“I’m so sorry. That has to be awful.”
“Thanks. I always shut it down pretty fast when it happens. It helps now that Tyler is married. So are most of his friends now that I think about it.” She brings one hand to her hip and loops her thumb in the waistband of her jeans, staring at me like she’s trying to figure me out. “You’re worried about Ash using us rooming together as a way to keep asking you out?”
“He told you about that?”
“Yeah, of course. We’re friends. Just friends,” she reiterates.
“Yeah, I guess I am,” I admit and feel instantly ridiculous. Ash Kelly going to all this trouble to ask me out again? Yeah, probably not. But I still can’t help but voice my fears just in case. “This was so nice of him, and you for considering it, but I’m really not interested in dating right now. It’s a dumb thing to be concerned about, I know. He’s probably already moved on, but I need you to know in case you were hoping to play matchmaker or something.”
“I love Ash like a brother, so I know I’m biased, but he’s a good guy. If you told him no, then he’s going to respect that. And if it makes you feel better, I’ll tell the entire team that they can’t stop by without twenty-four hours’ notice and a very good reason.”
That makes me laugh. For some reason I can picture Everly doing just that. She’s not afraid to speak her mind. I like that. And I think I trust her (as much as I trust anyone these days).
“And as for me playing matchmaker, my schedule is so busy this semester, you do not need to worry about that. If I find anyone a date, it’s going to be me.”
I feel like a weight has been lifted at her reassurance.
“Ev?” A voice calls from the living room.
“That’s Grace,” she says and motions with her head for me to follow her.
Grace is quieter than her roommate, but she gives me the same pleasant, friendly vibes as Everly. They finish each other’s sentences and talk each other up to me. Grace tells me how amazing Everly is at picking out stuff for the house and putting together outfits for a night on the town, which I’d already pretty much gotten on my own by all the touches in the house. And Everly tells me how she’s a terrible cook, but that Grace makes the best homemade muffins and pastries on the weekends.
The two of them remind me of my friends from freshman and sophomore year. There were three of us and we did everything together, including sharing a suite on campus, until junior year. I don’t miss them exactly, but I miss having people I can count on. Not for the first time in the last month, I think to myself that I should text them to catch up. But I know I won’t. Too much time has passed and we’re different now. Or at least I am.
“So, what do you think?” Everly asks me when it’s time for me to go. She walks me out, stepping out onto the porch and crossing her arms over her chest to brace against the wind. “Want to be roomies?”
And I guess I do because I say yes.
10
THE BEST LOVE IS SELF-LOVE
ASH
“Am I cleared for the game tonight?”
The doctor gives me a stern look, ignores the question, and sits down on the stool in front of me. “It’s healing nicely. A couple more weeks and I think you’ll be back to full mobility.”
“So, I’m not cleared for tonight?”
“I know how much you want to be back out there, but this early in the season, your coaches don’t want to risk you reinjuring it and being out for the playoffs.”
I already knew he was going to say no, but I’m still frustrated as I let his words sink in. Another week watching the game instead of playing it.
“Can I at least start practicing again?” I’m dying to get back on the ice. To do something.
“Keep meeting with Shane and let’s chat next week.”
“So that’s a no?” I ask, mumbling the question as I get to my feet.
He stands and cuffs me on my good shoulder. “Soon. I promise.”
I thank him, stop by to let Shane know next week’s schedule is the same for my physical therapy, and then head to the locker room. My teammates are just finishing up their morning skate.
Leo spots me first. His eyes are wide and hopeful, but when I shake my head, he lets his mouth fall into a straight line. “Sorry, man.”
“Still not cleared?” Tyler asks as he tosses his gloves in the cubby above his locker.
“Another week sitting on my ass.” I plop down in my stall and let my head fall back against the locker. “This fucking sucks.”
“Ah, cheer up, buddy,” Johnny Maverick calls. “I think I met the perfect girl for you.”
Well, that has my attention. But I’m skeptical. “You met my perfect girl?”
An image of Bridget pops into my head. It’s been more than two weeks since I gave her my number and I haven’t heard from her. That’s probably my sign to move on, as much as I don’t want to.
“Yep.” He runs a tattooed hand through his dark hair. Maybe I need some new ink. I’ve been wanting to get something on my forearm or maybe across the top of my hand.
“Who is she?” Leo asks. Like a good friend, he squares off with Mav to make sure he’s not trying to set me up with some weird rando.
“She’s Dakota’s doula,” he says, mentioning his wife. They’re expecting their first baby.
“I’m sorry, a what?” I ask, even more skeptical.
“It’s like a doctor who delivers babies,” Mav says.
“That’s an obstetrician or midwife,” Leo clarifies. “A doula is more like a coach. They give emotional support during the pregnancy.”
“Yeah, that sounds right.” Mav snaps his fingers and points at Leo. “Pregnancy coach. She sends Dakota these really supportive texts about listening to her body and eating nutritious food, which pisses Kota off, but I swear Harmony is magic because my wife does everything she says.”
“Scarlett and I met with one of those when she was figuring out her birth plan, but they mostly just asked her how she was feeling and talked about her fears and shit.”
The guys continue going back and forth. Even Declan pipes in at some point. What in the world is happening?
“Can we get back to me? Not that I don’t want to hear about your wives shooting out babies and all that.”
Mav laughs good-naturedly. “She’s cool, pretty, single, and she’s coming to Wild’s after the game tonight. You’re welcome.”
Jack walks into the locker room, fresh off the ice, and takes a seat next to me. “Just heard, sorry, man.”
“One more week,” I say more to myself than him. Hopefully. And because I don’t want to talk about my shoulder, I add, “And Maverick wants to set me up with his wife’s pregnancy coach.”
Jack’s brows rise, then his gaze slides over to Maverick.
“It’s a real job. She’s cool. You’ll all see tonight.”
“Wait, wait. Tonight?” Jack asks, sitting forward.
“Yeah, she’s coming to Wild’s after the game. Is Meredith coming?”