I swallow hard, still watching him work the white tape back and forth. I told myself no more stick taping, and I’vestuck to it. I should probably tell myself no staring too, but I can’t help it.
“What’s going on, Vic?” Ryan says, his tone friendly. “I hear you were successful at speed-dating.”
It’s impossible not to notice Liam’s eyes on mine as he shifts his concentration away from the heel of his stick. He’s watching me, waiting for my reply. Trying to shake it off, I mention that there’s a journalist waiting to do a quick interview.
“Really? Christ.” Ryan looks at his brother and wrinkles his nose.
“I’ve got you.” Liam places the last bit of tape on his blade and snips it with some scissors.
“I guess we better get this over with,” says Ryan.
Liam stands up and reaches for his sweater, but his eyes don’t leave me. My skin prickles with excitement and I’m desperate for him to be close again. I wanted to kiss him. No, scrap that, I wanted him to kiss me.
Even as I walk away, I feel him watching me. It’s only when I get back to the bench that I afford myself a deep breath.
Ryan and Liam are here moments later. Liam has his sweater half tucked in as usual, and I introduce them to Dean who instructs me to get the photos before he starts his interview.
Dean leans in to check out my shots after a while. “These are great, Vicky. Listen, I’m starting something on the side, a bit of freelance work, and I’d love for you to help me out with the photography. Would you be interested? There’s no immediate need for an answer. Here’s my details. Call me.” Dean hands me a square business card, and I slip it into my camera case before excusing myself.
Johnny skates over as soon as he spots me standing at the boards.
“Has Dad apologised yet?” he asks.
“No.”
“What did that journalist want?”
“He’s interviewing the guys.”
“Have you spoken with Lee?” Johnny asks.
“Christ, Johnny. Please leave it.” I kept quiet about Liam sneaking into my room last night.
“Just wondering, because I’ve told him he needs to leave you alone,” Johnny says. “I’m sick of seeing you in this mess, Vic. You need to snap out of it. Move on. Instead of obsessing over Liam, focus on living your life.”
“I wish you’d just keep out of my damn business,” I yell.
I don’t even bother excusing myself from Johnny; I turn on my heel andwalk away.
Liam
It’s all fake smiles and shit while we talk to this Dean guy. Despite my mood, I deliver a speech about how happy we are to be here, praising the city and the fans. It’s not not true, but I couldn’t care less right now.
I take the lead with Ryan chiming in only when necessary, as usual. He hates talking to the media. It’s an easy interview anyway. Dean’s questions primarily revolve around our NHL careers and upbringing in B.C., before he shifts the topic to Johnny.
“Word is that you two grew up with our humble captain, Jonathan Koenig. What was that like?” Dean holds his phone out, a recording app live on the screen.
I grin. “Johnny is brilliant. He’s always been a role model and a fantastic leader.”
Speaking of Johnny, he’s in my peripheral vision talking with Vicky. I’m watching the interaction intently, and it’s not long until she’s marching away from him as if he’s pissed her off.
“Liam, your socials are a lot quieter this season. Is there any reason for this?”
“I’m sorry, what?” I snap back to the conversation. Dean holds the tail end of his phone up to my mouth and curls his lips into a smile as he asks again.
Fuck. What am I supposed to say to that? That I’m done showing off a life I pretended to live? I think for a moment, then he prompts me again.
“Should we assume that you’re seeing someone?”
