Alden beat Princeton 3-1, with Guy getting an assist to go with his goal. We waited for him after the game for what felt like an eternity. Guy and his teammates trickled out of the locker room. His hair was still damp and tousled. I had to admit, he looked like a friggin’ dreamboat. Plus, there was that whole suit rule, so he and every one of his teammates were also dressed up in their finest.
His smile was wide as he approached me. “Great job, Frenchie,” I said, reaching up to hug him. He pecked my cheek, as he sometimes did, his stubble scraping my jaw. He pulled me off my feet, being so much taller than me and wanting to give me a real hug. After he put me down, I stepped back and flashed my hand to Violet.
“This is my roommate, Violet.”
“Great to meet you. Thanks so much for coming!” Guy said. “You two want to come to the after party? It’s at the hockey house. You’d be guests of honor.”
“Hell yeah,” Violet said, but I hesitated.
“I don’t think I can,” I said slowly.
“What?” Guy and Violet both snapped their heads toward me.
“Why, Birdy?” Guy followed up.
“I just . . . I don’t feel very good.”
Guy pressed the back of his hand to my forehead, looking worried. “You don’t feel hot.”
The god-awful smell of his hands overtook me. “Guy, hockeyhands!”
“You missed them,” he teased, shoving them more in my face. I faked a gag, but it wasn’t all that fake. “For real, why are you sick?”
“It’s nothing. I just need to sleep it off, I think. Violet can go in my place, though, and take a friend.”
“Yeah, yeah, you’re welcome to come,” Guy said to Violet, still not taking his eyes off me. “Want me to take you home, Birdy?”
“No, Violet can get me there,” I said. “Really, it’s nothing.”
“Well, thanks for coming, even though you didn’t feel good. You need anything?” Guy offered, pulling me to him again.
“No thanks.”
And with a concerned look over his shoulder, he let us go.
Chapter 11
Kitty
When I’d settled into my PJs with my heating pad and trashy shows, I got a text.
GUY-GUY FRENCHIE
U get home ok?
Yeah thx. Excited for ur party?
Kitty tell me whats wrong
I’m ur oldest friend here. I’m worried. U looked pale
It’s not a big deal
Birdy come on
U really wanna know
Yes!!
