Page 87 of Keeping it Real

“That guy is toxic,” Gus said softly.“He had no qualms about hurting Valentine.”

“I’m going to coach.If he doesn’t listen, I’ll go over his head to the GM,” Picard added.“But that guy isnotstaying in our dressing room.”

Their words barely registered with Alek.He was too busy contemplating the things Merriweather said about Sheridan.They weren’t true.

Were they?

The fact was, he’d known Sheridan a long time ago.And had hetrulyknown her then?He couldn’t imagine Sheridan two-timing him with Finn’s therapist.Except he never thought in a million years that her brother would steal his girlfriend away once upon a time, either.

“Alek.”Gus shook him by the shoulder.“Don’t even think about believing any of that bullshit Merriweather said.The dude was gaslighting you.Trying to drive a wedge within the team.That’s his MO, remember?”He lowered his voice.“You and Sheridan are good together, man.Don’t let that jealous little prick ruin that for you.”

The trainer returned.Alek winced when the guy pressed on his lip.“That should do it.I’ve put some antibacterial meds on there too.Keep icing it.”He shot Alek a sheepish look.“And remember that other people’s saliva can carry a lot of bacteria.So, uh, you know, no kissing tonight.Got it?”

Alek should have been bitter about that part of the prescription, but right now all he felt was confusion.He didn’t want to doubt himself for choosing poorly again.Except with his track record, how could he not?

Valentine appeared by his side, looking none the worse for wear.

“You good, Twos?”Alek asked him.

His teammate nodded.“It’ll take a lot more than that to take me out.”He cleared his throat.“I’m going to follow your advice and talk to Sloane tonight.Do me a solid and give Sheridan the same courtesy, will ya?”

When Alek didn’t respond he continued.

“It’s nobody’s business if something is going on with you two,” Valentine said.“But Sloane was right earlier.You looked pretty cozy with your little family.Don’t let that jerk-off spoil it.”

Picard returned to the training room.“I didn’t have to go far up the chain of command,” he announced.“Coach suspended him indefinitely.They’re bringing up the wunderkind, Parker Dern, to fill his spot.”

“The seventeen-year-old?”Valentine looked as surprised as everyone else.“Is that even allowed?”

“He turned eighteen last week,” Henrik told them.He looked over at Alek.“He’s green, but he’s a once-in-a-lifetime talent.This will be fun.”

Alek wasn’t so sure about that.Then again, he wasn’t sure about anything right now.

“Looking forward to it,” he mumbled around his swollen lip as he stood.“I’ll see you boys in the morning.”

“I thought you wanted to have your back worked on?”Valentine said.

“I’m good,” he replied.

Gus followed him out.“Here,” he said as he pulled something out of his equipment bag.“Finn’s phone.It slipped into the cushions of the sofa.Good thing it rang when someone called him this morning, or it could have been weeks before we discovered it.”

“Someone called him?”

“Yeah.Three times from an unidentified number.Every time Gunner answered, whoever was on the other end hung up.”

“Probably a sales call.”Alek shoved it into the pocket of his jacket.

“Most likely.I turned it off so we could get through breakfast.”Gus placed a hand on his shoulder.“You’ve had a crazy day.Wanna get a beer and a slice of pizza?”

“Nah.But thanks.I didn’t sleep well last night.I’m going home to take a nap.”

Gus nodded.“Sounds like a good plan.I’ll see you in the morning.”

“See you at the arena.”

Alek waited for his friend to drive away before he headed off in the direction of the pet shelters on the list Lori had given him.Normally, it was Finn and Sloane who dropped off the toys.It drove Lori crazy that he wouldn’t go with a camera crew.This was Finn’s show, he would tell her.It was easier than telling her he wasn’t really a big dog person.Luke Kessler could have that slice of the charity pie, thank you very much.Although, he’d put money on Sloane trying to dethrone him in the near future.

Right now, though, Alek didn’t want to go home.He had too many things to untangle in his brain.And his heart.Driving around town and dropping off pet toys would be a welcome distraction.

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