His responses came quickly, which eased some of the worry.
Marco
Glad you landed safe. I’m fine. Stop worrying.
Marco
Foot’s the same. Did my stretches.
Marco
Just ate a sandwich. Not as good as the ones you make.
That last one made me smile like an idiot.
In the locker room before the game, my phone buzzed with another message.
Marco
Good luck tonight. I’ll be watching.
I was typing a response when Boucher’s voice cut through the room.
“Savard. You planning to play hockey tonight or just textyour girlfriend all during the game?”
I looked up. He was watching me with that expression I’d learned to hate—smug, knowing, challenging.
“Just checking in with Morelli,” I said evenly. “Making sure he’s got everything he needs.”
“Right. Morelli.” Boucher’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You two are attached at the hip lately. Can’t even go on a road trip without constant communication.”
Several guys looked over. Interested. Curious.
“He’s recovering from surgery,” I said. “He’s doing better. Thanks for asking.”
“You’re verydedicated.” The emphasis on that word again. “Almost like you’re married or something.”
The locker room went quiet. Not completely silent, but enough that people were definitely paying attention now.
“He’s my best friend,” I said, keeping my voice level even though my heart was pounding. “And my teammate. That’s what teammates do.”
“If you say so.” Boucher turned away, dismissing me.
I shoved my phone in my duffel and focused on getting ready. I taped my stick, checked my equipment, ran through my pregame mental preparation.
But my hands were shaking.
Boucher was getting bolder. More direct.
I forced it out of my mind. Had to focus on the game. On doing my job. Couldn’t let Boucher’s bullshit distract me.
Except I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Every time I stepped onto the ice, Boucher’s voice echoed in my head.Almost like you’re married or something.The smirk. The insinuation. The threat barely hidden beneath the surface.
And underneath that, everything else I was trying not to think about: what I was, what Marco and I had become, what would happen if anyone found out.
My head wasn’t clear. It was chaos.
