King looks over his shoulder. “During the season we have sit-down dinners, but it’s casual in the preseason,” he explains like I give a fuck about the food, but then my stomach rumbles loudly enough for everyone to hear.
His mom gives me a knowing smile. “You boys go fill your plates before you faint from hunger.”
King beelines for the table, leaving me behind.
“Go on, honey.” His mom nudges my arm in encouragement.
She can’t be for real. All the shit she and her son have done to make my life a living hell can’t be undone with a hug and smile. She has to be after something.
I won’t figure it out staring at her so I join my teammates in line for food. It smells so good my mouth waters.
Brant is flirting with King again, and my brain gets fuzzy. I must be hungrier than I thought.
I steer clear of King and his family once my plate is full of pasta, chicken, a veggie medley, and pizza. There are no open tables so I take my chances with Ace and his boyfriend. Given his position, he can’t set a bad example by turning me away.
This idea sounded better in my head than in reality. Yes, I got a reaction out of King, but now I’m stuck here like a middle schooler trying to find friends.
“Have a seat, man.” Ace pulls out the chair next to him.
“Thanks,” I mumble, calculating the time it’ll take me to eat and fucking leave.
Ace calls Brant and Mav over. Great. The new kid club. I really am back in school.
“This is so much better than the AHL,” Mav gushes. “Eatin’ like kings.” He bobs his head as if there’s music. The scruff under his chin looks like he’s unable to grow full facial hair.
I don’t contradict him, but where the hell is this kid from if he thinks this is eating like kings? It’s a subpar buffet.
My phone pings, but of course it isn’t my mom, it’s Sarah. It’s obvious who gives a shit about me and who doesn’t.
Sarah: Hey how’d it go?
I shove food in with one hand and text back with the other.
Me: Fine same old shit new day
Sarah: Glad to hear you haven’t replaced me
Me: Never
Sarah: I saw your team won. Traitor
Me: You hate hockey
Sarah: So? Gotta run byeeee
It’s not like we’d be hanging out if I was in Boston so I don’t understand my pang of loneliness.
“Mav, you finding your way around and adjusting?” Ace asks.
“Yeah. My parents helped me move into a place over the weekend. It’s cool.” He wipes his mouth on a napkin.
“Let me know if you need anything. That goes for all of you. My door’s always open.” Ace looks us all in the eyes, making sure we understand it’s a real offer and not fake words.
“I wouldn’t say your door is always open.” Grayson nudges him with a sly grin. “But he’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”
I’ve never been around guys so open about their sexuality. No one’s muttering insults behind their backs or cracking inappropriate jokes. They must save it all for when they go home. Hockey players are dicks. It’s who we are, and I willingly play the part.
“I’m loving the upgrade to this team.” Brant chews while his gaze swings around the room.
