I’m Casey fucking Watson, and I will not lose myself because the man I’ve fallen for doesn't want me.
It’s not like he’s a man I can have anyway.
When I find my gaze drifting in his direction as the second period comes to an end, I immediately rip it back.
I just have to get through this game, and then who knows when I’ll see him again.
He’s got another home game tomorrow night, followed by alternating home and road games that will thankfully see him miss both Sutton’s Wednesday evening training and her game next Sunday.
I wanted to keep looking at their game schedule and try to predict when he’ll be here, but I stopped myself, knowing that I’d get obsessed with the dates and waiting for him.
That is not the way to put him behind me.
Focus on a week at a time. Each one that follows will get easier.
Right?
I mean, it has to. I can’t continue with the heart-wrenching pain in my chest right now.
Forcing my attention to stay on the game and not the mantaunting me across the rink, I get the pleasure of watching our girls dominate the game and finish with a very impressive six-two win.
Their small crowd erupts with cheers as the final buzzer sounds. The rest of the team joins those on the ice to celebrate before they shake hands with the visitors.
Megan and I watch with pride as they celebrate together before finally turning our way.
They race across the ice, jump through the gate, and surround us.
Sutton is the first to wrap her arms around my waist, and the second I glance down and her glittering eyes lock with mine, I swallow thickly as behind my nose itches.
“Incredible game, girls,” Megan thankfully praises while I battle with the huge lump in my throat that refuses to budge. “We’re so proud of you.”
Parents begin to move closer as Megan says a few more inspirational words.
As I stand there listening, tingles race through my body, the side of my face begins to burn.
Shit.
Despite being aware that he’s getting closer, I don’t react. The last thing I need right now is for him to know just how in tune I am with him.
Stupid, stupid body.
The second Megan dismisses the team, I race around them to begin collecting equipment, and at the first possible opportunity, I disappear.
I can’t bear to stand there and watch Kodie be sweet and attentive to Sutton. I just can’t.
“Hey, are you okay?” Megan asks when she joins me in the equipment closet a few minutes later.
I don’t want to say that I’m hiding in here, but I’m pretty sure she’s figured me out.
“Of course,” I say, forcing a smile.
She studies me for a beat before nodding.
“Great game tonight,” she finally says, deciding that she doesn’t want to dive into my issues.
“They were great.”
“Are you ready for your first road game?” she asks as we put everything away.
