“Shit. Did you two break up?” Alfie asks.
“Yup.” Another gulp. At least the beer might help my feelings.
“What happened? You two were so good together,” Jack says. “Last I saw, you two were annoyingly happy.”
I shrug a shoulder, picking at the coaster that sits on the table. The hotel bar isn’t busy, with a few empty tables scattered around the small space. If I can find the words, I’ll be able to talk without anyone overhearing.
“Said I didn’t fit her plan.”
While I, on the other hand, was doing everything to make Liv a part of mine. Isn’t that what you do with people you love?
“Fuck, Tag. I’m sorry,” Jack commiserates. “There’s nothing worse than getting kicked to the curb.”
“Tell me about it. I think getting divorced hurt less than this.”
I gave Liv every part of me. There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. The gulf in my chest widens.
“At least you can focus on hockey,” Alfie says. “And we’re here for you.”
“Whatever you need,” Jack reiterates.
“Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.” It’s nice to have people I can count on here. Ones that I can turn to when thingsgo to shit. I hold up my glass in cheers. “I know we lost, but I’m glad to have you guys by my side out there.”
“Cheers, mate.”
I take a long drag of beer before pouring myself another glass.
“Now, enough talk about me. Give me the update on your lives.”
“You mean besides hockey?” Alfie quirks a brow at me under his glasses. “Pretty much all we do here.”
“Then the three of us are all single? Damn, are we sad or what?”
“Hey, I didn’t say I was.” Jack leans back in his seat and crosses his arms.
“Are you seeing someone? You haven’t said anything.”
Jack laughs. “Unlike you two, I tend to play things closer to the vest.”
“That’s a no.” Alfie laughs. “I tried to set him up last week and he said that he wasn’t interested in dating right now.”
“Fucker.” Jack flips him off. “It could have been because I was seeing someone.”
“Which you’re not,” Alfie corrects him.
“Fine. I’m not. But I’d like to be.”
“You’re interested in someone?” I ask.
“Yes, but I’m not telling either of you who.”
“I’ll tell you I’m interested in someone,” Alfie starts, “but you won’t like who.”
“Why not?” My senses tingle. “Why wouldn’t we like this person?”
“It’s Imogen.”
“Ahh.”
