Page 26 of Just One Season
“No way,” Harley says.
“Yeah. Richard doesn’t care enough to watch me, thank fuck.But he wants to get Lucy to come back to DC FC and, according to her, take her ex back.”
The guys murmur their sympathy.
“After we saw him, Paul must have called Richard, who talked to her ex, who called her earlier this week. He told her to consider coming back to her old job and getting back together with him, even though he’s a cheating asshole.”
Indignation twists in my stomach. That’s an unfortunate string of connections between Paul and Lucy.
“She’s pissed.” Atticus ties his second gym shoe.
“Understandable,” I say.
“I was thinking about Paul hating you, Kellie.” Lachlan pulls his Blizzard-branded string bag out of his locker and drops it on the bench next to me with a clunk. The man’s always got a book with him.
“Wonderful. I also think about that.”
“I had an idea on how to convince him you don’t have a thing for his wife.”
“Christ. Don’t even say those words out loud.” I squint my eyes shut for a beat. “But please, tell me how to fix this.”
“Date someone.” Lachlan throws his arms out like it’s some big surprise idea.
I snort a laugh. “No. Have you met me?”
“Hmm.” Harley runs his hand over his chin, creating a sound like sandpaper on wood. “It’s not the worst idea.” Harley’s approaching retirement, and I can’t imagine what life will be like at the Blizzard without him. He’s only thirty-four, but most hockey players are retired by around thirty, an age in both of our rear-view mirrors. He said he’d go for another season or two and then he’ll head back to Maine to his girlfriend. Get married and pop out a few kids probably.
“I am zero percent interested in dating someone.”
“Yeah, but if you have a girlfriend, mate, it might get Savannah to actually back off you. And since she tells her husband everything—”Lachlan knows about how Savannah voluntarily showed Paul the picture of us on NHL Tea gossip site. “—it’ll certainly be a topic of conversation.”
“Where the hell would I find a girlfriend?”
“Anywhere.” Lachlan shakes his head in disgust. “Literally anywhere.”
“It’s not that easy.” I sound like a whiny child. While they all know how sensitive I am after the Sam situation from last year, I think they’re a bit sick of me swearing off women.
“You don’t have to find the love of your life.” Harley cocks his head to me. “Just someone to throw them off your trail.”
“So I just fake it?”
“I didn’t say that.” But Harley raises his eyebrows and seems to consider it.
“Fake dating. That’s perfect.” Lachlan nods his head and grins, flashing perfectly pearly white teeth. At least one of his perfect front teeth is an implant after having it knocked out on the ice two seasons ago.
“I hate to agree with Lachlan, but I kind of do here. Fake dating a woman to save your hockey career would be epic.” Atticus surveys his locker before closing it and taking a step toward the exit.
“That’s ridiculous. What woman would agree to be a fake girlfriend? And again, where would I find one?”
“Yeah, true.” Harley shrugs.
“I think it’s a good idea. Let’s take a vote.” Lachlan shoots his hand up in the air. “All in favor of Kellie finding a fake girlfriend, raise your hand.” He looks pointedly at Atticus and Harley.
Harley chuckles and raises his hand.
“Yeah, sure.” Atticus raises his as well.
“Three to one. It’s settled. Figure out how to make it happen.” Lachlan points at me, then nods to Atticus and Harley. “You two walking out?”
