I frown at the thought of him, but quickly choose to push it away. I’m pretty sure the guy is never going to go away for more than just a couple of weeks—no matter how much I’d like for him to.
I make my way back into the living room. My teammate Blaze and his wife, Addy, are now singing karaoke, while everyone else watches, giggling at how off-key they are.
I glance toward the back door, where some of my other teammates are lounging around the pool, though not swimming. The pool is heated, but no one seems to ever care about that when we’re this close to the holidays.
A hand comes down on my shoulder, and I look over to see my best friend and teammate grinning at me. Kade’s jet-black hair is swept to the side, and there’s something about him now that just seems to be glowing.
“You played like a champ today, Williamston,” he says. “I swear, the game before Thanksgiving is always your best one.”
“Nah.” I wave a hand, playing it off. “Every game is my best one.”
“Alright.” Kade shakes his head. “I forgot that you can’t keep your ego in check these days.”
“What? No. It’s always in check.” My eyes drift around the room. I spot Genna giggling as she takes a sip of her drink, her eyes focused on Paul. I don’t mind the rookie, but I do hope he keeps his greedy hands to himself.
“Your sister seems to really like Paul,” Kade muses, nudging me.
“Can’t say I see why...” I huff.
“Hey, it could be worse. She could be into Brad.”
I give him a disgusted look, thinking about the rookie that spends more time picking his nose than playing. “I think I’d have to intervene on that one.” I’ve always told myself that I’d never get in the way of my sister, even if she had a thing for one of the guys on my team—but Idohave some limits.
Kade bursts into a cackle. “And who’s the girl?”
“Which one?” I smirk, glancing back toward the two blonde models.
The goalie’s smile fades. “The one you were over here laughing with a few minutes ago.”
“Oh, that’s Chey. She’s my little sister’s best friend and roommate.” I shrug before noticing she’s no longer in the house. They must’ve gone outside, and honestly, it’s for the better. Garrett breathing the same air as me is not exactly something I’m a big fan of.
“Wait,thatwas Cheyenne? Wow, I didn’t even recognize her. It’s been awhile since she’s come to a party...”
“Yeah, well, she’s here tonight with her boyfriend.”
“That’s cool.” Kade says the words like he’s not very sure of himself, and I make a face. “Wait, is he the annoying guy that you complain about on, like,everyholiday?”
Do I really complain about Garrettthatmuch?
“Uh ... Maybe. Probably.” I shift back on my heels, my black Vans a stark contrast to the white carpet beneath my feet. I don’t know why I ever agreed to this flooring. I spend more money cleaning it than I did to have it installed.
“You know, I think that might be the only person I’ve ever heard you complain about. You’re usually friends with everyone.” Kade takes a sip of his drink, shooting me a smirk.
“That’s rich coming from a guy in a cashmere sweater.” I gesture to the olive-colored thing he has on.
“Ella got it for me.”
“Makes sense. It’s definitely got math teacher vibes.” I laugh. “Look, I get that you’re into your fiancée being a teacher and all that, but it doesn’t mean you have to dress like one too.”
He playfully punches my arm. “Shut it.”
“Speaking of, is Ella coming tonight?”
“Yeah, she’ll be here in a bit. She’s dropping Colton off at a friend’s house.”
I feel a slight pang of something in my chest as I think about the little family that Kade’s gained after giving skating lessonsto Ella’s eleven-year-old son last year. Those three have been inseparable ever since.
It’s ... sweet. In a nauseating type of way.
