“Thanks for the reminder I’m out of commission,” I grumble. “I didn’t get her number.”
Everly’s eyes widen. “Oh, crap. So she really is playing hard to get. I like her already.”
“There was something there. Her ex was a dick, so she’s hesitant, but I’m patient.”
“Of course, you are. You have random girls texting you to fill the void.” She pointedly glares at my pocket where I slid my phone.
“It was just Talia and I’m not interested in seeing her again.”
“Good. She was kind of a bitch when you weren’t around.”
Which is exactly why I ended things. My team is family. I could never be with someone that didn’t get along with them.
“Are you going to Jack’s party for Meredith?”
“Yeah,” I say. “I was hoping to bring Bridget, but that’s not looking like it’s going to happen.”
“I was summoned to stop by but not touch the alcohol.” She gives another eye roll.
“Jack invited you?” Those two are at each other’s throats more often than not. Mostly because Jack is an asshole. He’s a great captain and friend, the best actually. But when Everly came to live with Tyler, we all took on some of the responsibility of looking out for her. Jack’s way of doing that was just a little more abrasive than the rest of us.
“Yeah, but probably just because he wants Grace to come and talk baseball or whatever.”
“Ah.” I nod. Grace’s dad was a pitcher for the Twins before he retired.
“I’m thinking of filling an empty bottle of vodka with water and bringing it with me just to watch his head explode.”
Knowing Jack, that’s probably the exact reaction he’d have to an underage girl getting bombed at his party.
“Let’s not poke the bear.”
The girls stay for the entire game but leave as soon as it’s over. Another loss to a team that should have been an easy win.
My house is too quiet as soon as they’re gone. I should go to bed, but I’m not really tired. It feels like all I’ve done this week is sleep and rest. Tomorrow I finally start physical therapy. I’m anxious to get to work. The sooner I can get back my full range of motion, the sooner I can get back on the ice and help my team.
8
LIKE A KNIFE TO THE CHEST
BRIDGET
As soon as I step outside of the hospital, I exhale and tip my head up to the sky. The sun is out and there’s a hint of warmth seeping through the fall morning.
I survived another week of working the night shift. Only three classes stand between me and a weekend of sleep. Thank goodness. I’m dead tired.
Distracted by my overwhelming exhaustion, I don’t see Ash until he’s right in front of me.
My steps come to a halt and my backpack slides off my shoulder. A cocky smile tips up one side of his mouth. I feel my face heat as he stares at me.
“Hey.”
“Hi,” I reply slowly. Seeing Ash Kelly out in the world, walking around like he’s a normal human, is incredibly strange. “What are you doing here?”
“I remembered you said you got off at seven.”
“You’re here to see me?” The question comes out squeaky, my voice high-pitched and full of surprise.
“Yeah, I’m sorry about our breakfast date last week.”
“It wasn’t a date,” I say quickly.
“Good. I feel less like an ass for not showing then.”
“I heard they’d taken you to imaging. I had to get to class anyway.” Was I disappointed? Maybe.
He nods thoughtfully.
“How’s the shoulder?” I motion toward the sling cradling his left arm.
“Better.” He glances down at it, then turns his gaze back to me. “Are you headed to class now?”
“Home first.”
“Time for coffee?”
“Oh…uh.” I look around. No one else seems aware that Ash is… Ash, and they’re just walking by like this incredibly hot, talented guy isn’t standing here asking me out for the second time. It’s bizarre. We’re in bizarro land.
“Trying to come up with an excuse?” He chuckles softly. “It’s just coffee.”
I have a feeling nothing with Ash is just anything, but since my brain isn’t functioning well enough to come up with an excuse, I lead him back inside. There’s a coffee shop on the first floor next to the gift store. He orders black coffee with one sugar and a splash of cream. I get mine with lots of both.