It’s not until I’ve showered and changed my sheets that I realize I haven’t yet checked my news feeds and chats as I’ve been doing since August.Guiltily, I grab my phone.No news.
I head to the gym to meet with Mats.We used to work out on Sunday mornings, but now he’s talked me into a new regime: recovery days.
Our routine is an easy ride on the stationary bikes, followed by a yoga routine, roller stretches, and then a cold plunge.We’re still experimenting with each element.
Turn down your bike tension,Mats scolds.
I obey with a scowl.It feels like I’m slacking.
You don’t have to punish yourself every time you hit the gym.Now that hockey has started, I bet we’ll see a huge difference in game performance.Our bodies need to heal.
Fine.But when I push myself to the limit, it’s a complete distraction.The worst thing about yoga is all the time I have to spend in my head.
You’re a lot more flexible than I am,I say as he lowers his upper body to the mat.
I’ve been doing yoga for years.Still, I’ve got nothing on Wally.
Our goalie can do the splits, something that pains me even to watch.
Recovery also helps with preventing injuries.You know how you’re tight and you end up straining something?Mats understands that I’m still not convinced.
Yeah, I hear you.Well, we’re the guinea pigs.If this works, we should invite other guys to join us.
Mats winces at my phrasing.
Sorry.I know you’re against animal testing,I joke.He’s a big animal lover.
Hey, you know who came into the shelter the other day?Mats volunteers at the St.Viola Animal Shelter.
No idea.
He smiles.Evie.Remember the girl we rescued from the party?She and her friends have started some kind of craft club.They made knitted mats for the cat cages.Much nicer than the cold steel floor.
I swallow.Nice.
Even her hobbies are those of an eighty-year-old woman.Evie is so odd.
Time to hit the cold plunge?I ask.The numbing pain is my favourite part of the routine.
But even while we’re soaking, my mind keeps bouncing.
Have you ever had sex with a virgin?I ask.
Mats starts, loses his grip on the rim of the tub, and slips in.He comes up spluttering.Jesus, Zee.Don’t shock me like that.He shakes the water from his hair.But yes.My first girlfriend and I were both virgins when we had sex.Why are you asking?
I don’t know.I guess I was wondering if there were special, you know, considerations.Beyond the obvious.As far as preparations go, I’ve got lube, lubricated condoms, and patience, since I’ve already jerked off today.Although when I’m with Evie, my body has no problem responding.
He squints at me.You’ve had a lot more partners than I have.I can’t believe you’re asking me for advice.
I consider Mats one of my closest friends on the team, but he would probably be surprised to hear that.The truth is that I haven’t let myself get really close to anyone here at Monarch.
I usually don’t go out with inexperienced women.That’s part of my dating philosophy, finding someone who accepts casual relationships.Truth is, I avoid commitments in all aspects of my life, as my hockey advisor can attest.
Communication is important.And trust.She has to feel free to tell you to stop if she’s not feeling it.But I’m only theorizing.In my case, my girlfriend was even more eager than me.Mats squints at me.Is it Evie?
Shit.How did you know?
Intuition.There was a vibe between the two of you that night.
