Page 36 of Wildcat
“Bullshit. You looked energetic as hell five minutes ago when you were scoring on Mikey like he wasn’t there.”
I pull off my practice jersey and sit in my stall. “First road trip of the season. Do you think the guys are ready for it?”
“Nice dodge. Fine. I won’t press.” He stretches his legs out and crosses one ankle over the other. “Yeah, I think we’re ready. You know as well as I do that nothing gets rookies going like those first few games. It’ll be a chance to see how we play as a unit and work out kinks. Loosen up. It’s just the pre-season.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Cheer up, Romeo.” He laughs. “Your dream girl works here now and tomorrow we’re flying to Vegas.” He waggles his brows.
“Yeah, about that. Coach wants me to keep an eye on the team and make sure everyone stays out of trouble and that there’s no drama on our first trip.”
“They’ll be fine.”
“What about you? He’s also worried you’re going to break your dick again.”
He grimaces and curls into himself protecting his crotch. “Me too.”
Ash had an unfortunate sexperience that resulted in a trip to the emergency room with a penile fracture. That’s an injury I hope to never have.
“Not to worry, though. I invited the guys over tonight so they can get it out of their system and are focused when we leave tomorrow.”
I groan.
“Ah come on. I ordered food—all healthy shit. I picked up a small amount of booze, invited all the guys, a few girls; it’ll be very chill. Hey, hot tub clean for later?”
“That’s not happening.”
“Fine. Fine.” He grins so I know he’s fucking with me. “No hot tub, but at least come hang out. This will be good for the rookies, and for you.”
“Good for me?” I prefer a quiet night in before games and he knows it.
“Yeah, we’ll go good cop, bad cop on them together tonight and let you clear your conscience, and then we can all avoid your pep talks when we get to Vegas. Everybody wins.”
A few hours later,I’m on Ash’s couch playing Xbox with Tyler. He’s coming from the juniors league, where he put up some impressive numbers. He’s on the chopping block to make the final roster, so I know I don’t need to waste my breath on giving him a pep talk. His ass is on the line.
I’m not a fun-hater, contrary to Ash poking fun at me about not wanting to party tonight. Unfortunately, we’ve been friends long enough that I know he’s usually right. So I’m trusting that getting the guys together to hang and let loose will be good and not result in things escalating and a bunch of hungover guys showing up to the plane tomorrow.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I reach to get it while trying to keep up with the game one-handed. But when I see Scarlett’s name on my phone, I forget all about the controller and the game in front of me.
“Sorry, man. I have to take this.” All those good intentions to back off from pursuing Scarlett after Coach’s talk earlier, take a flying leap out the nearest window.
I toss the controller, and answer as I weave my way toward the front door. “Hello?”
“Hey, Leo. I’m sorry to call.”
“Nah, don’t be. It’s good to hear from you.” My heart’s racing as I step out into the driveway.
“I think I forgot the form in your car.”
I’m silent. Her voice has made me temporarily stupid, and I can’t process her words.
“The form with your travel preferences,” she clarifies.
“Right, uh, let me check.” I walk across the street and open the garage.
On the floorboard of the passenger side of my car, the form sits partially under the seat. “Found it. Do you want me to email it to you or…?”
“Can I swing by and get it? I’m already halfway there, and if I don’t get it to the equipment manager in an hour, my own father might fire me.”
