Settled.
Interesting word choice.
“I’ve been working on it,” I say. How exactly is having a fake girlfriend helping my real hockey game? Your guess is as good as mine.
He claps my shoulder. “Well, keep working. We need you sharp for playoffs.”
“Yes, sir.”
The locker room is the usual chaos—guys stripping off gear, heading for showers, arguing about last night’s NFL game. I’m pulling off my jersey when Tyler drops onto the bench beside me.
“So. Chloe.”
“What about her?”
“She coming to Friday’s game?”
I hesitate. Chloe’s not exactly the sports kind of girl. But then again…that’s what a real girlfriend would do…right? Feels like a trap. I flash a smile. “Yeah, I don’t know. She’s got a lot going on with her sister’s wedding.”
“Well, tell her she should come.” He grins. “You’ve been less miserable lately. Whatever she’s doing, it’s working.”
I stuff my jersey in my locker without response.
“Seriously, man. You’ve been wound tight for months. It’s nice to see you loosening up.”
“I’m still the same person, Torch.”
“Yeah, but you’re not walking around like the world’s about to end anymore. So…are you really?”
“Ouch.” I grimace, feigning injury.
He chuckles as he heads for the showers.
I sit there with my gear half off, his words sitting uncomfortably in my chest.
Am I different?
Less miserable?
I haven’t thought about it. Haven’t had the time. I’ve been too busy trying not to set my career on fire, juggling the constant calculation of what’s real and what’s tactical between Chloe and me.
But maybe he’s right.
Maybe something is working.
Now I just need to make sure, when things with Chloe come to a crashing halt, that it doesn’t disappear.
I pull off my skates. Toss them in my locker. Head for the showers too.
The hot water feels good against sore muscles. I let myself stand under the spray, let the water rush over me, quiet my mind. I let the game fade away, the contract, my renewal, my reputation…all of it. And then I’m back to Chloe…
To our date, tonight.
Seven p.m., Barcelona Wine Bar. Reservation for two.
A real date. That’s what I called it, but it’s more like recon work. A chance to get to know Chloe on a deeper level. Make us convincing enough that Derek backs off and our next event doesn’t turn into an execution.
And maybe—maybe—figure out what I’m actually doing here.
