Leo glances around the room, taking a moment before responding.
“You’re right,” he says finally. “I’m sorry. These girls are something special, man, Tess and Gwen.”
“I don’t know Tess well enough yet, but I’ll take your word for it,” I reply with a small grin. “The only questionable thing about her is that she chose to date you.”
“You know what? I’m still trying to figure that out myself,” he says, placing a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve got it good, Zane.”
It’s strange seeing Leo this sentimental in his own way. Tess has clearly gotten to him, and maybe Gwen has similarly gotten to me.
“Got any plans tonight?” Leo asks as he straightens up.
“Actually, I’m seeing Gwen. We’re going on our second date,” I say with a smile. I’ve been thinking about it all day, honestly, ever since we said goodbye.
“I’ll leave you to it then. Want to grab a beer tomorrow?” Leo asks as he heads toward the exit.
“Just tell me the time, and I’ll be there.”
Leo leaves the locker room with the same urgency with which he arrived. He always seems to be in a rush.
I say goodnight to the remaining players and quickly make my way out of the rink as well.
Holt’s car is parked beside mine, and he catches up to me before I can leave.
“We’ve got a Grizzlies party next week. Are you coming?” he asks.
I sigh internally. The Grizzlies’ parties are always too loud for my liking, but Coach insists that showing up is part of being a team player.
“I’ll think about it,” I tell him as I reach for my keys.
“Bring your friends, a plus one, anyone you like!” Holt calls after me as I get into my car.
I smile and nod before closing the door and starting the engine.
The drive home should take about twenty minutes with this traffic, but it somehow feels like two hours. The anticipation of seeing Gwen again does things to me.
When I reach my apartment building, something feels… off. I can’t quite put my finger on it.
“There he is,” I hear as I open the door.
Shit. Right.
Lisa is here.
My stomach drops not just from the surprise, but from realizing I forgot, even though I arranged her room and everything. My mind hasn’t been fully present lately.
“Hey, sis,” I say as she rushes over and pulls me into a tight hug.
“I’ve missed you. Have you been working out?” she asks, squeezing my arm, which makes me laugh.
“I’ve missed you, too. Did you see the things I got you? Do you need anything else?” I ask, falling into my usual, practical mode.
“I have everything I need. More than that, actually,” she says with a warm smile.
Knowing I’ll be seeing Gwen soon is already making me nervous, and now I feel a twinge of guilt leaving Lisa alone in the apartment on her first night back in town.
“Do you maybe want to have dinner together?” Lisa asks, her voice bright with excitement.
A wave of dread hits me. She notices immediately, tilting her head.
