“Yep.”
“No shit.”
“No shit.”
“Does Carl know?” Carl Winters, the team’s captain, hated me.
“I’m sure he knows. Since he doesn’t talk to me unless he’s forced to, I can’t be certain.”
Eric chuckled as he hung his head, shaking it back and forth. “Man, oh, man. All because of the werewolf shit or because you’re a man-whore?”
“Why does everyone keep calling me that?”
“Because you are. You’ve fucked more puck bunnies that all the guys combined. I’m surprised your dick isn’t falling off by now.”
“That’s not true.”
“Oh, really.” He grabbed his clothes. “About your dick or the chicks?”
I gave him a hateful look. “I’ve had a few experiences, but most of what you read is a lie.”
“So this is about the werewolf thing.”
“Yeah.”
Eric’s snort turned into a full-blown laugh. “Oh, I’m terrified you’ll shift into a big, bad wolf and eat me alive.”
“You can’t kid about it, man. The shit could ruin my career.”
“Only if it’s true. What’s eating you today? I’ve never seen you concerned about anything. Except winning a game.” He closed his locker door and grinned.
“What?”
“You like that girl.”
“You mean Lily? She’s a ballbuster. She drives me crazy. I can’t say this, I can’t say that. I’m not allowed to post on my own social media. Not a single thing. She controls everything I say to reporters. She doesn’t want me going out with the guys and we need to go on dates. Who goes on dates any longer? Shit, man. She’s a pain in my ass.”
“But you blurted out you were engaged on national television.”
“Yeah. So what?”
“It’s official. You like her or you wouldn’t be worried you hurt her feelings. I heard a rumor you’re living together.”
“Her shit’s in my car.”
His laugh was boisterous. “You got big problems if you don’t like her and it shows. That’ll kill your career. If anyone finds out you’re pretending, you’ll be crucified. You won’t need to worry about turning all furry and shit if someone pisses you off.”
“Tell me something I don’t know.”
“But here’s the thing. You do like her. It’s written all over your face. My suggestion is if you want to keep harmony in the house you tell her you’re sorry for whatever you did and might do in the future. Bring her some flowers or buy her some candy. Whatever it takes so she can tolerate you in public until the playoffs are over. I assume that’s when the great breakup can happen.”
“Yep. The coach thinks reporters and everyone else will move on to someone else.”
“Then you can be a free man.” He backed his way toward the showers. “If that’s what you really want. Somehow, I don’t think you do.”
“Get out of here.” We both laughed, but as soon as he was out of the room, I frowned. I’d had an ache in my gut all day. Now I knew why.
Lily.
