She laughs softly at that, and it settles something in me.
When we hang up, I sit there for a second, staring at her contact photo on my screen. The one that synced over when I first saved her number on my phone.
I take in her green eyes. Her blond hair is pulled back, with loose pieces framing her face. The freckles dusting the apples of her cheeks.
I trace my thumb over the edge of the screen without meaning to.
Then I lock the phone and stand up before I start missing her more than I already do. She doesn’t leave my mind, though, as I get ready to head out or when I step into the hallway, joining several of the guys in rooms nearby.
We’re all carrying our gear bags as we head to the bay of elevators.
I pull out my earbuds and tuck them in my ears, drowning out the sound of someone arguing about dinner plans for after the game.
I don’t join in.
The elevator ride is cramped. I adjust the strap of my bag and roll my shoulder once, as we head through the doors leading out to the bus idling for us.
I climb on and take my usual spot. Everything looks different in Kolmont.
Leaning back, I close my eyes for a few minutes. In a couple of hours, the lights will be bright enough to drown out everything.
That’s what I’m counting on.
***
“You look like you’re feeling better,” Owen says, flashing me a smirk as he drops down onto the bench beside me. “You must’ve called her, eh?”
I roll my eyes and smile, shaking my head. “Yeah, I talked to her. You’re right. I’m feelin’ better now.”
He nods and starts taping his stick.
I’m halfway through pulling on my compression shirt and pants when I hear it.
“Rowden.”
I glance up to find Coach Dawson standing near the door. Talon and Owen both pause, likely wondering the same thing I am. What the hell could he possibly want?
“Coach?”
“Can I have a word?”
“Ye-yeah.” I nod, reaching for a pair of shorts.
“What the hell?” Talon mutters behind me, and I shrug.
We step just outside the locker room door. The hallway is loud with arena staff moving about, but it still feels too open.
He doesn’t waste any time before getting into it.
“We’re starting Matthews today.”
For a second, I just stare at him.
“Wait, what?”
“We’re starting Matthews,” he repeats calmly. “You’ll sit this one out and play backup if we need you.”
“What are you talking about? Why are you sitting me out?”
