Page 104 of Playmaker

I shook my head. “Not me. Ducky likes to have someone. He’s a social guy, so if you want to get out and see the city and meet people, he’d make sure you have the opportunity.”

Fitch—I didn’t know the history of his nickname—frowned at the floor. “I’m not sure about a roommate who’s ten years younger than I am.”

“That’s your call. You won’t find anyone easier to get along with though.”

“I’ll think about it. You sure he wants a roomie?”

“I’ll double check with him, but pretty sure. He’s in a nice building, pool and gym, not far from the arena.”

Fitch raised his brows. “Are you suggesting this so I can keep an eye on him, or so he can keep an eye on me?”

“The former, if anything. He’s a good kid, but he’s a little too trusting.”

Daniel looked over to where Ducky was laughing at something Crash had said. “Women?”

“He hooks up, but so far no women problems.”

“Give him time.”

And there came Callie back into my thoughts. Maybe Fitch and I should start a club. JJ would be a founding member too.

At lunch, where I checked that Ducky would be happy to have another roommate, and saw him talking with Fitch, JJ pulled me aside.

“Got a minute?”

“Sure.” If JJ needed to talk, I was available.

We sat at an empty table in a corner of the room.

He stared at me, and then nodded before speaking. “You okay? Something seems off.”

I’d done my best to cover up, but JJ was a quiet guy who watched people. He knew me well, and if anyone other than Hunts was to know if I was in trouble, it was JJ. “I’m dealing with something. I’ll try not to let it affect my play.”

“Fuck. That’s not what I’m asking about. You helped me after I came here, and if you need anything, ask. I know you want to be our fearless captain for the rest of the team, but you’re human.”

I sighed. He was right. I should give him some idea of what my problem was, in case it did bleed out on the ice. And if I was going to tell anyone on the team, it was JJ. “It’s Callie.”

“Thought maybe that was it. You’re not just friends.”

“We were. Then we were friends with benefits, and then, after the wedding, she said we were done because she was getting feelings.”

JJ frowned. “Why’s that a problem? You obviously have some pretty strong feelings for her too.”

“You’d think that would solve the problem, wouldn’t you?”

A soft smile crossed his face. “So, she doesn’t want to get serious about a hockey player?”

“She doesn’t want to get serious about anyone.”

“Ever?”

“I won’t tell her story, since that’s private. I’ll just say that she’s only had one person stick with her, and she’s not willing to risk trusting someone else.”

“Who’s that person?”

“Her roommate. He’s gay, so it’s not romantic. More like siblings, which neither of them have. They only have each other.”

“How does he feel about you?”

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