Page 90 of Remember Me

“Hey, baby,” I say quietly into the phone.

She looks tired, so I won’t keep her long. I just wanted to see her face.

“Hey, superstar, congrats on tonight's game.” She’s smiling into the camera.

I love her smile.

“Thanks, it was a great game, we all felt really strong. Even if the Sharks did make us work for it.”

“What time will you be back tomorrow?” she yawns, rubbing her eyes.

“We land early, but then we’ve got a gym workout. So, I think I’ll be back in the early afternoon?”

“Ah ok, perfect. Can you get me from your mom’s again?”

“Uhm sure, but you don’t look like you’re there right now?”

“Oh, I’m not. We’re heading over there tomorrow for book club as your mom has her doggy daycare going on.”

“We? Who’s we?” I question.

“Me and Kayla, she’s picking me up in the morning. Hopefully, I can start driving again soon.”

“Ah, I see. No problem, baby. I’ll swing by for you. I’ll let you get some sleep, and I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“I can’t wait. My bed feels empty without you.”

“I’m not going to lie; I’m really missing you. God, I sound like such a sap.”

She giggles. “Yeah, but I like it.”

“Night, Lottie.”

“Night, J.”

We hang up. I drift off to sleep, dreaming of an angel with blonde hair and grey eyes.

The next morning, I’m up early and packing my shit. I can’t wait to get out of here and back home to my girl. I know I still have stuff to do before I can go home, but being back in San Diego is one step closer to being with her.

If my teammates could hear me now.

Codey has already gone down for breakfast, so I’m alone with my thoughts. There was talk again last night of the expansion draft and the new Texan team. I’m trying not to worry about it, but knowing I only have a year left on my current contract—and if the price was right the Seals could trade me—well, it makes me nervous.

I’m trying to keep calm and not worry until someone says something to me, and I certainly won’t be mentioning this to Lottie for now. I can’t be certain at this point whether she would come with me if the worst happened.

Overnight bag packed, I head down to breakfast and find the table the guys are sitting at. Louis has a massive plate of bacon and scrambled eggs that he’s devouring like it’s going out of fashion. Theo has the same thing for breakfast every morning: an egg white omelet with spinach, ham, veggies, and cheese, and a coffee so dark it may as well be black. Codey is a smoothie or protein shake kind of guy. And me? I like to mix it up.

Today, I’ve gone for oatmeal with peanut butter and blueberries, and a protein smoothie. I don’t like to have anything too heavy before a gym session where I know I’ll be lifting.

I look up from my breakfast and notice everyone is either scrolling or texting on their phones. When did we all become so unsociable? Deciding to put an end to the doomscrolling, I ask, “How’s everyone feeling about the season starting in a couple of weeks?”

Theo puts down his phone. “I’m pumped. I can’t wait for the roar of the crowds and the fans.”

“I’m hoping we make it to the playoffs this year. We missed out marginally and I’m still sour about it.” Louis mentions. As the goalie, he seems to have taken it personally that we didn’t secure a place in the playoffs, but the team isn’t one person.

“It’s a team effort, man, not just your responsibility. We could have all done more if we’re being honest.” I clap a hand on his back.

Codey grunts his agreement. “Exactly, there’s no I in team. But this year we’re bringing that cup home.”