Page 4 of I Blame the Alcohol

“Stella, right? I’m Hayden.” I force my lips to stay in their upright position and shake his outstretched hand. His grip is rough, like he’s trying to make up for the treadmill showdown he lost minutes earlier.

Too bad his cardio isn’t as strong as his handshake.

“Nice to meet you, Hayden.” I release his grip and try for the door again, hoping he will take the hint. A step to the right extinguishes all hope.

“I was wondering if maybe I could take you out for coffee sometime? I noticed your boyfriend isn’t around anymore, so I figured you might finally be available…” He trails off and gives me a grin that I think is supposed to be charming. I stare at him for a couple beats, willing myself to feel the slightest bit intrigued.

Nope, I got nothing.

“That’s very kind of you, but I’m afraid I’m really busy right now.” I switch my gym bag to my other shoulder and nod towards the door.

“Busy with what?”

Doing anything but going for coffee with you.I bite back the words just in time and impatiently look at my watch. “Studying for exams. Speaking of which, I’m late for a study session with my roommate, so if you’ll excuse me.”

Without giving Hayden a chance to respond, I use my shoulder to push past him. If someone wants to block your path, break through them. That’s my brother’s motto, anyways. It always worked for him on the lacrosse field and as it turns out, it works well on romantic interests as well.

“Maybe after your exams?” The question hits my back, but I keep walking, pretending not to hear. Rude, I know, but thanks to the extended workout I’m hungrier than usual and Hayden is the fifth guy in the last two weeks who has approached me at the gym. It’s like now that Cody is gone, it’s open season for every other gym go-er.

The whole thing is ridiculous because Cody and I have never been a thing. Sure, we workout at the same time and bicker continuously, but we have never given any indication that we are dating.

God forbid Taber Tigers’ lacrosse captain show any romantic interest in his mentor’s younger sister.

I take my time walking back to my dorm because there is no way my roommate is awake yet, never mind ready to start our study session. Lou isn’t necessarily a night owl, but she’s certainly not a morning person like me. And with our first semester classes wrapping up as we head into exams, Lou will be wanting to get as much sleep as possible. She is the world’s biggest procrastinator, so it’s safe to say exam season isn’t her favourite time of year.

Thankfully, the first-year dormitories are closest to the university, so I only have to brave the December cold for a lung-freezing three-minute walk. I take a deep breath as I reach the side door, bracing myself for the bitter wind before pushing it open.

Frozen crystals glitter on every surface in sight, Taber’s manicured lawns hidden by a deep layer of snow. I quicken my pace as the air nips through my leggings, not taking a second to admire the row of pine trees lining either side of the courtyard or the crunch of fresh snow under my shoes.

I feel like an Olympic speed walker by the time I swipe my access card to my residence building, and I breathe a sigh of relief when warm air hits my face. Tugging out the elastic band holding my hair in place, my mind drifts back to the absent lacrosse captain.

I know for a fact Cody got cleared to resume training last week because Lou passed on the information from her admittedly gorgeous boyfriend, Wes, who is a rookie on the team this year.

So, the question becomes has Cody gone back to training and just forgone our pre-injury routine or has something else happened that I don’t know about?

My heart and stomach clench simultaneously and I tell myself it’s from the thought of Cody re-injuring himself.

Cody

“It’s not looking good, Cody.”

The face looking at me through the screen of my computer is drawn, the tone grave. My heart sinks, already knowing what’s about to come.

“By the time Hank and I finish our last excursion, the first plane we can hop on will be in the New Year. And by then, we will only have three days together before your classes start for next semester.” My mom’s voice grows heavy as she wills me to understand.

Most of my traits come from my mother, but my people pleasing nature is probably the most prevalent of them all. Neither of us like disappointing the other, so I have no doubt this change of plan is hurting her just as much as it’s hurting me.

“It doesn’t make sense for you to hurry back just so we can have a few days together. Enjoy your stay in Hawaii, and I will send you pictures of my place all decked out for Christmas.” I push a big smile to the surface so she can ease off the guilt.

“Are you sure? I feel so terrible… if I’d known Hank had booked the surprise getaway for over the holidays, I would have postponed. But the tickets are non-refundable so…” My mom’s blonde hair, so similar to mine, shakes back and forth on the screen.

“Mom. It’s fine. The doctor said I can start lifting again Wednesday, so I’ll be back training so much that I won’t even notice you’re gone.”

God, recovery has been a bitch. Just last week I was able to start running again, but the way I had to stop and suck down oxygen every five minutes made me feel like the worst varsity athlete ever, never mind a varsity captain.

“Well, if you’re sure. I miss you.”

“Miss you too.” A genuine smile fills my face as we end the call. The next few weeks might get a little lonely, but at least my mother is finally getting to see Hawaii. It’s been a lifelong dream of hers, but as a single mother she had to sacrifice frivolous things like international trips, so I am glad she’s met someone like Hank who can give her those experiences she missed out on.

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