Page 17 of Unrivaled Love
See? Moist balls.
FELIX
I'll ask the front office if we can get a group discount on the powder because any relief would be amazing.
Boder, have a good trip. Keep us posted on your travel and let us know when you've arrived.
Will do Cap.
Chapter 5
Bryson
Lost
Astheridesharedriverpulls up to the family cabin, I close my book and mumble the traditional greeting under my breath so he doesn’t think it’s weird.
“Welcome to Casa de Svobilton.”
We pass the little sign and I look out the window. I'm struck by how big and small the house feels all at once.
Our families have gathered here for years and I’m always arriving with my parents or siblings. It has never been this quiet.
Ever.
This is what you wanted, remember? The solitude.
I’ll be able to recharge before going back into the spotlight for the parade. I need this.
I also remember why the annual summer trip wasn't planned this year. In the flurry of activity following the championship I completely forgot half the house is being remodeled. The giant dumpster in the driveway serves as my reminder.
My parents and the Hamiltons decided to retrofit the house for their now adult children and their grandkids.
I pull my duffel out of the trunk and thank the driver. I didn't bother renting a car from the airport because I am here to decompress. Stranding myself at the house will force me to sit still. And I think that’s what I need.
Coach Bradford had mentioned burnout early in the off season and told us all to be aware our bodies were going to come down from the high.
Physically, I feel fine. I’ve kept up my routine, especially to offset the additional partying. I’ve been the only one coming into the practice facility on the same schedule as during the season for drills and conditioning. It’s been a grind to fit it all in.
No one can question my dedication. I'm not the biggest guy on the team. But I'm a leader. I'm the first one in the gym, last one out. I might goof off in the locker room but I'm all work on the ice.
And I can read my teammates. I don't get all up in their business like busy-body Felix. Nor do I try to be all sensitive like Emmett. I’m there when they need a shoulder to lean on, of course. But my super power is knowing when they need the mood to be lifted with a joke or a prank.
A smile tickles my cheeks when I remember the classic prank I pulled at our last practice before the final. It’s the oldest fucking trick in the book and I pulled it off flawlessly.
The team was tense as fuck during our morning skate and I knew we needed a good laugh. I wrapped a drill and skated to the bench. After taking a sip of water I pulled my glove off and loosened the top. When Crosby skated over, I handed it to him and watched with pure delight as he dumped a full bottle of water down his front. Duncan giggled at Crosby’s expense as he skated up but I held it in. Then, moments later, when Duncan did the same to himself, that’s when I almost collapsed from the laughter.
Coach Bradford even cracked a smile before blowing his whistle and getting us in line.
It might be the proudest moment of my career.
And I’m including winning The Cup and the Conn Smythe.
With a soft smile on my face from the memory I walk up to the front door. The hide-a-key is in the same place as always so I unlock the door and return the key, like we were taught, before I let myself in. I feel fragmentsof my soul settle as I take in the side of the mountain straight out the back through the floor to ceiling windows. I lift my gaze and peer out at the tree tops. The view is only interrupted by the timber beams that cross the room.
To my right is the dining room and kitchen, those seem to be in working condition. To my left is where the office and one of the primary suites should be. Instead it's blocked off by clear plastic sheeting.
That's fine, I'll use the other bedroom behind the kitchen.
