Page 108 of Total Shutdown

I almost choke on my jelly bean. That boy is fucking hilarious.

Kendra bursts out laughing, shaking her head as she looks down at the red ruby on her left hand. “We have officially entered the year we get married, and August cannot come soon enough,” she croons with heart eyes.

Reaching over, her mother-in-law-to-be, Felicity, runs a smooth palm across Kendra’s shoulder. “Not that you aren’t already, but I cannot wait for you to officially become a Morgan. My son is one very lucky boy.”

Thoughts of marriage have my mind drifting back to Sawyer and the name I have across my back.

Could I see myself married to him one day? The thought doesn’t scare me. All I feel are the familiar shots of excitement when I think about anything to do with Sawyer and Ezra.

I look down at the red jelly beans strewn across the table next to me. It’s the first game in a while where Ezra hasn’t tagged along, instead asking if he could stay over at Nate’s place again since it’s a weekend.

Sawyer was initially hesitant since some of the friends sleeping over are several years older, but I convinced him to go with it. After all, making friends and spreading his wings are what he wanted for Ezra.

It’s what I want for him too.

“I think Lee and I might break up.”

Jenna’s statement tears me from my daydream, and we all dart our heads in her direction. She nods hers in response to our shocked faces. “It feels like the spark has fizzled out. Sure, I get that the longer you date someone, the more excitement gives way to a comforting feeling when you’re around each other. I just can’t see a future with him, and I get the feeling he feels the same.”

She sounds dejected, and my heart breaks for her. I remember last year when their relationship was fresh and exciting, she had high hopes that Lee wasthe one.

“Best to break it off if you aren’t feeling it any longer. Trust me, it’s all downhill from there!” Darcy confirms.

“Maybe an American boy will steal my girl’s heart, eh? Melt away some of the cynical ice,” Felicity adds hopefully.

Like that’s the most ludicrous notion, Darcy scoffs, waving her off. “You have to be kidding me. A little fun? Absolutely. As I say, I’ve heard the rumors about American men between the sheets.” She winks, and Felicity frowns at the thought. “But like hell am I getting serious with anyone anytime soon. If ever again, to be honest.”

When Darcy looks back out onto the ice, the rest of us turn to Jenna.

“She’s right though, Babe. Remember what you said to me about Tyler? You deserve better than to be in an unhappy relationship.”

She nods weakly, smoothing out her dark hair. “I’m going to give it a couple more weeks and see how it goes. I don’t want to make any knee-jerk decisions.”

“That’s wise,” Kendra agrees. “But don’t hold onto something if it doesn’t feel right.”

Jenna leans back in her chair, a smile tracing her lips. “In better news though, my brother just got reselected for Team USA, so he’ll be traveling home more for games, et cetera.”

I pick up my Diet Coke, bringing the straw to my mouth. “Now, rugby thighs? That’s a concept I can get on board with. Let me know when your brother is back home, and I’ll be sure to go support a game.”

Kendra swats me on the thigh. “Disgraceful behavior. You’re a taken woman now.”

I shrug, smiling around my straw. “Just because I have a man in my bed doesn’t mean I don’t have eyes. And best believe those babies will be firmly planted on tight rugby asses. Nothing compares, trust me.”

“Mmhmm,” Darcy agrees. “Take it from a British girl who has been surrounded by them for years at college. Those thighs are unique, and I just want to feel them.” She reaches out to nothing, smoothing her palm down in front of her.

“Oh, hell yes, Jack!” Felicity punches the air. “That’s my boy! I knew he’d be amazing. I knew he would kill it in this league.” She steps behind Darcy and rests her hands on her shoulders, squeezing them gently in her palms while her daughter watches Jack fist-bump the guys on the bench. “I’m proud of you both, and I can’t wait to have you back with me. It’s been too long, Honey.”

Darcy tips her head over her shoulder, covering one of her mom’s hands with hers. It’s a sweet moment that has me thinking about my own mom and how I wish she were still around. Living life from a young age without her was tough, and sometimes, I catch myself wondering how different it would’ve looked if that truck driver had been more interested in the road and not his playlist. Still, wishing for things to be different doesn’t change anything. I can only control my future.

I watch as Sawyer knocks helmets with Jack. That goal just sent them four up in the third, making a home win within touching distance.

“Jon has worked wonders with this team.” Kendra looks over at the Jumbotron as Coach Morgan, dressed in a black suit and high-fiving his players, lights up the screen. “The team dynamics are perfect. They’re unrecognizable from previous seasons.”

The camera pans to Sawyer as he continues talking with Jack. At Christmas, when Sawyer talked about stepping down as captain, I knew he only had one person on his mind as his successor. Part of me thinks he’s holding on to the C to buy Jack a little more time in the league.

“Any luck with the job hunt, Collins?” Felicity turns to me as the game restarts, only a minute left on the countdown.

I shake my head. Nearly a week of searching, and nothing suitable has turned up. “Ed offered me some hours in Rise Up, and I’m thinking of taking that for a while. I’ll probably have to concede and get a job at a regular garage that doesn’t specialize in Harleys.”

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