Page 42 of A Game Of Love

“Everything okay?” I ask him over my shoulder.

He says nothing as he gets dressed.

“You can’t stay mad at me forever,” I sigh.

This morning, when we ran into one another, he didn’t tell me to get fucked the moment he saw me, but he didn’t talk to me.

Didn’t stop me from trying to act like nothing has happened. I might feel bad about how everything went down, but being with Lilly isn’t wrong. I won’t feel bad about my feelings for her or my relationship with her. Best friend or not.

He’s acting like I stole his girlfriend, and he damn well knows that’s not true.

I hate it. I miss my best friend. I just hope it doesn’t take him long to get over all of this. I understand his mind works differently than most. I’ve known that since we were kids.

You would think someone who grew up in a polyamorous home would be more open to Lilly wanting more than one partner. But then again, this is Toby. He’s an overbearing, overprotective, jealous man when it comes to her. I’m not surprised by how he’s handling this at all.

Scratch that, I am. I thought he would have taken it way worse, so I do have to give it to him for not flying off the handle like we all thought he would.

Coming out of the locker room and onto the rink, my eyes immediately search for Lilly. She grins at me, waving from her spot in the bleachers, sitting next to my sister.

I grin and wave back before the coach blows the whistle, gaining all of our attention.

“Listen up!” he shouts. “I got an announcement. Some good and bad news.”

That has my ears perking up.

“Good news is, after a lot of talking with the committee, I’m happy to say... we are back on the roster for Friday.”

The team starts cheering; a few shoutfuck yesas laughter and happiness fill the air around us.

“What's the bad news coach?” Jonas asks.

Jax lets out a heavy sigh, turning his attention to Toby. “They agreed, only if you were to sit out for the next three games.”

Toby’s eyes grow dark, jaw tight. He’s got his gloves on, but I don’t doubt that his fists are clenched.

“I’m sorry. I tried, but they wouldn’t budge. They think you need longer punishment for acting the way you did.”

“It’s fine,” he grinds out, sounding anything but.

“That means, Walker.” Jax turns to look at Jonas. “You're filling in.”

Jonas’ head snaps over to Toby, pure panic on his face. He doesn’t want to upset Toby, but Jonas is our backup goalie, and he’s going to be taking Toby’s place next year. This is literally his job.

“It’s fine,” Toby mutters, even though the scowl on his face says it’s not.

Coach blows his whistle, letting us know it’s time to start our warm-up exercises.

Practice is brutal. And even though we’ve been keeping up with our normal practice schedule when we weren't allowed to play any games, today was a lot more intense.

Coach worked us extra hard to whip us back into shape before the weekend.

“I can’t feel my legs,” Travis whines as we strip down after practice.

“Same.” Jonas groans. “I’m not used to that.”

Ignoring them, I quickly get changed and shower before rushing out to see the one person who’s been on my mind throughout practice.

When I see Lilly waiting outside the locker room, a massive grin takes over my face.

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