Page 93 of Off The Rush
“Coach, are you coming to the fall recital tonight?” Alec asks, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
“Yup.” Coach replies, giving Alec a firm pat on the back. “I’m glad you’ll be there too, supporting your girlfriend.”
My chest tightens at Coach’s words, a pang of jealousy shooting through me. I can’t help but feel envious that Alec can claim Emma so easily when all I want is to shout from the rooftops that she’s mine just as much as she is his. But, for now, I swallow my feelings and continue toward the locker room, determined to give Emma the support she needs tonight.
The locker room buzzes with activity as my teammates chat about their post-practice plans. Most of them are eager to hit the bar, ready to unwind after a long day on the ice. But my thoughts remain focused on Emma’s recital.
“Hey, JD,” one of the guys calls out to me, “you coming to the bar with us?”
I glance at Luka, who’s already changed into street clothes, and Alec, who’s just entering the locker room. My heart races at the thought of revealing our shared secret, but I let Alec handle it.
“Actually,” Alec says, running a hand through his damp hair, “we’re all heading to the school’s Spring Showcase tonight to support Emma.”
“Emma? Your girlfriend?” The guy asks, eyebrows raised in surprise.
“Yeah, we are all close.” Luka chimes in, his tone firm. “She’s performing in it.”
“Wait, you’re going to that stupid show?” The team manager I’ve never liked snickers from his corner of the room, smirking at our expense. Anger flares within me, and I’m about to put him in his place when another player steps up.
“Man, don’t say stupid shit like that,” Liam scolds the manager, then turns to me with an unexpected grin. “You know what? I’ll come too. Gotta support our boys and Alec’s girl, right?”
“Count me in,” another player, Reed, chimes in, getting a few approving nods from the others.
“Same here,” adds yet another, and soon enough, it seems like the entire team is on board.
“Great,” I manage to say, my chest swelling with gratitude, even though I’m still shocked by the show of solidarity.
As we finish changing and gathering our things, there’s a newfound sense of camaraderie in the air. It’s clear that tonight isn’t just about Emma – it’s about all of us, standing together as a team.
“Thanks, guys,” I say quietly, feeling humbled by their unexpected show of love.
“Anytime, JD,” one of the players claps me on the back, grinning. “We’ve got your back, man.”
I can’t help but wonder if they know more than they’re saying. Do they suspect Emma isn’t only with Alec?
“Let’s go make her proud, boys,” I say to Alec and Luka as we get in the car, a mix of determination and nerves fueling me.
“Damn right,” Luka agrees, his gray eyes determined.
“She comes to all of our games. I’m excited to be the one in the stands for her.” Alec adds with a smile.
I can’t help but feel grateful for my two roommates, our bond is stronger than ever as we prepare to cheer on the girl who has stolen our hearts.
Chapter 41
I glance over at JD and Luka, their faces a mixture of excitement and anticipation as we drive to the Spring Showcase. The warm glow of the setting sun bleeds through the windows, casting a golden hue on their grinning faces.
“Can you believe the entire team is coming to see Emma perform?” JD says, shaking his head in amazement. “I knew we were all close, but this really feels like a big team moment.”
Luka nods in agreement. “It’s great that everyone’s showing their support for her. She deserves it.”
“Maybe they wouldn’t judge us if we tell them we are all dating her,” I say.
“I don’t think they would. I kind of get the feeling they already suspect. We should talk to Emma about it,” JD replies.
My heart swells with pride, not just for Emma, but for my friends and teammates who are rallying around us. I’ve always known our bond was strong, but this solidifies it. We’re more than just a group of guys who play hockey together – we’re a family.
As we pull up to the venue, I remind myself that I have to sit next to the dean during the recital. It’s funny how this whole fake dating thing between Emma and me started because she needed me to accompany her to this event. Now, it’s evolved into something much more real.
