Page 111 of Rule 1: Never Accidentally Marry Your Teammate
“Because we haveroom,” Troy says.
“I can get a hotel.”
“No way,” Troy says. “That sounds depressing. Come with us.”
“You don’t mind?”
“Nope.”
“Actually, that would be great.” Relief moves through me, and some of the frenetic energy inside me calms.
“You’re our friend too,” Troy says, and I don’t really believe it, but I nod anyway.
“It’s going to be okay,” Luke says, but we all know he’s lying.
CHAPTER FIFTY
Noah
Luke and Troy live a short walk from the arena in one of the brick townhouses in Back Bay that face the Boston side of the Charles. It’s not as regal as Finn’s parents’ place, partly because it’s only a single three-bedroom apartment, but also because it is decorated by two guys in their twenties. Pink couches and crown molding isn’t their style. Framed hockey jerseys and memorabilia hang in the dark gray living room. A TV is on one side of the room, a worn pool table on the other.
They show me to a guest room with a large bay window.
“Welcome to Casa Us.” Troy spreads his already long goalie hands expansively.
I try to smile. “Thank you. It’s, um, really nice.”
I peer out the window. “Is that MIT?”
“It makes Troy feel smart,” Luke explains. “Every bit helps.”
“Shut up,” Troy says. “I apologize for your new roommate.”
I shoot a wobbly grin, and my eyes blur, because that reminds me that Finn used to be my roommate. He used to be more than my roommate. He used to be everything.
Luke and Troy shoot worried looks. I guess I’m really not holding things together.
“Your things are at Finn’s?” Troy asks finally.
I jerk my head into a nod, my chest tightening. I’m going to need to pack. Oh, God. Should I go? Get it over with?
An acid taste invades my throat.
“I’ll get your things,” Troy promises.
“Seriously?”
“Of course.”
The air is suddenly less thick, and the boa constrictor that has wrapped itself around my chest all morning loosens its grip.
“That’s nice of you.”
“We’re all nice here.”
Troy waves goodbye and leaves the apartment.
Luke and I eye each other for a few awkward moments. Luke is quieter than Troy.
