Page 85 of O Goalie Night
The fact that I’m not there with her is a grave injustice.
“Hey. How was your evening?”
“It was good. I corrected spelling tests. Gold stars all around.”
“Nice.”
“Are you ready for tomorrow?”
Chicago’s a tough team, but we’re evenly matched. As of right now, we’re set to head into Christmas break as the top team in the Atlantic division and that feels amazing.
“I think so, yeah. We’re meeting to discuss strategy in the morning.”
She nods as her mouth turns downwards. “How is Ben?”
I blow out a breath, not sure how to answer that question. How is Ben? I hadn’t seen him since the Christmas party, but he texted me the day after to tell me he and Valentina broke up. I offered to meet up, but he said he wanted to be alone.
Then I asked if he wanted to talk about it on the plane today. He immediately said “no,” pulled out his headphones and ignored me for the rest of the trip.
“I’m not really sure,” I tell her, honestly. “He’s moody as hell and not saying much. I’m sure he’ll talk when he’s ready. Ben loves talking about himself.”
The worry on her face eases a microscopic amount. “He does. Speaking of brothers and talking…”
I walked right into that one. I did end up responding to Cody’s initial message last week. I thanked him for reaching out and told him I’d let him know when I’m ready to meet up.
He texted back right away and said he understood and to take all the time I needed.
Part of me wishes that he’d be an asshole about it or try to guilt me into seeing him. I’ve held on to this hurt and resentment for so long, I want a reason to cling to it.
“I was thinking I’d message him next week. Try to meet up for coffee after you leave to go home?”
As much as I hate the idea of Beth leaving for two weeks, I know how excited she is to spend time with her family. She’s been talking about their annual cookie baking and outdoor Christmas lights tour; family traditions I hope to be a part of, someday.
“Well, I for one think reconnecting with your family over Christmas sounds lovely. Besides, if you’re hanging with your brother, you won’t have time to attract puck bunnies.”
I let out a bark of laughter as she pretends to glare at me through the screen. “Baby, there were no puck bunnies before you and there sure as hell won’t be any after. You’re the only puck bunny I want.”
Her mouth drops open and there’s fire in those whiskey eyes. “Foster James, I am not a puck bunny!”
I give her a lazy smile. “You sure about that? What are you wearing?”
The pink in her cheeks is visible through the phone. “A jersey.”
“Mmmhmm. You’re wearing a hockey jersey in a hockey player’s bed. Sounds like a puck bunny’s natural habitat to me.”
“You’re the worst.”
“Aww, I’m not complaining. My jersey looks so good on you.”
“Who says it’s yours? Maybe I picked up Austin’s.”
I know she’s kidding, but I scowl anyway. “Don’t even joke about that. I’d burn it. And the bedsheets.”
She beams at me, clearly pleased to have gotten the upper hand. She can have it and anything else she wants.
“It’s your jersey.”
“Damn right it is. Show me? Not that I don’t trust you, I’ll just sleep better knowing for sure. It might be hard for me to see my name with you wearing it, so just slip it off real quick.”
