“Nah, man,” Mick chimes in. “Van’s got it right. You’re solid. We’re all playing our best hockey right now. We just gotta keep it up.”
“What are we keeping up?” Rosco asks, dragging a chair over and grabbing a drink.
“This fucking momentum,” I answer.
“Damn straight,” he says, lifting his glass to mine. I let out a howl, and the guys join in. Well, three of them do. JT’s got his face buried in his phone.
“Everything ok?” I ask. Maggie was at the game tonight and she seemed fine, but I know nothing about pregnancy.
“Yeah,” he says. “Just saying goodnight to my girl. She’s back at the hotel with Viv watching movies.”
Jenksy joins us, pulling up a chair beside Rosco. “Did you say Viv’s back at the hotel? That girl’s hot as fuck. And she’s a cheerleader, too. I’ll bet she’s bendy as hell. Maybe I’ll head back there instead of shooting pool all night.”
I’m not sure whose look is more lethal, JT’s or Mickey’s, but JT’s the one who speaks up.
“Stay away from Viv,” he warns, and Jenksy’s hands go up immediately.
“The fuck, dude? I’m one of the good guys.”
“Then you’re not her type. Do yourself a favor and steer clear, okay?” JT’s leaning back in the chair, but his tone is far from casual.
“You can’t tell me who I can talk to, bro. If I happen to, I don’t know, run into her at the ice machine orsomething, and we take things back to my room, how is that any of your business?”
“You’re gonna need that ice,bro, because Viv’s gonna kick you in the dick.”
Mickey’s probably right, but JT puts his hands out like he just needs everybody to chill. “Keep dreaming, Jenksy,” JT says. “You’re not getting with Viv. Besides, she’s with Maggie tonight. They’ve got a watch list of all these old movies from the 80s and 90s and you are not invited.”
“How’s Maggie doing?” Rosco asks. “And when are you finding out the gender? Holland wants to go shopping.”
If they cut the electricity in this place right now, JT’s smile could light the whole damn pool hall. “Maggie’s great, but we’re not finding out the gender until the baby comes. We like surprises,” he jokes.
“Bro, I can’t believe you’re gonna be a dad.” Jenksy’s shaking his head like fatherhood is the wildest thing he can think of, and a fate worse than death.
“Less than two months to go,” JT says, his smile still in place. “I can’t fuckin’ wait.”
“Dude,” Jenksy says, drawing the word out. “I know you’re excited, but having a kid at nineteen? You’re a brave man.”
“I get it,” Van says, shrugging.
All eyes turn to my best friend except mine. I’m watching Mickey so I can intervene before he jumps out of his chair and pops Jenksy in the jaw.
“Hol-y shit,” Rosco says, letting out a whistle. “Is Josie?—”
Van shakes his head. “No, but I wouldn’t lose my shit if the stick turned purple or whatever.”
“I think it’s pink or blue, but I don’t actually know,”Rosco says. “I’m just relying on my memory of commercials.
Van shoots Rosco a look. “Yeah, and pink and blue make purple. Anyway, I’m just saying that Iris has gotten a lot better at taking care of her dolls. None of their heads have fallen off since Christmas. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure that means she’s ready to babysit.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s not what it means,” I say, laughing.
Josie and Holland stroll over and Rosco and Van both give the fakest yawns I’ve ever seen. “That was pathetic,” I tell them. “I think even Will the thespian could do better than that.”
“In that case,” Rosco says, “I think I’ll head back to the hotel to brush up on my acting. Wanna do a scene with me, Holl?”
Somehow his girlfriend keeps a straight face, and they say their goodbyes. When Josie and Van start to leave a few seconds later, I tag along.
Van’s out of his brace and the hotel’s only a block away, so the walk’s not long. He’s usually my roomie at away games, but it’s a safe bet he’s spending the night in whatever room Josie booked. I was hoping that meant Claire could stay with me, but it’s cool. I’ll have the queen-sized bed all to myself, and I definitely won’t be thinking about how hot my fake girlfriend looks in her new jammies.
