Page 5 of Playing the Player

Michaelson skates alongside me as we coast towards the benches, “Well?”

“Well, what?” I grumble back at him.

“I asked what’s up your ass today?”

I let out a defeated sigh, dragging a hand over the back of my neck. “Everything has gone to shit since Cap left. We’re playing like shit at practice and getting our asses handed to us at games. It’s all fucked.”

“He’s just had a baby, man.” Michaelson reminds me, clapping me on the shoulder. “He won’t be gone forever. Don’t get too much into your head.”

Josh Woods, our team captain and my closest friend, had a baby with his girlfriend, Olivia, last week. I’m so happy for the both of them, I really am, but selfishly, I want my captain back. I need him back. I need things to go back to normal as soon as they possibly can.

Maybe I could bribe him into coming back early. I could do his laundry for a month… Actually, no. I can barely manage my own. I could cook for them every night. Scratch that. Unless they fancy frozen pizzas and instant noodles…

I could offer to look after Isabella for a night… Never mind. I love that baby girl like she’s my own, but tiny humans scare the shit out of me. Besides, Josh wouldn’t trust me enough to keep his daughter alive for more than five minutes.

Looks like I’m just gonna have to suck it up and survive without him.

“How come he’s taking so long off? You didn't even take a week off when your kid was born.”

“I would have loved two weeks off. Trust me. But my monster-in-law decided to stay with us after Bailey was born and I just couldn't take it anymore.”

“Your monster-in-law?” I question him.

Daniel’s face twists with a look of disgust. “Cassidy’s mother.” We both grimace. That woman is as evil as they come. Maybe evil isn’t the right word for it but she’s a bitch nonetheless. How Cassidy turned into the amazing woman she is is beyond me. Hell, it’s beyond everyone who knows both of the women. “Stop stressing about Josh. He’ll be back next week and we’ll get our winning streak back.”

Yeah, we better.

“Hey, Aunt Dee!” I call as I step into Buttons and Books coffee shop. The familiar scent of coffee and fresh pastries wraps around me like a warm blanket.

Diane isn’t actually my aunt. She’s Josh’s. But she’s like a mother figure to me. My parents live in Toronto and we talk all the time, but they treat me as more of a friend than their son. So, whenever I’m in need of advice that only a mother could give, I go to Diane.

“Ahh, there’s my Muffin.” Diane beams as I reach the counter. “How are you?”

I lean over to kiss her cheek. “I’m alright, you?”

“Can’t complain, my love.” She smiles, “Can I get you anything?”

I shake my head. “No thanks. I was actually looking for Josh. Olliepop said he was here.”

“You just missed him.” The disappointment must show on my face because her smile softens. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

I think for a moment, drumming my fingers against the wooden countertop. Do I unload everything that’s been spinning around in my head, or do what I always do and pretend I’m fine?

Diane knows more about me than most people do, but I hate feeling like a burden to her. She’s always there to listen, always knows exactly what to say, yet I can’t help feeling guilty that she has to carry the weight of my struggles as well as her own.

Apparently I take too long deciding, because Diane crosses her arms and gives me that look. “Go sit. Now.”

There is no arguing with this woman, so I find a small table at the back where it’s quiet. Perfect for an intense conversation. Pulling my phone out of my jeans pocket, a message flash up on the screen.

Olliepop: Josh just got home. Want him to call you?

Me: Got sorted thanks.

Olliepop: Everything okay?

I stare at the screen for a second before typing the biggest lie I’ve told all day.

Me: Fine.