Page 42 of Trick Play

We were at Shawn’s house, but she definitely hadn’t come here with me, which meant she came looking for me.

Why?

How did she know where to find me? How did she get his address?

Crap. Was Shawn mad at me? He didn’t like uninvited guests, especially of the female variety. He didn’t trust them not to share the secret. She would have to promise him that she wouldn’t tell anyone.

Too many problems. Too early. Too much pain.

I shifted and groaned as my brain slammed against my skull.

There was only one cup. I think I only drank the one. Right? Did someone refill it? Had I asked for more?

I didn’t drink. Despite the rumors and assumptions, I didn’t touch alcohol for reasons beyond the team rules.

But nothing mattered last night. I was so lost in my own dark, deep pit of despair, I stopped caring. About anything.

And in the light of day, nothing changed.

I was still miserable and lost and broken but with a massive headache. I knew drinking didn’t fix anything. If anything, it made things worse. But at this moment, I didn’t think I’d deny the offer of something strong. It might not change my reality, but it delayed me having to face it.

Kennedy’s sigh caught my attention. Her eyes fluttered open. She smiled, and it took my breath away. That was the face of the girl I’d loved with my whole being.

Then it was gone. She looked around and quickly sat up. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

Her sudden movement made me sick.

She checked her phone and rubbed her face. “I have class in thirty minutes. Do you want me to drive you to your dorm?”

That was an offer I should accept, but I really didn’t want to get up yet.

“I think I’ll stay here.”

Her eyes narrowed. “That wasn’t really a question. I’m taking you home. I told Reid I’d have you back last night once you slept it off, but I must have crashed sometime too.”

“Reid?”

“Yeah, we went looking for you when none of us heard from you. I could tell you were upset when you left my apartment, and he said something happened at practice. We wanted to make sure you were okay, and he knew you’d be here, so we came to get you.”

I cringed. “How was I when you got here?”

“Asleep.”

Well, that was a small mercy. At least I wasn’t babbling or in a fighting mood.

“The guys said you didn’t say much. Just hung out, had three drinks, and crashed.”

That matched what I remembered.

“Does Shawn know you guys were here?”

She nodded. “He brought down the pillows and blankets.”

How very domestic of him. I’d have to thank him later for being such a gracious host to my guest.

“Time to get up.” She stood and began folding the blankets and stacking them on the end of the couch she slept on.

I tried again to move and it sucked as much as before, but I fought through it. I didn’t want to be a complete wimp in front of her.