Page 9 of Breakaway Daddies

We walk toward the locker room, and he tells me that Bruno’s still getting ready after practice.

“He’s such a prima donna about showering,” I remark as we push the locker room door open. We sit down on the wooden bench between the lockers, and he hollers to Bruno in the shower, who calls back and says he’s almost done.

“Seriously, what’s up with you and Jinx? You thinking about taking a bite of the poison apple?” Thomas prods again.

I just smile at him, leaning back against the blue lockers with an air of confidence I don’t entirely feel. “Maybe I like a challenge.”

We hear the shower shut off, and from behind the billowing steam, Bruno’s deep voice reverberates with a teasing edge. “What were you two idiots talking about before I graced you with my presence?”

Thomas, lounging on the bench with his legs fully extended across the wood, rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “Jinx.”

A pause follows, punctuated by the unmistakable sound of Bruno’s amused snort echoing off the tiled walls. “Of course you were.”

“Hey, don’t act like you’re above it,” I call out, leaning forward with accusation. “We all know you’ve been sneaking glances at her, too.”

There’s a moment of silence between the three of us. Bruno’s wet steps toward his locker are the only noise before he finally responds, his voice carefully neutral.

“Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Thomas scoffs, adjusting his position with a playful nudge. “Come on, man. She’s hot as hell, wicked smart, and she doesn’t take shit from anybody. You’re telling me that doesn’t do it for you?”

Bruno towels off quickly, droplets of water trickling down his muscular frame. A towel hangs loosely around his hips as he shakes out his dark, wet hair. He rummages through his duffel bag for fresh clothes, his movements unhurried.

“She’s cool,” he says with a shrug, pulling on a crisp shirt.

I cross my arms, and we both turn away from him, giving him some privacy as he pulls his boxers and jeans on. “Goth girls are fucking sexy. Always wanted to be with one. I heard they’re freaks in bed, in the best way possible.”

Bruno glances at me with an unimpressed expression, the fabric of his shirt settling over his shoulders. “You’re an idiot.”

Thomas bursts into laughter, giving my shin a light, playful kick with his foot. “I mean, he’s not wrong.”

I flash a grin, feeling a surge of confidence.

Once Bruno is dressed and adorned with the scent of fresh cologne trailing behind him, we step out into the hallway. Our laughter reverberates off the polished tile floors and painted walls, filling the space with a lively echo as we say goodbye to the cleaning crew.

Down the corridor, we spot Dr. Ally and Kenzie, their heads close together as they stroll toward the exit, animatedly chatting and exchanging smiles.

“Ladies,” Thomas greets them with his trademark, boyish grin that seems to light up his whole face.

Kenzie quirks an eyebrow and smiles tentatively. “Heading to Surf’s Up again, huh? Try not to get kicked out this time.”

I feign indignation, pressing a hand to my chest dramatically. “That incident was not our fault.”

Ally chuckles, shaking her head with a knowing smile. “Sure, bud.”

As they continue on their way, we push through the rink doors and step outside.

The sky above is a deep indigo, the last traces of daylight fading behind thick, rolling clouds.

Thomas stretches his arms behind his head, letting out a satisfied sigh. “You know, Kenzie and Ally have it pretty sweet. Being with more than one guy must be quite the experience.”

Bruno nods thoughtfully, a crease forming on his brow. “Yeah, but it’d be a lot of work, too.”

I scoff, casting a glance at both of them. “Nah, it’s all about stamina, boys.”

They both look at me with raised eyebrows, clearly unimpressed. Feeling a mischievous urge to rile Bruno up, I press on.

“Let’s be real,” I say, leaning back with a cocky grin, “if we all went for Jinx, she’d want me all night.”

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