to the new meds I started taking a few months ago, but there are days I find myself tired with a stomach ache.

And while I’m a big boy and can take care of myself, Lilly is right there by my side, curled up in bed with me, watching TV or napping.

When I wanted to push through and keep going, she forced me to slow down and take care of myself.

Today is New Year's Eve, and we’re at the hockey house for the last party of the year.

I’m going to be ringing in the new year with my two best friends. One being the love of my life.

I’m happy—no, I’m more than happy. I’m in my own little heaven. And there will always be a part of me that still wants to overthink things, tell myself it’s all too good to be true, and something bad is just around the corner. When that happens I call up Gracie, and she talks me down.

Then I see Lilly’s beautiful face and everything’s right again.

“You know, you're not all that bad.” I look over to see Bianca leaning against the wall next to me.

We’ve been here for a few hours now. I, being the D.D. as always—because I can’t drink with my meds—have been keeping an eye on my lightweight girlfriend. Honestly, I don’t mind. I love seeing her let loose and enjoy herself. And I like being the one to make sure she’s safe and cared for.

Bishop is somewhere around here with the hockey team. Part of me wants to join them, but I’d rather have Lilly where I can see her.

Some things will never change. Like my possessiveness of Lilly. The nightmares might be gone now that I have her in my arms every night to keep them at bay, but that doesn’t mean I don’t find myself thinking of what that monster said.

There are sick people in the world who love to hurt good people for no reason. I won’t let Lilly be one of them. I’d rather fucking die.

“Ah, thanks.” I huff out a laugh. “I think.”

She grins, raising a cup up to her lips and taking a drink. “You’ve done good, Munro. I’m proud of you.”

I’m not sure why her opinion means so much, but it does. Maybe because she’s my best friend's little sister, maybe it’s because she’s my girl's best friend. But I care about her and what she thinks about me.

“Thanks.” I look out to where Lilly is dancing with Jonas. They’re both drunk, doing some really weird dance moves. But they’re laughing and enjoying themselves.

It’s strange to think that the two of them have dated. Clearly, they were meant to be best friends. Part of me was jealous for a while, but then I saw Jonas with Bee and knew I had nothing to worry about.

Ryan, on the other hand, I still don’t like the fucker.

Sure, he’s moved on and seems to have something going on with his buddy Clay and a girl. I mean, there’s been no confirmation, but I’m not blind. I see things. I like to people-watch. That means I know a lot of things others don’t. Like the fact Bee’s drink doesn’t have alcohol in it.

“Not drinking tonight?”

Her eyes snap up to mine. “I am.”

I raise a brow, lip twitching in a smile. “You sure about that.”

She narrows her eyes. “Why are you asking so many questions?”

“I’m not.” I shrug.

“Well, I am drinking,” she mutters, looking back out at Lilly and Jonas.

Snatching the drink from her hand, I take a sip. “Hey!” She goes to snatch it, but I down the rest.

“Yum. I love ginger ale.” I chuckle.

“Okay, I take that back. I hate you.”

“How far along are you?”

---