Page 24 of Power Forward

“That’s true,” I agree, then point to their costumes. They’re dressed up as Fred and Wilma Flintstone. “Original. I like it.”

I pour myself a beer and lean back against the counter to take everything in. There’s a lot of people here. All the players and their significant others are here, along with some of the front office staff. Some of the furniture has been pushed to the sides of the room to create a makeshift dance floor, and I almost choke on my beer when I spot Zach’s boyfriend, Carter, dancing with Elliot. Carter’s dressed in a tight white dress that leaves nothing to the imagination, a pair of white Air Jordans, and a Princess Leia wig. Zach stands to the side in a Han Solo costume, watching his boyfriend dance to a remix of ABBA’s “Gimme Gimme Gimme” with a loved-up smile on his face.

“Dude! You came as Bandit!” Elliot hoots after he’s finished dancing, tapping his cup against mine. “I fucking loveBluey.”

“Thank you!” I say, casting a glare at Peyton. “I’m glad someone appreciates my effort.”

“Dude. You’re accepting praise from the guy who came dressed up as his crush,” Peyton quips, pointing to Elliot, who responds by flipping him the bird.

I take in Elliot’s navy tactical pants and matching navy T-shirt, then notice the Chicago Fire Department Engine 3 emblem on his chest and grin. “Got yourself a T-shirt, huh? How long did it take you to ask for that?”

Elliot’s crush on the lieutenant started last year during the annual Chicago Thunder family fun day when the local fire department was invited to bring along an engine and ladder. It was more for the kids, but Elliot, being the lovable guy he is, got really excited over the fire trucks. But his anxiety can often prevent him from putting himself out there, and while we tease him like we would a little brother, I always make sure he knows our teasing is playful because sometimes he struggles to differentiate.

“Fuck you both very much,” Elliot huffs. He throws back the remnants of his beer before mumbling, “I got it the other day.”

Peyton and I struggle to hold back our laughter as Elliot walks off in Blaine and Alex’s direction.

“I fucking love that guy,” Peyton proclaims, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Time passes by as I chat with some of the Thunder’s front office staff, talking about how the kids are doing at school and how they’re enjoying Chicago. I play a game of beer pong with some of the guys and manage to beat Blaine twice, then retreat to a corner of the kitchen to catch up with Jacob and Ethan.

“Who knew retirement for a hockey player would be like normal people’s retirement?” Jacob jokes, smoothing a handup Ethan’s chest. My old teammate is due to have surgery on his knee in a few weeks. “I had to look up whether I needed to install a handrail in the bathroom.”

Ethan grabs Jacob’s hand and presses a kiss to his palm. “You make it sound like I’m having a double hip replacement or something.”

My mind instantly goes to Hayden and what he told me the other day. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if he ends up needing a knee or hip replacement, given his diagnosis. I ended up going down a rabbit hole when I got home from my game that day, reading up about the symptoms and restrictions it causes as it progresses into later stages. It made me feel something I didn’t think I’d ever feel for him again. A need to protect him. Then, I ended up getting pissed off with myself for feeling that way.

It’s fucking exhausting being confused.

“Jesus fuck. Don’t put that into the universe. Please.” I snort.

“Ha! Dude! Did you and Jackson plan to come in a couple’s costume or something?”

I turn at the sound of Peyton’s voice, and my breath hitches.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

Hayden stands in the archway to the kitchen, a bottle of champagne in one hand and what I assume is a bottle of whiskey in the other.

And wouldn’t you know, he’s wearing a Chilli costume.

Chilli, who’s Bluey’s mom. Bandit’s wife. They are acouple.

Peyton’s head snaps my way, amusement dancing in his blue eyes. “This is hilarious. Did you plan this?”

I shake my head, stunned speechless.

Hayden watches me cautiously. There’s a tense line in his broad shoulders. His eyes focus on mine behind his black frames, a silent question flashing through them:Are you going to freak out?

And that’s the thing. Maybe Ishouldfreak out because why is he here, wearing that? Does he know the significance of this? Of what it means to me? Or is this some kind of weird coincidence?

I took a photo of me and the kids earlier before I left, but I haven’t shared it anywhere, so it’s not like he could have orchestrated this intentionally.

“Hey,” he rasps when he finally pulls himself away from Peyton and Blaine and every other one of my teammates who monopolizes his time.

Jealous?

Ugh, fuck off, conscience.

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