Page 67 of Matched with Her Athlete Boss
“I don’t think that hinders things when it comes to relationships,” Ty says, leaning against the dumpster. “Why are we standing here? It smells awful.”
We all chuckle and move back inside. Dad announces he’s got what he wants.
Another three hours and I’m exhausted. We make good progress in the bedroom and I finally feel like I can breathe inside again. There is going to be a group of people who’ll never have to buy clothes again with the amount we’re going to donate.
“I’ve got to head out,” Ty says, giving me a hug around the middle and lifting so my feet are flailing off the ground. “Let us know if you need help again, sis. See you at the game tonight?”
“I almost forgot we play tonight. Will you make sure to drop that off at the donation place on your way?” I ask, pointing to the overflowing bags of clothes we’ve piled into the bed of his truck.
“You? Kenzie Sullivan almost forgot a hockey game?” Damian says.
“There’s got to be something wrong with her,” Porter says, pressing his palm to my forehead. I push him away.
“Oh, you three. I’ll be there. I’ve just had a lot going on.”
“We’re playing the IceHoles tonight. You better not ditch out on us.” Ty shakes his head as if I’ve already disappointed him. “Even if you’re supposed to ‘work’ at Trey’s.”
“Shut up,” I say, punching his shoulder.
“Yeah, I’m waiting for you and that one girl on their team to get into a fight. She’s such a–” Porter cut his words before saying anything else.
I shake my head. “No fighting. I’d rather play than get ejected.”
I take off my gloves, ready to be done for the day. With my brothers’ help, it’s like a ray of hope that I won’t be trying to get through this junk before reaching retirement age.
It’s time to get ready for my adult league game. The only hockey I have left.
30
TREY
“How do I get over her?”
This is the last place I thought I’d be tonight. I’m sitting in a bar, trying to help Owen, who’s had way too many drinks to get anywhere by himself tonight. At least he’d been coherent enough to call me.
“I’m not sure, O. I think you’ll have to find the things you’ve always wanted to do and do them. And call me when you’re having a tough time. You and Riley were together for a long time. It’s only natural to feel like this.”
He sniffs and I glance down the length of the bar, hoping to find a napkin or a tissue of some kind. The bartender must’ve read my mind because he slides a napkin in front of Owen.
“Must be a bad one, huh?” the guy says, looking at me but gesturing to Owen.
“Long-time girlfriend left.”
The guy looks sympathetic, meanwhile Owen has slumped over the bar and might be snoring.
I pat Owen on the back and say, “Come on, buddy. Let’s get you home.” We’re about the same height which is good so I can sling his arm around my neck and help him at least move forward.
“I’m sorry, Trey. I shouldn’t have done this.” He sounds like a child trying to apologize.
“It’s fine. I’ve got my car in the parking lot out back and we’ll head to your place.” The good thing is he hadn’t chosen a bar in the heart of the city, where parking would’ve been difficult to find at a close radius.
When Owen is seated, I get in and start the car.
“How’s the datesssss?” Owen asks.
I laugh at the emphasis on the ‘s’. “Two down, two to go.” It’s the only thing I can say before thoughts of Kenzie invade. I’m grinning and I can’t really help it.
“Your words don’t make your expression,” Owen says, turning his head toward me while still leaning back against the headrest.
