Page 59 of Westward

Me

Maybe you could learn how to talk to women.

Will

Yes, I can talk to your brother then.

It was my turn to flip the kid off, and as I said my goodbyes, I realized that the three of us were figuring out our own way. Or at least, a routine. One that would be changing soon, I knew, but it wasn’t as if I could help it. My life was in Portland, and yet, my heart was in Ashford Creek.

Finding the balance might break me, but I would.

I didn’t have another option.

I slid my earbuds in, got on the treadmill, and figured I’d do a couple of miles, lift, and then meet up with Rune. My days in Ashford Creek were coming to a close, and with so little time left, I hadn’t spent enough time with my brother or my friends. It was time to finally catch up.

“You know, that beer looks amazing. I wish I could have it,” I teased, and Rune just rolled his eyes.

“I got you your beautiful club soda and lime,” he drawled, pushing the drink across the bar top to me.

“And don’t worry, when you can drink again, and aren’t in training, I’ll make sure we have a good beer for you,” Callum pointed out.

“I knew it was a good idea to make friends with a brewer.”

“I try my best. We’re doing another small-batch sale coming up, and I’m exhausted.”

“Look at you, getting all famous. I mean, now that nobody recognizes you off the field, it’s time,” I teased as I took a sip of my drink.

Callum flipped me off. “Fuck off. You’ll realize that eventually when you finally decide to take off those skates of yours.”

“I mean, you are safe in the goalie net.”

I glared at Rune. “Excuse me, do you not remember the skate to the face? Not to mention, I’m the one who lets pucks come at me.”

“Poor baby millionaire hockey player,” Rune pouted, though his eyes danced with laughter.

Rune was allowed to make fun of me, the same as Callum, because they would do anything for me, just like I would do the same for them. I knew my brother wasn’t jealous. There wasn’t anything to be envious of. Rune had a business he loved, a community, and didn’t need to deal with some of the shit I did. If anything, I was jealous of him.

Not that I would ever tell him that. Dear God. I wasn’t that ridiculous.

“Are any of the other guys coming?” I asked as the conversation moved on to another town event that I wouldn’t be here for.

“Bodhi is out on tour with Kiera, which is amazing.”

Bodhi had been a recluse in his cabin for so many years that it was awe-inspiring to actually see him out and about. But after everything he had gone through, I wouldn’t have blamed him for staying in his cabin until the end of time. He was a stronger man than I was.

Just the thought of losing Lizzie…

I shivered and pushed that thought out of my mind. No, I wouldn’t be going along that train at all.

“That’s right,” I said after a moment, clearing my throat. “I know that Wilder will be in town on a non-game day, so I’m going to beg for tickets.”

“You do realize that my sister can probably get you tickets too,” Callum said, speaking of Briar, who was not only one of the songwriters for the rockstar band that Kiera was part of, but she was married to the lead singer and namesake.

“True, but I enjoy annoying Bodhi versus Gabriel,” I said, mentioning Briar’s husband.

There was an odd moment of silence when we all thought about Malcolm, the former drummer of the band and Callum’s late deceased brother. But, while he was in our hearts and thoughts, we didn’t say his name aloud, not then. Malcolm, wherever he was, we were always thinking about him, though.

I took a sip of my club soda, wishing it were a beer. But I didn’t drink during the season, and we were gearing up for it, so I would do my best to stay somewhat healthy. It didn’t always work, but I tried.