Page 112 of Off The Rush
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. The recent suspension of my three boyfriends has left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I’m touched by the support of their teammates.
“Yeah, it’s not right,” I agree, clenching my fists.
“Coach is completely out of line,” Reed chimes in, anger evident in his voice. “Alec, JD, and Luka are great players, and their personal lives shouldn’t affect the team.”
“Thanks for saying that,” I reply, feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration. It’s one thing for people to judge our unconventional relationship, but it’s another for it to impact their lives so negatively.
“Coach has been saying some shitty things about you guys,” Liam says, his brow furrowed in concern. “He’s been ranting about the four of you and your relationship all week.”
“Seriously?” I ask, my stomach twisting in knots.
Reed nods solemnly. “It’s unprofessional. We’ve lost a lot of respect for him lately.”
I clench my fists, feeling a surge of anger mixed with sadness.
“We need to do something,” I say, meeting each of their gazes in turn. “This is getting out of hand.”
“Hey, don’t worry,” Matt reassures me, flashing a supportive smile. “We’ve got something in the works. Trust us. JD, Alec, and Luka will be back on the team in no time.”
“Really?” I ask, my heart lifting slightly. “What are you guys planning?”
“Sorry, Emma,” Reed says with a grin, “we will come by later and say more. Just know that we’re fighting for them – and for you.”
I’m not close enough with these guys to push for more information but I appreciate their help.
“Thank you,” I say sincerely, my eyes shining with gratitude. “You have no idea how much this means to us.”
“Anything for our teammates,” Liam replies, giving me an encouraging wink before he and the others head off.
“Thanks!” I wave over my shoulder, feeling a little lighter than before.
Whatever the guys have in store for JD, Alec, and Luka, I hope it’s enough to bring them back to the team where they belong.
As I weave through the busy campus walkways, the snow is melting, and the air has a slight hint of Spring. I try to focus on the beauty of the day, but I can’t shake the sensation of eyes following me wherever I go. I glance around, noticing clusters of students whispering and casting sidelong looks in my direction.
“Hey, isn’t that the girl who’s dating three hockey players?” someone murmurs nearby, just loud enough for me to catch their words.
“Emma Delaney, right? She’s so lucky,” another voice chimes in, tinged with envy.
My cheeks flush, and I resist the urge to duck my head and hide. Instead, I remind myself of the love and support surrounding me - from my boyfriends, my friends, the hockey team, and beyond. Sure, our relationship might be unconventional, but it’s real and strong, and no amount of gossip or judgment can change that.
With renewed determination, I square my shoulders and hold my head high, meeting the curious gazes of my fellow students with a confident smile. Let them stare, let them talk. My life is my own, and I’ll live it without fear or shame.
“Emma!” a familiar voice calls out, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Hey, Audrey!” I greet my friend with a warm embrace.
“Are you okay after everything that’s happened? Miles has told me everything and I’m furious on your behalf.”
“I am okay. As soon as Alec, Luka, and JD are back on the team, everything will be great.”
“I have to go but maybe Tessa, you and I can go to the next game together. According to Miles, the guys will be back on the team. I can be there to have your back if anyone gives you a hard time.”
“That sounds great. Thank you.”
We hug and go our separate ways.
The moment I step into the lecture hall, it’s like walking into a lion’s den - every pair of eyes swivels to me, some curious, some judgmental. The whispers are hushed but audible, and my heart hammers in my chest as I make my way to my seat.
