Page 56 of Racking Up Penalties
Liam’s got his back to me, but there’s no mistaking that tousled blond hair or the set of his shoulders, broad but slumped in a way that screams defeat. His gaze is fixed on the floor. He’s the kind of guy who can rally a crowd with a smile, yet here he is, silent, brooding.
“Hey,” I call out to them, my voice echoing off the walls, betraying a hint of the nerves I feel. This isn’t just about me, it’s about Tessa. And damn it, it’s about us—all four of us.
They barely acknowledge me, just a twitch of Ethan’s head and a slight stiffening of Liam’s spine. But I don’t need a warm welcome; I’m not here to score points. I need to clear the air, for her sake.
I stride over, shoes clattering louder with each step, a stark contrast to the muted energy between the two of them.
“Look,” I start, keeping my voice steady, “we need to talk.” My gaze flicks between them, willing them to understand the gravity of this moment. The weight of Tessa’s happiness presses down on my chest, a responsibility I never thought I’d share, especially not with these two.
Their expressions hardly change, but there’s a subtle shift, a bracing for impact. They know what this is about. They know her well enough to recognize that something has to give.
I inhale deep, the cold air of the rink filling my lungs. “We need to sort this out.”
They don’t move.
“Look, what happened last night, it’s eating Tessa up inside.” My words come out firm, despite the undercurrent of concern lacing through them. “She cares about you both. You know that.”
Liam shifts his weight, a frown creasing his brow, while Ethan’s jaw clenches, a physical manifestation of the frustration I know he feels. I press on.
“Whether you like it or not, we’re in this together. And if we want any chance of making things work with her, we’ve got to get our act together.” The locker room echoes back my plea, a silent witness to this pivotal moment.
They’re still processing, their minds racing behind stoic facades. But I see the slightest nod from Liam, an almost imperceptible agreement, and Ethan’s gaze softens just enough to signal he’s on board too. It’s a start.
I lock eyes with Liam, then Ethan, watching as they communicate without words, a silent exchange that tells me they’re not quite on the same page yet.
“Look,” I start, my voice cutting through the chill of the rink, “we all know this situation is… unconventional.” My hands find the pockets of my football jacket, gripping the fabric inside. “But Tessa’s happiness is what’s important here. And if we’re doing this—if we’re really doing this—I need to know you’re in it for real.”
Liam’s gray eyes flick to mine, his guarded expression cracks just a bit, revealing a glimmer of the commitment I’m asking for. Ethan’s stance relaxes, too, his arms unfolding as he meets my challenge head-on.
“We can’t half-ass this,” I continue, the weight of my own resolve grounding me. “That means being teammates, not opponents. It means showing up, every day, and giving this… whatever this is… our best shot.”
Their silence hangs heavy, but it’s not empty—it’s filled with the gravity of what I’m proposing. Sharing Tessa isn’t just about dividing time or balancing attention. It’s about uniting behind a common goal, even if that goal defies convention.
“Are you serious about her?” I ask pointedly, seeking confirmation in their eyes, in the set of their shoulders, in any sign that they’re willing to put the work in.
“Absolutely,” Liam says adamantly. “I only want what is best for her.”
“I’m not losing her. She’s everything to me,” Ethan says softly.
“Alright,” I say, more to myself than to them, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the nerves twined tight in my chest. I hope they mean it.
My phone alarm goes off, letting me know I need to get to the stadium.
I take a step back. “Take care, guys.”
“See you around, Tristan,” Liam replies, while Ethan offers a brief salute.
There’s a cautious hope blooming in my chest, a hope that despite the complexities of our feelings, the road ahead might lead to a place where we can all stand side by side, united for Tessa’s happiness. It won’t be easy, no. But maybe, just maybe, it’ll be worth it.
The chill from the rink clings to my skin as I push open the heavy door, stepping out into the sun. I’ve said what needed to be said, laid every card on the table for Liam and Ethan to see.
I stride across the parking lot, hands shoved deep into my pockets. My mind races faster than my feet, playing and replaying the conversation with Ethan and Liam, their faces etched with tension that had nothing to do with the cold.
Now I need to focus on my game today. Tessa will be in the stands and I am going to impress her.
Chapter 26
The locker room door clangs shut behind Tristan, leaving a silence that buzzes in my ears like a warning. Every muscle in my body tenses, coiled tight as I pivot toward Ethan, who’s messing with his gear.
