Page 83 of Time to Shine

Gilbert turned to him, grinning broadly in return. He gave Landon a quick bro hug and said, “Stackhouse. Saw that game against Minnesota. Impressive stuff.”

“Thanks.”

Gilbert animatedly told them both about the progress he’d made healing his shoulder and groin. That his shoulder was mostly healed now and the other injury was lingering a bit but the medical staff felt optimistic about an early return. Landon may have been imagining it, but Casey’s smile looked a bit forced too.

“I’m not kidding myself,” Gilbert said. “I know this is probably my last season, but I want to end it on my own terms, you know? Not because of an injury.”

Now Landon felt bad for clenching his jaw while listening to Gilbert’s happy news. “You deserve that,” he said. “You’ve had an amazing career.”

“Were you even born when I was a rookie?” Gilbert joked.

“I think I was ten.”

“Gross. Well, I made it to thirty-seven as a professional goaltender. Not too bad. When I got plowed into last month, I thought that was it. I was on the ice, in pain, and thinking, ‘I guess it’s over.’ But I get another chance!”

“Hell yeah you do,” Casey said. His smile seemed more genuine now. “You’re gonna be hoisting the Cup with us this year.”

“Fucking right. Hey! Nosey, what’s up, rock star?”

Gilbert walked away to hug Clint. Casey glanced at Landon with a sympathetic smile.

“I’d like that beer now,” Landon said.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

It’s not like Casey hadn’t known.

Of course Landon wouldn’t be in Calgary much longer. Saskatoon wasn’t far, but with both of them playing for different teams with different schedules, it may as well be on another planet.

Landon would be gone soon, and Casey would be alone in his too-large house again. And in his too-large bed.

It’s probably for the best, he thought glumly as he nursed his second beer. If Landon left, Casey could get over this crush and move on with his life.

He was sitting on the sofa in Nosey’s living room, wedged between Gio and Westy. He could see Landon standing on the other side of the room, talking to Antton. He looked nervous and adorable.

Casey was going to miss him so fucking much.

“You okay, Case?” Westy asked. “You’ve been quiet for like a whole minute.”

“Yeah,” Casey said miserably. “I’m good.”

“Just staring longingly at Stackhouse for fun, then?”

“I’m not!”

Westy laughed. “Okay.”

“Fine. I am. So what?”

“Nothing. He looks nice tonight.”

“Right? That sweater.” Casey groaned. “He’s killing me.”

“Have you tried...talking to him about any of this?”

“Nope.”

Westy sighed.

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