Maybe not ever.
Chest tight and head pounding, I shove into the locker room. Mercifully, the space is empty, the rest of the team still out on the ice. Leaving me alone with my depressing as hell thoughts.
I strip out of my sweaty practice gear and hit the showers, the hot spray spreading like stinging nettle across my back.
At least I fucking feel something. It’s better than being numb, like I’ve been since last night.
I lather my body, trying to wash away the bitter disappointment. Rinse, towel off.
I’m at my locker getting dressed when the door slams behind me.
Dammit.
I wanted to get out before the team piled in. Luck’s not on my side today, that’s for damn sure.
“Hey.” Callum’s low voice breaks the silence.
I give him a quick nod, then duck inside my locker to avoid his piercing gaze.
“Rough practice, huh? I saw Keller corner you.”
I shrug, pulling my bag out of my locker. “Yeah. I didn’t sleep great. I’m gonna catch a nap — I’ll be fine by the game.”
Callum narrows his eyes at me. “Is that all? Usually you power through. I’ve seen you score three goals after pulling an all-nighter.”
My gut rolls, heat creeping up my neck. I don’t say anything, just shrug.
“Where’s Tori? I haven’t seen her around.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, kicking around what to say. “No idea. She’s off my case.”
“Huh.” Callum doesn’t push it, standing still and waiting for me to break first.
“Yeah. And I’m pretty sure she’s staying at her apartment, not the hotel.”
“Pretty sure?” He arches a brow, head tipped like a bloodhound.
“Yeah. What’s it to you?” Anger seeps into my voice and I instantly regret it. I may as well wave a fucking banner admitting I’m in love with her.
“Just an observation.” Callum reaches out, touching my forearm. “Want to talk about it?”
Sometimes it sucks being a triplet. I can’t get anything past these motherfuckers.
“Not really.” I shove a hand in my pocket, kick at the concrete floor. “The donor event last night didn’t go great.”
“What do you mean?”
My ribs squeeze as I flash back to the conversation with Eleanor MacDonald and the investor guy.
Errant hockey player. Probation situation.
The way Tori’s gaze flicked to mine, her cheeks staining pink. Like she was embarrassed to be with me.
I can’t admit that. Even to my brother.
“There was a dust up with someone from Tori’s past. I walked away, let her handle it.”
Callum nods. “I see.”
