I throw myself onto the couch. “If we end up with anything other than forty bags of chips, I’ll take it as a win.”
When Peeks shuffles up next to me, I grab his arm and haul it around my shoulders. “Dancing with death here, D. Zach walks in, he’ll cut my arm off. I need it for hockey.”
“Nothing else?”
“Just the sport of the gods.”
I hoot. “He won’t amputate your arm. He’s not that bad.”
“Ha! You’re not blind. You know he’s possessive as fuck.”
“Kinda dig it.”
“You sure? I can talk to him about it?—”
Touched, I turn into him. “You’re a good friend, Peeks.”
“Nah. I sucked last year,” is his sheepish rebuttal. “Didn’t even realize how I was veering more toward the team than you until Zach got here.”
“It’s—”
“Don’t say it’s fine. It’s not.”
“Neither of us were doing so well with him not being here and knowing Jo was ill… dying.” I swallow as he tightens his arm and draws me into a hug. “Last year sucked in general.”
“Can confirm. If he gets a bit much, though, tell me.”
“I will, but I can handle it. We’re talking about Jo some. About his temper.”
“You noticed?”
“How couldn’t I?” I tease. “Dyers deserves it so it’s hard to chide Zach for acting out. Especially when he keeps it off the ice. Last thing we need is him getting thrown out for gross misconduct—on his own team!”
“True. You happy with him?”
“Yeah.” I squirm. “Didn’t think it’d be like this.”
“Thought you were turning into a nun on me. Only thing that reassured me was the fact you’re more sinner than saint.”
“Can you imaginemein a convent?”
“The nuns would definitely excommunicate you.”
“100%. How are things with Hailey?” It’s the first chance I’ve had to talk about her with him. She’s spent the day with us, but she’s the only one not outright terrified of Rocket, Callan’s dog, so she took him outside to go pee.
“Fine. She works a lot of hours so I don’t get to see her as much as I’d like.”
“She’s on a scholarship, isn't she?”
“Still needs to eat. I stay at her place more so she’ll eat the food I bring home. But she’s too conscientious to quit.”
“You’re a hockey player, Pecan. She doesn’t know how long this’ll last.”
He grunts so I know he gets where I’m coming from.
Before he can answer, though, we both freeze and not because we’ve been caught talking about her.
“We’re back!” Hailey calls from the hall as the door slams closed.
