We win the first face off, and score within the first sixty seconds of the game. We keep that lead all the way until the third period, when the Tornadoes score to tie the game. It takes us into OT.
They score and win the game, which is a letdown. But we’re still in the playoffs, so we have something to look forward to.
When I’m heading toward the tunnel, I get the feeling I’m being watched. I glance up and look into the crowd, but there are so many people and only a few seconds before I reach the tunnel, so I duck my head and keep going.
The locker room is always somber after a loss, even though we know we played a good game. Sometimes, it’s just not good enough.
I run through my normal routine after the game—taking off my gear, showering, changing into clean clothes. I go right back to the hotel, not in the mood to socialize because apparently I’m back to normal. Connor invited me out, but I think he already knew I’d decline.
My phone rings, and I see a video call from my mom the moment I step off the elevator to head to my room.
“Hey, Ma,” I answer.
“Sorry about the game, Roman,” she says.
“It’s okay.”
“I know it’s never easy to lose.”
“It’s fine. Really. We’re still in the playoffs, so this wasn’t a huge loss.”
I pull out my key to open my door and let myself in.
“All right. Well, I just wanted to check in.”
“Where’s Taco?”
Ma rolls her eyes. “Sleeping with your father. That little thing takes up the whole bed.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, she really does. Give her a kiss for me.”
“Of course, honey. Love you.”
“Love you, Ma. See you tomorrow.”
We end the call.
The team has two days off before we have a home game. We’ll head back to Colorado tomorrow, I’ll stop at my parents’ to get Taco, then go home and be anti-social until it’s time to go again.
This is my life. This is what it was before, so I don’t know why it feels so terrible now… coming back to it.
I plug my phone in and turn on the TV. There’s a knock at the door, so I get up.
“Forget your key?” I call out as I pull the door open, assuming Connor is back early.
But it isn’t Connor on the other side.
“Nico?” I breathe out, my body a mix of hot and cold.
“Hey, Big Guy,” he says with a smirk. “Did you miss me?”
“I don’t… How…”
“Turns out my cousin is a serious stalker.”
“Huh?”
He raises a brow. “You haven’t talked to Connor?”
