Page 144 of Treacherous
Coach West drawls on, his disappointment evident. Something churns inside me when he doesn't hold us back as long as usual when we lose. If there is one thing I hate in life, it is the silent treatment. It clouds your mind with doubt, forcing you to hate yourself. I’ve experienced it too many times to count, and I’m still unable to ignore the emptiness that consumes my body.
Fuck. I take a deep breath, realising how hypocritical I sound. I’ve given Jayden the silent treatment too many times to count. Locking the shower door, turn on the showers and scrub myself until I’m raw and red.
I sigh. The Hockey House isn’t appealing to me, especially after I cost the team a loss. Plus, living with guys for nearly the past three months is becoming overwhelming. I’m craving some girl time.
Switching off the shower, I change into my jumpsuit. I pull out my phone, opening my contacts to find Jaz’s number.
Me:
Hey, any chance you are up for a girls’ night? I need a break from everything.
I leave the showers, which are once again empty. It’s so strange, whenever I leave, no one is left.
I push the thought to the back of my mind, heading straight for my car. As I leave the arena, Cooper catches me.
“You okay, Willow?”
I’m not, but I don’t want any of my teammates knowing that. I force a smile onto my lips. “All good. I’m heading to Jaz’s for the night. We haven’t hung out for a while, so I need a girls’ night.”
It’s not a complete lie. More like a half-truth.
Cooper nods, believing my words. “If you’re sure. I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
“Of course,”
Cooper leaves me, heading back to Sam’s car on the other side of the parking lot. I unlock my car and pull my phone out as I sit in the driver’s seat. Seeing Jaz has responded, I click on her name.
Jazmine Allen:
Of course! How does salted caramel ice cream and face masks sound?
A smile returns to my face. It’s no wonder Jaz is becoming a psychologist, she knows exactly what someone needs.
Me:
Sounds perfect. Leaving the rink now, I’ll see you soon.
***
Laughter fills Jazmine’s lounge room, my ribs aching, and happy tears slide down my cheeks. Fuck, I’ve missed this. When I decided to transfer to Lakewood, I thought all my nights would be like this–quality time with my best friend.
Instead, I’ve been swamped by classes, assessments, and every commitment that is associated with hockey. It leaves me with barely any time to have a social life that doesn’t involve alcohol and a party.
“Okay, spill the tea. What were those messages about? I’d prefer as little details as possible if it does involve my brother.”
I stiffen, sitting up straight. The last thing I need to tell Jaz is that her brother is an expert at eating pussy. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. That was completely hypothetical.”
Jaz laughs. “I think we both know that’s not true, but if you aren’t ready to talk yet, I won’t force you.”
I smile. “Thanks. For now, it’s just me and my vibrators.”
It’s at this moment, Theo walks in the door. My eyes flick to Jaz. We only look at each other for a few seconds before bursting into laughter again.
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” Theo says, his shoulders shuddering, b-lining straight for his and Jaz’s room.
Eventually, our giggles fade but my smile is tattooed onto my face. Jaz has always been by my side, even when we lived states away from each other.
“Okay, how is living with my brother going?”
