Page 60 of Unlovable Player

“It’s Saturday,” he says. “And there’s no hockey. What else are we gonna do?”

I smile.

“What?”

“Nothing, I like it.”

He raises one eyebrow like he doesn’t believe me. Fuck, I wish I could kiss him right now. He looks so good, so… at home in this setting. In his puffy jacket and college hockey sweats, sipping a root beer and joking around with his uncles. Playing with his little nieces and nephews. One of which is messing around with a hockey stick, smacking soccer balls against the trees at the bottom of the garden.

People have stopped ringing the doorbell and just come around the side of the house to join us. I’m introduced to some of the neighbors, who seem to be here mostly for the free food.

I’m distracted, watching Lisa and a few other women sing one of the songs from Austin’s playlist –you’re so vainby Carly Simon. And when I turn around, Austin’s hugging one of those girls who are so naturally beautiful, they couldn’t hide it even if they tried.

My stomach drops and I know without anyone telling me that this is Alyssa.

AUSTIN

When Ma asked if I’d mind her inviting Alyssa to the BBQ, what was I supposed to say? No, because I don’t wanna make Seb jealous? You can be friends with your ex. And Seb doesn’t seem like the jealous kind.

But when she shows up, I feel shitty, like I’m doing something wrong.

She comes over and hugs me. She’s turned up alone and I can’t just leave her.

“Want a root beer or something? Ma will probably let you have a real beer if you want one.”

“Root beer’s fine, thanks.”

Fuck.She’s being all polite, like she’s nervous. Like this is a first date and we haven’t known each other since we were kids. Like we haven’t shared shit with each other we haven’t shared with anyone else.

“I should say hi to Lisa.”

“You can’t miss her, she’s the loud one over there.”

I avoid Ma while I grab Alyssa a root beer. I don’t want to see the knowing smile on her face at me and Alyssa talking again.

My uncle Pete has Seb cornered and is chewing his ear off about cars. Asking about the specs of Seb’s Beemer parked out front like he’s ever driven a BMW in his life. He stops talking when he sees me and slaps me on the back. “Here’s our future NHLer here. Was that Alyssa I saw you talking to?”

“Yeah.”

“You two back together then? She’s a nice girl.”

“Yeah she is.” I glance guiltily at Seb, but he’s drinking his root beer and looking away.

“But we’re just friends.”

Seb’s blank expression doesn’t change.

“Just don’t marry one of those gold diggers when you’re playing pro, you’d be better off with a girl from round here, someone who liked you before you were a superstar.”

My aunt Sherry comes and pulls him away and Seb still isn’t looking at me. I don’t know what to say.

“Weren’t you getting Alyssa a drink?”

He gestures to the unopened bottle of root beer in my hand.

“Seb-”

His face softens. “It’s okay.”

---