Gwen’s last message makes me laugh.
I stretch out on the bed, and before I know it, I’m asleep.
On Monday, the locker room smells like sweat, disinfectant, and burnt coffee after practice.
Not fresh coffee. Not the kind you drink because you want, but the kind that just exists because it has to. Brewed too early, forgotten immediately, reheated twice, and still consumed out of habit.
Obligation coffee.
It’s the same smell it’s always been, and usually, that steadiness grounds me. The locker room has rules. Rituals. Expectations that don’t change depending on how you slept or what’s been gnawing at your ribs.
But today?
I’ve been thinking about the bakery all day.
“You were on fire today.”
Blake’s voice comes from my left, satisfied like he’s already picked up on something and is enjoying the slow reveal. I don’t look up.
“Thanks,” I reply.
“What’s got you so motivated?” he asks.
I keep taping my leg while he watches me. He leans against the divider between our stalls, arms crossed. I can feel his attention like pressure between my shoulder blades.
“No clue. Coach says we should all be motivated, right?” I shrug. “By the way, sorry again, I didn’t tell you my sister was arriving.”
“Don’t worry about it. She was nice… once she realized I wasn’t an intruder. Only took her thirty minutes of screaming,” Blake says, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Sounds like Lisa,” I laugh. “I’m out of here. I’m going to get myself a decent coffee.”
“Can you give me a ride?” Blake asks. “My car’s in the shop, and I refuse to ride with Holt again. He gives off fangirl energy.”
“Yeah, alright,” I say, grabbing my stuff. “Let’s go.”
Noah Kahan is playing softly on the radio as we pull out of the parking lot.
“I wouldn’t mind a coffee,” Blake adds casually.
“You really have no shame,” I laugh. “Fine. We’ll go to the bakery, but no funny business in front of Gwen.”
The second I step inside, I regret bringing him.
Blake grabs my arm dramatically and switches into a Valley Girl voice.
“Like, oh my god, it’s your crush,” he squeals.
Embarrassment floods my entire body.
“Hi,” Gwen says, a little unsure. “Is everything ok with him?” she asks, nodding toward Blake.
“I’ve known him for years and still don’t have an answer to that,” I laugh.
“Well, if it isn’t my two favorite Grizzlies,” Leo’s voice calls from the back.
Of course. He’s here too.
“Hey, what’s up, man?” Blake says, instantly dropping the accent as he pulls Leo into a hug.
