Page 112 of Wrong Pucking Player

Don’t go stressing over little shit, Cyrus…

Taking a few breaths tames the potential dizzy spell heading my way. Ever since accepting this role, the spells have gotten more persistent. It’s not like something so simple can’t be treated, especially by an actual doctor, yet I don’t want to acknowledge it and have it medically placed on my record.

There goes the privilege of driving or even the chance to get on the ice again.

I rather keep it on the down low for as long as I can.

I could have a talk with my dad and see what strings he can pull.

Deep down, I just don’t want to lose the privilege of driving. It would be totally unattractive and even more burdensome having to rely on someone else to drive you literally everywhere.

In other places where I’ve lived, it wasn’t bad.New York was a dream location because I could walk everywhere, and if I did really need an Uber or taxi, there was always one at every block.

Strattonville barely has enough roads, and Ubers and taxis also cost triple the cost to get from point A to B.

“We’ll figure it out. If we have to accommodate Mack, we will. The trouble part would be getting her a hotel that’s near here. They haven’t built enough near the stadium yet. Guess the company didn’t think this hockey shit would be taken seriously, so there are only a few hotels within thirty-minute distance.”

“Are they seeing an uptick in bookings?” I ask.

“Uptick?” Leo laughs. “They’re sold out for the entire season.”

Shit!

“You’re lying.” He really can’t be serious.

“I wish I was, my friend,” Leo admits as the elevator arrives. We enter with the boxes, and he presses the top floor. “Literally sold out. Now, builders are investing in some land up north and east for these fancy neighborhoods and shit for the rich. I think they got a heads-up to anticipate a spike in tourism in Strattonville in general and the need to invest in this small town, so now the real estate market is going wild up there. They’re going to make it into a whole gated community. I’m pretty positive Owen’s family already purchased a bunch of shit there.”

Owens. Damien and Mitchell’s family.

“They’re loaded,” I admit.

“They’re rich as fuck. I bet they’re over the moon to see both their sons on the new initiative teams. Vipers are getting a lot of attention already, though.”

“Really?”

Winchester will be pissed off by that news.

“Oh, yeah. Maddox and Damien are eye-catchers for the team. Don’t forget their performance. Not to mention, Ace. He may look like he’s just the average player, but that man is a secret daredevil on the ice. His grandparents are older now, but his grandpa was the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs long ago and his grandma is a multi-figure skating champion.”

“How do you know that?”

The elevator comes to a slow stop.

“Cathy told me. She’s been their private nurse for years. It’s actually one of the reasons why she went into nursing. That and to help people who are dear to her.”

“Cathy…” I’m trying to figure out who that is.

“Oh, right,” Leo nervously chuckles. “Caren with a C.”

“Oh. Her.” She’s the last person I would think has a caring bone in her. “Sorry, but she looks like a bitch.”

“She’s not a bitch,” Leo growls defensively, and I’m surprised by his reaction.

“My bad, dude.” I walk out of the elevator before he can. “Didn’t know you had a crush on her.”

“I-I don’t have a crush on her!” Leo hisses. “She wouldn’t date me, anyway. I know everyone in this damn town forgets I’m young.”

“Aren’t you in your thirties?” I question as I lower the boxes next to Xandra’s door.

---