Page 57 of Our Hearts to Break

“I’m not the team captain anymore,” I whisper, tipping my head at Parker.

After I gave my notice to the team and withdrew from college, our coach named Parker team captain. He deserves it. For the past four years, he’s carried the weight around the house. Without Parker, the place would be a disaster. The guys also respect him.

“You too, Rousseau,” Parkers says as if it’s an order. “It’s your last supper.”

“It’s not like you guys will never see me again,” I point out, inching toward the house with Nate at my side.

“We’ll see you on our TVs,” Parker beams proudly. He slaps my back. “You’re going to crush it on the ice. Don’t worry about us. We’ll bring home another Frozen Four title without you.”

I laugh. “Cocky motherfucker.”

“You know it.” He shoves a hand through his black curly hair and smirks. “Coach said you can sit on the bench with us tonight for your big farewell.”

“We’re gonna miss you, bro,” Carter says with a lopsided grin. “Won’t be the same playing without you the rest of the season.”

“Ah, you guys will do fine. Just trust yourselves. Listen to Parker. He knows what he’s talking about.”

Parker winks and heads into the house.

Monroe offers his hand for me to shake. “Good luck, Rousseau. I’d say we’ll miss you, but I’m sure we’ll watch all of your games.”

“You guys can come to the home games,” I tell him. “I’ll send tickets to Nate.”

“Oh, sweet,” Monroe says, pumping his fist in the air.

As we step inside the house, Waters tugs on my shirt. I turn to face him, and he surprises me by giving me what could pass as a hug. His giant arm slides across my neck and taps my shoulder.

“Sorry for always giving you shit. You’re a good dude, though. Great player. And not a bad housemate…” His eyes flick to Nate. “When you’re not, ya know… making fucking noise.”

Nate glares at him and mutters, “I’m not in the mood, big guy.”

“Calm down,” Waters shoots back at him. “I was just fucking around.”

“Yeah, and we had a deal,” Nate reminds him. “And don’t forget it.”

Once I’m settled in with my new team and feel comfortable, I will tell the world and shout about our love at the top of my lungs.

I want the future Nate promised me.

The marriage proposal.

The engagement ring.

The wedding.

I want all of it withhim.

Our housemates gather around the massive dining room table. Three giant lasagna pans, several baskets of garlic bread, and salad are spaced out among the place settings. We always load up on carbs before a game. This way, we have enough glycogen stored up for those quick bursts of energy on the ice.

Parker sits at the head of the table, a bottle of water raised in his hand. “To Rousseau, may he one day be an NHL legend like his father.” He dips his head and smiles. “We will miss you, brother.”

“To Rousseau,” the room chants.

Nate’s eyes find mine as we drink. He forces a grin, hiding the pain in his eyes. Already, he looks so lost, and I’m still here.

Fuck.

* * *

---