Page 9 of Mr. Charming

Everyone laughs. The guy didn’t have a clue what he was doing, so I wasn’t surprised that he didn’t work out. I really tried to help him so that I wasn’t in the situation I’m about to be in, but the guy wouldn’t listen. I mean, I dated Tedi for years, and she handled my social media the entire time. I have an idea of what sells tickets, but Gill thought he knew best.

“Since there’s no one else waiting in the wings, and the season is already underway, and we’re one of the favorites to win the Cup, they’re sending in the boss. This Tedi Douglas is going to use us as an example to show others what’s possible, so get ready to put those hockey smiles on display, boys.” He walks back into his office without another word.

All of my asshole best friends turn their attention to me. Right now, I wish I’d never told them about her. Since they’re all living happily with their wives or soon-to-be wives, they think Tedi’s the one who got away. I don’t know, maybe she is, but our time to try to figure it out ended years ago. We’ve moved on from one another. Not to mention, who wants to feel that fucking pain all over again when we fuck up our chance another time? Not me, that’s for sure.

“Fuck off and go play Monopoly.” I stalk toward the bathroom, throwing the dig that after you’re with someone for a long time, you end up playing boring board games because the bedroom turns into a barren wasteland, cold. Not that my bed with Tedi was ever cold.

I go to the urinal to take a piss, but really, I just want to be away from everyone. It’s bad enough that these three know. I don’t need the entire team talking about my situation with Tedi.

“Shit, man.” Conor speaks first. He probably knows the most about my past with her.

“Do you mind? I’m taking a piss.” I don’t bother looking over my shoulder.

None of them step forward, but they don’t leave either.

“Are you okay?” Henry asks.

I flush the urinal, tuck myself in my underwear and pants, and go over to the sink to wash my hands. “I’m fine.”

“But—” Rowan starts, and I cut him off with a hand in the air.

“Listen, I appreciate this whole ‘bros got my back’ thing between us. And I was happy to talk you assholes off the ledge when it came to the women you love, but Tedi and I have been over for a long time. I’m sure she’s moved on, as have I.”

They all share a look.

“The last thing I want right now is to have this gossip fill the locker room. I don’t need everyone looking at me the entire time she’s working here. So, just keep it to yourselves, and if I need your input or advice, I’ll seek you out.”

I walk by them, and they part, allowing me through, whispering to one another behind me.

I circle back around. “We’re here to play fucking hockey. It’s not a therapy session.”

God knows I had enough of those when I was younger to know that these three are not qualified to deal with my bullshit.

“Speaking of therapy, that brings up a good point…” Rowan lifts his finger, and I want to break it.

They all start laughing, and the tension leaves my body for a second.

“Cool, so we’re ignoring the problem.” Henry pats my shoulder as he passes me. “Good to know.”

“Sweet, this was putting a downer on my whole wedding news anyway.” Conor hits my chest a few times, following Henry.

Rowan doesn’t move. He gives me that look as if saying, “Come on, man, you can’t keep bottling this shit up.”

But he’s wrong. I can. So I turn around and head to the dressing room.

“If we’re gonna win the Cup, your asses should be on the ice,” I bellow.

The guys left in here scramble to get their stuff and stop talking, each of them filing out. Conor gets dressed in record time and leaves without saying another word to me.

Finally, I’m alone as I tie up my skates.

Coach Buford comes out of his office, but he doesn’t walk out the door.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“You know this Tedi Douglas?” he asks.

I glance up, wondering if he’s asking because he’s heard about our past or just general curiosity. As usual, his face gives away nothing. I could easily lie. Who Tedi is—or was—to me doesn’t matter, but if something comes out, then he’ll see me as a liar.

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