Page 39 of Cross Check

Agreeing to be her friend was the dumbest decision of my life.

“Shit, man.” Riley puts a hand on my shoulder. “That’s hard.”

“I’m stupid, I guess. A hopeless optimist.” I shrug. “So, no. I don’t have any feelings for Lexi, and that’s a promise on the bro code. You should go for it, man.”

“I’m glad I asked. Thanks for letting me know.” His smile is brighter. “And I’m not going for anything. That woman is so far out of my league. I’d rather suffer in silence than make a fool of myself by even attempting to ask her out.”

“Women. The superior species by a mile.”

He helps me toss a few more pieces of trash then leaves with the promise of seeing me bright and early for our first day back on the ice.

I lock up behind him and head for my room, lying on my bed and pulling up Instagram. Thinking about Amelia has me wanting to check in with her. The last time we talked was a quick conversation on her birthday almost a month ago. I tap my thumbs against the edges of my phone, trying to come up with a good opening line.

@GrantEverett

How do coaches get ready for training camp? Do you sit in meetings all day planning how to make our lives miserable?

That was… atrocious. I wince at the delivered message and throw my arm over my face.

I don’t want to flirt with her—I mean, I do, but I don’t—but I could have gone with something better than a work question.

How’s your night?

What’s your favorite food?

Did you know my teammate has a thirst trap account?

Those are all better than what I picked, but I don’t have time to stew over my misgivings for long. My phone vibrates with a notification, and I grin when I see a response from her.

@AmeliaGreen

Good evening to you too. And, yeah. Lots of meetings. Going over lines and what opponents we think will be the toughest matchups. Planning the most sickening workouts.

We make a bet on how many players will puke the first day.

Why so curious? Looking to apply to an open position?

I sit up, and my fingers fly across the screen.

@GrantEverett

No way. I spent tonight playing video games. I’m not sure I’m fit to coach anyone.

Well, besides the camp the Stars put on for kids in the summer. But I can barely control that chaos!

@AmeliaGreen

What kind of video games?

@GrantEverett

Are you familiar with Halo?

@AmeliaGreen

Only because my nephew likes to play it. I’m more of a Mario Party fan.

I wish there was a way I could keep track of all her favorite things in case they come up in conversation again. Doubtful, sure, but I’d like to be prepared.