“Thank you,” I said darkly.
“We need to talk,” he returned, looking just as pissed.
“Yeah, this is an invitation,” Nilsson said.
Zuke’s face-palmed. “No, man, it’s called an in-ter-ven-tion,” he said slowly.
“Yupp, this is an intervention. We heard all about what you pulled on Ali this summer,” Niko said.
“Too busy with hockey? Long distance is hard? Really? Using that on a girl you’re clearly in love with?” Zukes arched an eyebrow.
I shook my head. “You guys don't understand, you don’t have the full picture of things,” I argued.
Niko paused and studied me closely, and I had to fight the urge to shove him away. “Maybe not,” he finally said. “It seems like you guys have a long history. Not quite sure why she flinched when I touched hand at dinner, or why you’re so panicked over her just hanging out with us.” He held my gaze, waiting for me to talk. But I wouldn’t. It wasn’t my story to tell. When I didn't speak, he said, “But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re being a complete idiot.”
“She said she only wants to be friends, that’s what I’m—”
“She’s only saying that because she’s scared,” Niko said.
“Yeah, a girl will mirror how you treat her,” Zukes said reasonably. “If you act unsure, she’s gonna be unsure.”
I went to argue, but I couldn’t. I rubbed my forehead. The bonehead actually made sense.
“You decided what was best for the both of you without even asking her,” Niko said. “That’s being a shit teammate. You just steamrolled over her. What if she wanted to stop touring? Did you even ask her? Maybe she was looking for a change and you justdecided—nope, she’s gonna tour forever, better ditch out before this hurts me.”
“You were scared, and then you madeherscared,” Zukes said. He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. “This is all making so much sense. The girl’s a genius.” He grinned proudly. “And nowI’ma genius. Fuck yeah.”
My face cracked in confusion. “What?”
“Ignore him. Ali thinks you’re only with her because of the baby,” Niko said in a hushed voice. “You better fix it.”
“Yeah, fix it,” Nilsson added.
I was planning on it, but I didn’t like the way this punk was ordering me around. “Or what?”
“Or we’re dropping gloves,” Niko said without a trace of humor on his face. “Get your head in the game, McQuaid.”
I rolled my shoulders back.
“We’re serious.”
“I know,” I said.
“We like her.”
Rubbing my forehead, I nodded.Who wouldn’t?I assessed the guys for a beat. “I kinda like you three.”
“We kinda like you.” Niko smirked. “So don’t make us have to fight you.”
“Ready?” Ali poked her head out the door. She turned to give the guys a wave.
“Bye Ali,” they all chorused together.
“Come back soon,” Nilsson said.
“You’re always invited to hot tub time,” Zukes added.
Niko gave her a salute. “I’ll text ya, blondie.” After Ali turned, he gave me a warning glare and mouthed,“I’m watching you.”
