Page 68 of Stick Play

He laughs and takes a sip of his coffee. “Oh, only about two hundred times.”

As they eat, and knowing I’m not really needed here, I finish jotting down the groceries I need, take the last sip of my coffee and check the time. “Okay, I should shower and get going.” I kiss Zoe on the head. “You have fun and be good. Call me if you need anything, okay?”

He holds up his phone. “I got your number.”

As I head back to my room, my mind goes back to last night’s conversation with Ash. I don’t really think he had a bunny calling him, even though I do know the rumors about girls flocking to the hotels of the visiting team when they’re in town for a game. I’m not sure why I even thought that about Ash. He’s been with me every moment when he’s here.

Ah, but he’s not here now, is he?

I shut down that inner voice that likes to challenge me and remind me of my past mistakes.

In my bedroom, I grab some clean clothes and I’m about to head to the shower when I catch sight of my laptop. My heart beats a bit faster as I look at it. Should I? Ugh. I don’t normally go on social media. Today however, with curiosity getting the better of me, I pick it up, and carry it to my bed.

The sound of cartoons in the other room blasts through the house. With no one paying any attention to what I’m doing, I peel my laptop open, and tap on a couple of social media apps. I do a search of Ash’s name and the second I see pictures of Zoe in his arms, ones I didn’t see last night on Brighton’s phone, an uneasy knot tightens in my stomach.

I scroll, going down a rabbit hole that can only fill with dirt and suffocate me, yet here I am doing it anyway. My heart beats faster at the clear images of my face, and I don’t know what to think at the captions calling me Ash Wheeler’s new mystery woman. In other posts, my name is right there, for all to see. Someone did their homework, and fast.

I swallow, unable to help it but I feel like my privacy has been violated. God. It was just last year when Maeve had a stalker. It was horrifying for her. Not that I think I’m going to have a stalker from all this. But still…

I come across old posts from a woman named Liza, and instantly know it’s Ash’s old girlfriend. My God, she’s gorgeous and younger than me. Old lady mother things. What the hell is Ash doing, tied down single mom, when he can be with a woman like her? Although she was horrible to him, I have no doubt there are many more gorgeous young things who’d give a kidney to be with Boston Bucks star defenseman. My stomach churns as I read the vile things she’s said about Ash. My feed refreshes and a new post from Liza pops up. Wow, she’s all over this. I guess she must think it’s going to bring more attention to her. Playing the victim is one surefire way to get people on your side.

I lean in and when I see that she’s sending a warning out to the mystery lady—me—anger floods my veins. Hating all the negativity, I slam my laptop shut, and work to erase all I’ve read from my brain. Not that I think that’s possible.

Darting to the bathroom, I quickly shower and dress, needing to get outside. Maybe the fresh air will help clear the rest of the vileness from my thoughts. Once I’m ready, I head to the living room, and check in with Zoe and Grant again before leaving.

As they laugh their butts off at the silly cartoon, I make my way downstairs to the café to make sure I’m not needed. After chatting with the staff and seeing that everything is under control, I leave the kitchen. The bell over the door jingles and I glance out to see a man hurry out, and the strangest feeling grips my stomach.

I make my way to the front door, step outside and look up and down the street, but he’s nowhere to be found. How could he have disappeared so fast?

As I stand on the cold sidewalk, noticing all the cars going by, I suddenly have the feeling that I’m being watched. Sure, my name was just posted all over social media and maybe the news outlets are looking to get dirt on Ash Wheeler’s mystery woman.

Why then do I get the feeling that this has nothing to do with any of that?

22

Ash

It’s game day, and after our morning skate, most of us are hanging out and relaxing. We all have our own routines and superstitions. I always eat the same food, and either read or play games with the guys and I always give Dad a call before we play. Right now, it’s nearing noon, and I’m in Roman’s room playing video games. Roman and I don’t hang out much outside of hockey, although I like him, but when we’re on the road, gaming is a good distraction and keeps my mind sharp and ready for game time.

“Dude, where’s your mind? I just slayed the fuck out of you.”

“Yeah.” I toss the controller onto the coffee table. So much for a distraction. I’ve been uneasy since those pictures came out and Coach said he liked the idea of Gina and me. I mean, I’m happy about that, but I don’t want to be parading her all around town because it helps the team’s image.

He leans forward on the sofa, his gaze latched on me. “Is this about that chick you were photographed with?”

“Don’t call her that.”

He laughs. “I should say, that mom you were photographed with.”

I jump up, and rake my hands through my hair. “You’ve got something against moms?”

“No man. I have one. I’m just not about to date one.” He eyes me. “Dude, you got it bad.”

I shrug, not about to deny it. “Someday it will happen to you.”

“Nah, I’m not about to settle down anytime soon. I’ve got lots of living to do.”

“Just be careful not to get in shit with Coach, while you’re doing all your living.” I do air quotes around that last word.

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