“So, Forest, how did y’all meet?” Valencia asked.
I laughed as she stood next to us. A few of Webber’s other teammates showed up and I didn’t think I had ever seen him look happier. Jude and I, at one point, just watched him, content to see him happy.
“Jude, why are you so squirmy?” I whispered in his ear.
He turned around, his face flushed as he whined.
“I think I’m ready to go,” he said, leaning against me, rocking his pelvis.
“Princess.” I growled.
He pulled me down to whisper in my ear and I was not ready for what he said next.
“Daddy, the plug in my ass is killing me.”
17
sam
Stepping into the arena felt like I had made the biggest mistake. I didn’t know if I could go through with this and why had I thought this was a good idea? But when the puck dropped and I saw my ex-teammates in action, I knew I had made the right decision.
I fucking missed hockey, and I could never give it up, even if I never played it again. Hockey had been my life for twenty years and staying away was like giving up breathing. It was part of me and always would be.
The balm on my soul was a fan who still recognized me, asking for my autograph, wishing me well and telling me even if I didn't play, I was their favorite player. Meeting the kids was my favorite part of playing hockey and it was one of the things I'd missed the most.
As I was looking around at the few teammates who came out to meet me for drinks, my heart was full in a way I didn’t think was possible. Cap was showing me pictures of his little ones who were so fucking cute and the pride in his eyes was swoon-worthy. He was drinking water, only staying for a little because he didn’t want Heather to be alone for too long, but he wanted to see me. Clarke was playing pool with Gomez, Riggs and Valencia,laughing and god knows what obscene thing Clarke was saying. Then there was Forest and Jude sitting at the corner observing everything. All my favorite people close by.
“It seems you aren’t that lonely without hockey,” Cap said.
I shrugged. “I hope not. It was rough finding out I wasn’t re-signed and?—”
“I fought for you,” he interrupted. “I said to give you time, that we needed you because you Gomez and Riggs were amazing, but you know hockey politics.”
“I appreciate it, Cap, but I don’t know if I’d ever be good enough for hockey again,” I said, clapping his shoulder. “That last surgery was a risk and well, I haven’t been on the ice yet.”
“I think you might be surprised where life leads you,” he said with a smile. “Well, I need to get going.”
“Yeah, get back to your family. Tell Heather I said hello and give those kids some love from their uncle Webber,” I said, giving him a hug.
“I will,” he chuckled. “Also, thanks for that cool jumping balloon you got for the summer.”
“Oh yeah, of course man,” I said. “I have no one else to spoil.”
“Thanks, we appreciated it,” he grinned. “Not that they need to be spoiled by anyone else.”
Cap said his goodbyes as my eyes found Forest and Jude again. My stomach swooped in anticipation at getting them into the hotel tonight, but I noticed Forest had a feral look he was giving Jude, who looked flushed and extremely turned on.
What the hell was going on?
“You’re so whipped,” Clarke said, taking a drink of his beer.
“Shut up,” I elbowed him.
“Finally made a move on the best friend, it's about time,” he said, waggling his eyebrows. “Was it everything you imagined?”
“Clarke.” I playfully pushed him.
“I was wondering if you guys would ever get together,” Riggs said, coming up to us. “I didn’t know if you were oblivious or didn’t want to ruin the friendship.”
