Page 123 of Lose You Twice

Obviously.

Practice runs long. Or maybe it only feels that way because my lower back hurts, and every whistle drills into my skull. I keep moving through small tasks, careful not to bend too fast. Once, while carrying a stack of towels, a cramp hits hard enough that I have to stop near the hall and press one hand to the wall.

The worst of it passes after a minute, leaving me sweaty and irritated. I hate this. I hate being slowed down by my own body. I hate that everyone can see it today. I hate that Harlow’s words keep echoing in my mind.

PCOS. Endometriosis. Something hormonal.

Soon, I had told her.

Soon is a dangerous word. It sounds responsible while letting you postpone everything.

The practice doors open, and players start filing off the ice. I push to my feet before Donnelly can comment. Kai is one of the last through the tunnel, talking to Grayson, but his eyes cut to me almost immediately.

I give him a look that says do not ask.

He gives me a look that says I already know.

Annoying man.

By the time cleanup is done, I’m sweaty, exhausted, and mad at myself for being both. The equipment room is mostly empty. Donnelly sends me to grab one last bin from the bench area, then tells me I’m done for the day.

“It’s only six,” I say.

“I know it is six, and you’re leaving.”

“I’m scheduled until seven.”

“Great. I’m unscheduling you.”

“Can you do that?”

“I can do anything.” He takes the clipboard out of my hand and jerks his chin toward the door. “Go home, Calloway.”

I want to argue, because the last thing I need is less hours, meaning less money.

Instead, I nod because I might actually cry if someone says something kind to me one more time. I absolutely despise hormones.

The hall outside is quiet. Most of the team has cleared out or moved to the weight room. I make it halfway to the side exit before I realize Kai is leaning against the wall near the doors, bag over one shoulder, phone in hand.

Waiting.

My stupid heart reacts before the rest of me can remind it to be normal.

“You lurking now?” I ask.

He ignores my question as he studies my face. “Can I walk you to your car?”

I should say no, but I nod a yes instead.

His mouth almost smiles.

We walk side by side through the side exit into the evening air. The sky is already darkening, the parking lot lights buzzing overhead. My cramps are still there, dull and pulsing, but the fresh air helps.

Kai slows his pace to match mine.

I roll my eyes. “You don’t have to walk like a snail to let me keep up.”

“I’m walking like I have legs longer than yours, and I’m trying not to be an ass.”