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“Yeah, I’m back.” I give the confirmation when I reach them and we bump fists.
“Jesus, you gave us a scare, Le Blanche. We thought you walked.”
“You should know me better than that.” I wouldn’t quit the team I worked so hard to join without a fight.
“How was Canada?”
“We came through but played like shit. Let’s just say your presence was missed, man.”
“Sorry about that.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Heath says. “We understand why you took off.”
My brows furrow, and I smirk. “I was furious as fuck.”
“We were furious as fuck for you. Plus, you don’t bench one of the star players when it matters most. Jakobe was a prick for doing you dirty like that then allowing Evan to go free.”
“He thinks I’m lucky Evan isn’t pressing charges. Of course, even though people heard me saying I’d kill him I don’t see it that way.”
“Good, because Evan provoked you.” Jake frowns and clenches his jaw.
“That fucker probably didn’t press charges because he’s more worried about your retaliation,” Heath concedes, giving me a steely stare.
“I agree. You don’t bring shit like that to people like me without expecting serious repercussions.” The fact that Evan didn’t also lends more to my theory that he wants to get me kicked off the team. “What was Evan like on the ice?”
“Like he was playing for himself and we didn’t exist.”
Jake nods, agreeing. “I hate to admit it but it’s a little worrying at a time when we’re this close to the playoffs. I almost thought we wouldn’t make it, and I wasn’t the only one.”
“What’s going on with Jakobe?” Heath lifts his chin and gives me a curious stare.
“Obviously, I’m not getting my alternate captain position back, but he’s put me back on track for consideration for captain.”
“Consideration?” Jake raises a questioning brow, looking like he’s read my doubts and can see through what could be shit. Heath has the same suspicious expression.
“Yeah, I know. It doesn’t sound very hopeful, does it?” And now I feel even more out of control.
“Not exactly.” Jake hands a passing waiter his empty wine glass and then his frown deepens. “If Jakobe gives the captain position to Evan it won’t be fair on either of us. We accepted that it should be you because you deserve it.”
“Yeah, exactly,” Heath agrees.
“Thanks, guys.” They’ve given me the same support right from the start. I’ve always acted like a captain even when I’d just joined the team. This shouldn’t be happening to me now. “Let’s just hope I really am back on track and there are no more surprises around the corner. We need to restore our winning mindset.”
Although I say that I can’t ignore the tension clinging to the air like a thick mass of smog. I feel like there’s more to come. More to expect from Evan, but that’s for me to worry about.
Heath gives me a weary grin. “You’re fucking right. It’s going to be Armageddon over the next few weeks.”
We have three home games next week and we’re up against some hardcore teams. It will be like that right through to the playoffs and get progressively harder after that. The best of the best compete for the cup, but that’s what we love—the challenge.
“Then let’s shove the shit to the side and do what we do best—win.”
“Hear, hear,” they both chant.
“Hope you’re energized and had a good break in Vegas.” Heath slaps a hand on my shoulder as a cunning look flashes in his eyes.
“Of course, he did.” Jake grins with the same slyness. “Le Blanche looks like he had enough pussy to last a lifetime.”
They probably both think I had the type of sex marathon we’re all used to. They wouldn’t believe me if I told them that I met only one girl who I can’t get out of my head. And she’s there now, filling every inch of my mind with the image of her glorious body.
