“Fuck!” My hand hasn’t even been on my cock for thirty seconds before my phone screen lights up with Thatcher’s name. I can’t even be mad at him. I did ask him to call me, after all. With a sigh, I pull the tub drain and stand to dry off and grab dinner as we chat. I think I have one more frozen lasagna that Ellie prepped for me…
“Hey bro, thanks for calling. I wasn’t convinced you would, since you stealmygrandmother for a minimum of two hours every time you talk on the phone.”
His smiling face fills my screen, and I prop my phone up on the counter as I move to prep my food. “She had to let me go when her new boo called. Otherwise, you’re right. So how does it feel to officially move on in the playoffs? I wouldn’t know.”
“Don’t use humor to deflect your pain, Thatcher Prescott. Not with me,” I tease as I wait for the microwave to finish. “How are you holding up?”
He props his own phone up in his shower, giving me a view I didnotask for, and winces. “I’m…okay. I’ve been better, not gonna lie. But I’ve taken everyone’s advice and stayed off social media, and I haven’t even turned on the TV to see the highlights played over and over. I’m better than I was a couple of days ago.”
“Shit, man,” I mumble around a mouthful of food. “I’m sorry for not reaching out sooner. I—”
“Don’t even apologize for that! I can tell how tired you are, and I know the coach down there is hardcore. You had a series to win. I’m glad you focused on that instead of my sorry ass. Besides, all your attention that isn’t spent on hockey should absolutely be on communicating with the love of your life.”
That statement would have made me choke on my garlic bread not even a few months ago, but I just shrug my shoulders. “Doesn’t mean I don’t care about you, bud. Actually, now that you’re done for the year—”
“Fuck you—” He laughs.
“Why don’t you come downand stay here for a bit? You can go to the beach when we’re at away games. If you think Grandma can manage without you for a short visit.”
He’s out of the shower now, and I can see that he looks about as tired as I feel. “I’ll think about it. Might be nice to see some more of your girl.”
“Watch it,” I growl.
“Have you guys told her family? Or are you still waiting until—”
“The end of the playoffs, yeah.”
His grimace matches my feelings on the matter. “That could be almost two months, man.”
“I know. But I don’t see an alternative unless I want to totally implode this team and also possibly risk extreme bodily harm.”
“Fair enough. I’m sure it’ll all work out.”
“Hmm. Well, let me know if you decide to come down. I know Grandma is for a few games, but you know she never stays with me.”
He laughs, and I’m glad I’ve gotten to brighten his day just a bit. “The fact that she demands to stay at the Four Seasons and you always let her will never stop being funny.”
“What can I say? I like to spoil the women in my life.”
With a loaded look, we say our goodbyes, and he promises to let me know soon if he’s able to come down. I’m in bed within five minutes, swallowing another ibuprofen and hoping I sleep better than I have the last few nights. If I can just see Ellie in my dreams, maybe we can find time together in real life, too.
The past few nights, though, her brothers have haunted my sleep, bringing only nightmares.
Chapter 23
I’m on thefloor of my bathroom where I’ve been all morning, playing with the tufts of my soft fuzzy mat, when the inevitable knock comes on my bedroom door. I’ve been here way too long not to raise suspicion from someone.
Mustering up all my strength, I give my best, “Hello?”
“It’s me, sweetie,” Mama calls from the hall. “Are you still going to the hospital today? Nonna wants to know how many hats you need.”
Fuck me…I completely forgot about the hospital this week. I’ve actually forgotten about anything aside from hockey. This is the first year in a long time that the Tide has a real shot at the Cup, and I’m genuinely excited for my brothers, but my excitement for Teddy is unmatched. I want this dream of his so bad, even if it means we don’t get to see each other as much.
“Actually, I’m feeling a little under the weather today. I must have eaten some bad sushi last night. I’ll call them and let them know I’m not coming.”
It takes Mama a moment to respond. “Oh, I’m sorry, dear. Is there anything I can get you?”
“If you could bring up some ginger ale and crackers, maybe?”
