Lydia
I’m fine, Fletcher.
Me
My parents are in town until tomorrow if you need anything.
Lydia
Yeah, I’m getting dinner with them tonight.
Me
Clutching pearls gif.
Without me? The audacity.
Lydia
Pretty sure they like me more than you
Me
Can’t say I blamethem
Lydia
I’m their favorite bonus child
Me
Not wrong.
I turn off my phone, resting my head back on the headrest. I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong. Maybe she's been working too hard lately? Or maybe her parents are coming to town. She always gets weird when that happens.
I’ll figure it out sooner or later. For now, I’ll get to know my new teammate better.
“So, Aadland, how are you settling in?” I ask.
“Fine.” His Norwegian accent is thick as he navigates the English words. “America is different.”
“I can’t even imagine. Did they set you up in the apartments near the arena?”
“Yes, but I would like to buy a house here if I am offered a longer contract. I like it here.”
“I’m glad.” I clap him on the shoulder. “Do you have a wife? Kids?”
“No. Only me.” He shakes his head, his light blonde hair falling into his eyes.
“Well, you’ve got a team at your back, so if you ever need anything, we are just a text or call away.”
Trigg offers me a fond smile. “Thanks.”
I spend the rest of the flight getting to know Trigg, with Calvin chiming in from across the aisle. Bonding with new teammates can be hard, especially when trades happen mid-season, but in the long run, it’s worth the extra effort. It makes a stronger team.
“Are you going out tonight?” Calvin asks as we board the bus. His red curls are sticking out under the stockingcap on his head.
Trigg sits beside me again, his eyebrows lifted.
