Page 100 of Unraveling Rain
“I let you!” Cody calls out.
I scoff, already grabbing another puck. I hit it. Hard. Then another. And another. Cody stops a few, but most rip past him into the net.
My body starts to ache, muscles burning from the work I haven’t done in a while.
But it’s the kind of pain I crave.
I missed this.
And I can’t wait for more.
Back in the locker room and fresh out of the shower, I check my phone. A smile spreads across my face—a text from Rain is waiting.
Rain: Hey, Hotshot! How did the meeting go? I hope you had a good first practice. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow. *kiss emoji*
“Oh, Xander is grinning,” Matt says in a mocking tone, and a chorus of “Ooohs” and catcalls echoes around the room.
I shake my head at their nonsense and very demurely show them the middle finger.
Matt throws his head back in laughter while I turn back to my phone and reply.
Xander: The meeting went great. I’m hopeful I’ll be signing a contract extension before the season starts!
Xander: I can’t wait to have you in my arms again. Love you. *cherry emoji*
Rain: So proud of you! *eye heart emoji* *clap emoji*
“We’re heading to the bar for a beer and maybe some darts. You in?” Cody asks, slinging his backpack over one shoulder.
I glance at Matt, who’s already nodding.
“Yeah, cool. See you guys there.”
Cody nods, and he and the rest of the guys file out.
I finish getting dressed, and just as I’m tying my sneakers, I hear Matt let out a dramatic “Yes!”
“What? I ask with a frown. “I usually go out with the team.”
“Well, yeah. But I thought you were going to FaceTime your girl,” he says with mock-swoony eyes. “The first stages of love are always so lovey-dovey.”
I laugh at the silly faces he’s making. “I’m surprised you remember. Haven’t you been in love for, like, two hundred years?”
He punches my arm. “Asshole.”
We’re both still chuckling as we head out of the locker room.
We get to the bar in no time. The guys are already at our usual tables—beer buckets and a tower of wings front and center. I wave the server down and ask for water and a side of loaded nachos.
“Not drinking?” Matt asks, already holding a beer.
“Nah, I’m not drinking until we lift that Cup,” I say, and he smiles.
My water and food arrive, and I polish off the nachos in a flash. Practice always makes me hungry.
“So, what are you doing this weekend?” Matt asks. “Wanna come over? We can play video games, grill some burgers.”
Nico and Blake grab some chairs and catch the tail end.
