Page 90 of Good Vibes Only
While I pulled orders, I let out a thankful breath. Because Dakotacould’vebeen a vengeful dick, if he’d really wanted to. He was the final hurdle where things could’ve gone wrong. There wasn’t anything that could get in the way now. The rest was all up to me and Brett.
That’s what I was thinking, anyway, until—
Nnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeow.
The screech of a saw ripped through my ears.
My jaw fell.
“Are. You.Serious?!” I bellowed and stamped my foot.
Raven grimaced. “Yow. Doesn’t sound like those soundproofing panels are doinganything.”
“No. It sure doesn’t.”
A day or two ago, this might’ve utterly ruined my day and destroyed me—but now, with Brett truly by my side, I knew we’d find a solution and get through this together.
21
Brett
The topic of my newfound relationship put everyone in good spirits, and the boys were laughing and joking all morning long. After an hour of dicking around at the morning skate, we came off the ice, having worked up a light sweat under our gear.
The boys continued to mess around in the locker room, dancing and singing to the music that played on the stereo.
I pulled out my cell phone. I saw I had a text from McKayla, which made my heart kick. But as soon as I read the first word, my chest tightened, and my pulse thumped in my neck.
“Ugh. So I just got to the store and the construction started again next door. And it’s still REALLY loud. Worse than it’s ever been, actually. I went over to BarDown to see if they put the soundproofing up or what. But no, the rolls are all just sitting there, exactly where we left them last night. I asked the construction guys about it but they just kinda shrugged it off and said they’re too busy. Sorry to bother you with this while you’re away, and I totally understand if you can’t deal with it right now. I just wanted you to know, since you asked me to tell you last night. But it looks like the problem’s not going away.”
“Forfuck’ssake!” I yelled, and slammed my gear into my locker.
The boys quieted, my outburst diminishing everyone’s cheer.
“Whoa whoa whoa.” Rust came to my side in a flash. “What’s wrong, bud?”
“Those fuckingcocks—” I was so mad, I could barely speak. I was seeing red.
“Which cocks?”
“The construction cocks—”
“Breathe, Brett,” he said. “Then tell me what’s going on.”
After a few deep breaths, I calmed down enough to give him a quick rundown on the entire situation.
“I told you before, as an athlete, you have to be very wary of who you work with when you go into business.” He shook his head dourly, wisely. “There are a lot of snakes out there.”
“Okay, so what should I do? I’ve tried telling these people what I want but they’re not listening to me.”
Rust came back with a question of his own. “This project manager guy. What’s his name again?”
“Mike,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“And what is Mike’s job, exactly?”
“Well, he’s a project manager, so I’d guess he manages the fucking project,” I grumbled impatiently.
“Which project?”
