Page 223 of Playing the Pucking Game
“You were just in there,” he argues. “I walked past and—what did you do?”
“I didn’t do anything, fuck you very much.” Although, as I say the words, I figure that I must have. I can’t think what, though.
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder.
I wish I had even an ounce of his confidence.
I stand there for a moment with my head spinning as the guys pull on their game day suits, ready to head out.
A couple of hours and we’ll be on a flight to Texas, then the real challenge begins: finding her hotel room number and doing whatever it takes to make her agree to let me sleep in her bed again.
I spend the bus ride back to the hotel gazing out the window, trying to figure out what the fuck I did wrong and ignoring everyone around me.
Killer and Monroe try to drag me into conversation, but they soon give up when I don’t even turn around.
I don’t doubt that I’ll get a grilling for it later, but for now, they’re content with celebrating.
I should be doing the same.
I won the fucking game.
So why does it feel like I’ve lost?
The second we get into the hotel, we all disappear to our rooms to shed our suits before dinner.
But no sooner have I stepped into the room than my cell starts ringing.
Hope blooms that it could be Parker.
It’s ridiculous. I’m not sure she’s ever called me in her life.
We’ve only ever messaged.
But today might be the day.
I feel like a grade-A asshole when disappointment hits at the sight of my sister’s name.
Get a fucking grip, Storm.
“I gotta get this,” I tell Kodie as he changes. “I’ll meet you down there.”
He agrees, and I pull the sliding door to our balcony open and step out into the bone-chilling cold.
I’ve spent my life in LA. I’m not used to windchills like this. But right now, I need something to help me focus, or I fear I’ll drown in my own dark thoughts.
“Hey, sis, how’s it going?”
“Hey, superstar. You killed it tonight.”
“Aw, you watched,” I tease.
“You know I watch all your games.”
“Only when you’re not partying.”
“Once or twice that’s happened.”
“Suuure.”
