Page 193 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
“Thank you. Verity has you trained well.” Beta and alpha female menstrual cycles were pretty similar. I could totally see how someone might think I was in a bad mood because it was shark week.
“That and Grif has nine sisters. Stu said you’re all signed and good to go, congrats,” he added, taking a seat and sipping his matcha latte.
“Yep. Thanks to you. I don’t think I’d have landed an agent like him without your help.” I appreciated his assistance. Never did I think I’d get an agent like that.
Dean shook his head. “It was all you. I only reminded him that good things can come in small packages.”
“For that I’m grateful.” I opened the packet and took the pain reliever for my headache. I guessed the heat pack was for cramps. Good idea. I put that in my backpack for another day.
JP came in and fist-bumped me. “Heard you did great today. Here.”
He handed me a package of chocolate buttons. My heart exploded. Celine must be in town for a few days, since her airline had these in their kids treat packs.
“Thank you.” I ripped the package open and dumped a bunch in my mouth. Sure, I was still working through the box from Kaiko, but more were always welcome.
Coach Kirov and Coach Dodd came in, Arden and Ty following. The coaches played a few clips, and we went over some things from when the Knights played the Aces in pre-season. Then we moved on to clips of the Gears, so the goalies would know what to expect. Ty watched with rapt attention–as he should since he was on EBUG duty.
“Watch number 16; he plays dirty,” Coach Kirov told us. “He’s new.”
“Their entire line plays dirty,” JP replied. Nepo baby Deloitte was number sixteen, joining his brothers 17 and 18.
Ty frowned. “Where do we know him from? It bugs me so bad.” He gave me a pleading look. “Gwen, ideas?”
I froze as Coach played another clip. My focus wasn’t on the play. It was on number 16’s feet. More specifically, the maroon skates with gray stitching–which he hadn’t been wearing in anything I’d seen so far.
Anger boiled inside me as I texted Lenny and Matty. Fuck that fucking knotwaffle with a pineapple.
Me
I want to know who Austin is. Today.
Lenny
Already know. I’ll send it over.
Matty
What do you want us to do about him?
I knew what I’d like them to do. Even if it was wrong to want it.
“Gwen, care to share what’s so important you’re texting instead of watching?” Coach Kirov snapped.
“Nothing. Sorry, Coach.” My hand shook. Lenny knew who he was? He’d probably done it back in August, and held onto it until I was ready, because that’s how he was.
In all honesty, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a lot that Lenny and Matty were doing for me that I didn’t even know about.
Me
Nothing. I just need to know, so I can get over his sorry ass.
Iwasover his sorry ass. Now I was angry. Livid if my suspicions were correct.
Yeah, it was a good thing I wasn’t on duty tomorrow. If I actually took the ice and got in the net, I’d whack him in the kneecaps with my stick and get suspended.
Coach Kirov strode over and snatched my phone from me. “You can have this back after practice. I’m disappointed in you.”
Ugh. Could today get any worse?
