The game started unremarkably. I was the overqualified doorman, opening the door in the boards as the guys switched out lines. I’d been teased about being too slow or not helping enough, so I was being more conscientious tonight. I didn’t have a chance to talk to the guys before the game so until then I didn't want to give them any ammunition.
One of the centers shoved my leg out of the way, and I bit back my instinct to lash out. He might not have meant to. I blew out a breath to remain calm and went back to watching the action on the ice. With my Fury hat on it would be hard for anyone watching me to tell if my attention was on the game or not. It didn’t matter. Olli was on fire today, and I knew there was little to no chance of getting subbed in. Short of a major injury, I’d be right here for the remaining fifty two minutes of play.
“Aston, can you grab Brayden?” Schultz shouted from the far end of the bench. I held back a sarcastic retort and turned on my stool looking for the equipment manager. Look at me making progress already.
He was organizing the extra sticks so I called his name. “Hey Brayden, Schultz needs you.”
He met my eyes and nodded before he hurried along the bench. Erik was pointing down to his skate but I couldn’t hear what he was complaining about.
By the end of the third period we were up by four and the guys were discussing dinner plans for after the game. There was a debate between pizza, steaks, or Chinese takeout and hanging out at someone’s house.
“What sounds good to you, Aston?” Hartman called out.
It took me a moment to realize he was actually asking for my opinion. I didn’t pay attention to what the rest of the guys were voting for so I took a chance. “Chinese sounds good. We haven’t been to Joy Luck in a while.”
He turned around and the rest bench seemed to agree. “Sounds good. When we get back in, I’ll text Kendall so she can call in an order while we shower.”
His inclusion wasn’t completely out of the norm, but the ease and getting through it without a single heckle from the other guys definitely was. I wasn’t going to over analyze it now though. I would take a win whenever I could get it.
The final whistle sounded, and the horns and lights went off signaling our win. The guys went around bumping fists and a few spread out for interviews while the rest of us headed into the tunnel and back to the locker room.
Coach Rust followed us since Romney had to head to the press conference that always followed.
“Great game, Fury. Everyone pulled their weight. Kozlov and Murray, great job on those assists, and congratulations to Malkin for his hat trick.”
I looked around for Noah but he was probably being interviewed.
“Enjoy the day off. We’re heading out Saturday morning to Phoenix.” He clapped a few times before the rest of us joined in.
The team dispersed some heading to the showers and some to the training room to stretch. Since I hadn’t played, I opted for a short shower before changing back into my suit.
When I was done, I looked around for Hartman. He had just gotten back in and was sitting on the bench in front of his locker.
“Hey do you need me to pick up the food?”
He glanced up from his phone. “No, Kendall and Lucy are grabbing it on the way to Olli’s house.”
“Sounds good.” I turned to head out to the hall.
“See you there,” he called out.
I waved over my shoulder and rounded the corner. The hall was packed with members of the press as well as members of the Fury organization. I noticed a few of the women of the Pride hanging out toward the back by the elevators. A pang of jealousy always hit when I saw them. I wanted someone to be waiting for me.
I paused when I saw Addi and Elena talking. “Hey are you guys heading over to Olli and Emma’s?”
They both glanced up at the same time. “Yeah, we’re just waiting for the guys. Neither of them drove so I’m the ride,” Addi replied with a teasing smile.
I smirked. “So, if you leave, they’re on their own?”
Elena giggled. “They could walk back to either of their cars, but I have a feeling we wouldn’t like the pay back.”
Addi nodded. “Yeah that’s not something I want to experience.”
“Where’s Eli?” I looked around for her little boy but didn’t see him.
“Amelia offered to take him on a walk. He was getting a little fussy.”
I didn’t know who I was more disappointed in missing. I had been an idiot when I told Grant he dodged a bullet not having to take care of Eli. He stole my heart the first time I got to spend time with him. Not only was he a cute kid but I could see how much he loved Grant. It was almost as much as Grant loved him. He might not be his dad biologically, but everyone could tell they were made for each other.
I wanted to see Amelia, too. I figured she would be coming over for dinner, but I hoped to ask her personally.
“Would you mind finding her? I was going to see if you could give her a ride over since we walked and there isn’t room with the car seat,” Elena asked in a casual tone, but I swore I saw a glimmer in her eyes.
What was she up to?
“Sure, I’ll try.” I walked away before either of them could reply. Did Amelia tell her sister about our lunch? I didn’t think she would tell her what we talked about. She already proved she wouldn’t share my secrets at the first chance. I really appreciated that. I knew how much the women loved to gossip, and it was probably tempting to join in with what I’d told her. It made me respect her. After she told me what she’d been through, I had a feeling she trusted me and I wanted her to know I felt the same.
I wandered the halls until I heard the jabbering of my favorite little boy. “Hey, Eli!”
He was standing with his hands up on the wall in front of him, using it to balance as he walked sideways toward where Amelia was squatting a few feet away. His gummy smile lit up his face. I wanted to swoop in and pick him up, but I saw the determination on his face to get to Amelia.
I stood behind her and cheered him on. “You got this.”
She clapped her hands, regaining his attention. “Come on, Eli.”
His focus returned and he took wobbly, shuffled steps toward her, never taking his hands off the wall. In seconds, he was within reach and rotated so his arms went straight out to Amelia. She grabbed his hands and helped him balance the last few steps until he was in her arms.
“Good job!” She stood with him in her arms as he laughed and clapped with her.
I took his tiny fist and raised it so he mirrored my movements as I cheered for him. “Way to go, Eli!”
Bubbles formed under his tongue as he continued giggling while Amelia bounced him around.
“Were those his first steps?” I asked.
Her eyes widened. “Oh no. I hope not! He wanted to get down so I set him on the floor and he used the wall to stand up. I didn’t know if he could walk or not, but I tried to encourage him to and you saw the rest.”
She turned with a frown. “If that was the first time you have to promise not to tell Addi or Grant.”
Her concerned eyes latched onto mine, and I found myself agreeing. “Sure, but don’t you think they would be excited to know?”
She gaped. “If we witnessed his first steps and they didn’t they would never forgive us. That’s a huge deal!”
I shrugged. I wasn’t familiar with baby things so I listened to her. “Okay I won’t tell.”
She seemed to relax and headed back to the main hall.
“Elena mentioned you might need a ride to Olli and Emma’s.” I mentally shook myself. That wasn’t a question or an invitation. My nerves were making me overthink everything. The words hung there until I spoke again. “I was wondering if you’d like to come with me.”
Her eyes darted to mine. “Sure, thanks.”
After we dropped off Eli with Addi, we headed over to the house. Most events were hosted at the Letang’s house, and it seemed to be the center of activity. Although, now that Chloe and R
eese moved into a large house not too far away, maybe they would share the burden.
Even though we left before most of the others, we weren’t the first to arrive. The driveway was almost halfway full with cars parked side by side so everyone could leave when they wanted.
“Thanks for the ride. I should have planned ahead and drove myself to the arena.”
I chuckled as we got out. “I’m pretty sure you live as close as any of the parking lots, plus I don’t mind.”
She shared a smile with me before heading to the front door. It was already noisy as we let ourselves in. Emma was leaning against the counter with Jackson facing out on her hip. Lucy and Kendall were arranging a dozen or so containers, and Madi was setting out plates and utensils.
Amelia jumped in ready to help. “What can I do?”
Emma pointed to one of the large, industrial sized fridges. “Drinks are in there if you want to set some out on the counter. Everyone knows where to find more.”
She nodded, but I was a step ahead of her. I pulled out the cases of soda and water and set them on the counter where Emma usually had them arranged.
Amelia caught my eye and smiled as she opened the closest one and set the cans out.
I loved everything about this house. The large kitchen had everything you could ever dream of, from a six-burner stove, double ovens, and not one but two enormous fridges. It was open to the attached living room making it ideal for large groups. I could tell they designed it with the team in mind. Even when everyone was over, with their families, it accommodated us. As grand as the house was, it managed to feel warm and comfortable at the same time. It was apparent that Emma had spent a lot of time and consideration into making it a home.
“How was the game, Derrek?” Madi asked from the other side of the island. I knew she wasn’t asking with malicious intent but it stung that another game passed without me playing.
“Good. The guys were having a little too much fun out there.” Once we were ahead by three points, I could tell they started to show off and mess around with each other.
She laughed and shook her head. They all knew the sport backward and forward, but they couldn’t always tell what the attitude was on the ice. The guys were good at never losing focus, even when the opponents didn’t present much of a challenge.
“Oh boy that means they’ll be on one tonight.” Emma groaned. “When they get like this at least one thing ends up broken.”
She pointed at me. “The pool is off limits, and no one goes in Olli’s office tonight.”
I held up my hands. “I cannot be responsible for all of them.”
The women laughed, and I caught Amelia watching me with a small smile. I winked at her and went to the living room to set out the folding chairs.
10
Amelia
I could feel their eyes on me the second Derrek walked away. I took my time lining up the cans and bottles I pulled from the fridge making sure they were perfectly organized and the labels faced out. Once I ran out of excuses, I peered up at them. Madi was smirking, but Emma and Kendall looked concerned.
“What?” I whispered looking between the two of them.
Kendall shook her head, and Emma moved forward until she was inches from me. “I want you to be careful.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Of what?”
She tilted her head, giving me a look only a mother could create. “Derrek.”
Elena warned me the team and some of the women had a hard time with him. Derrek was, unfortunately, well aware of it as well. I was hoping they were both being dramatic, but apparently not. I wished for his sake things weren’t as bad as they seemed.
“What about him?”
Kendall stepped closer so she and Emma had me boxed in. “He’s a bit volatile.”
My eyes darted between them, waiting for them to tell me this was a joke. A weird initiation. “Meaning?”
“He can be really hot headed sometimes. He got in a fight with one of the guys last week. Elliot shoved him, and Derrek lost it.” I didn't know about a fight but it didn’t surprise me. I heard how the guys talked to him. Derrek told me how much it got to him. He was simmering, right under his boiling point at all times.
“He’s not very mature either. He has a lot of growing up to do,” Emma added.
None of this was about me, but I felt personally attacked. Derrek and I were just starting to get to know each other, but already I felt protective. He didn’t have anyone in his corner. No one stood up for him when everyone jumped in on bashing him.
“I do too. I’m only a year older than him.”
Kendall cocked her head, giving me an incredulous look. “It has nothing to do with age.”
“We just want you to be careful. He’s handsome and can be very charming, but he doesn’t have the best reputation,” Emma offered with a sad smile, as if it was something that couldn’t be helped.
I fought with the need to defend Derrek and not wanting to upset the women that had so readily accepted me into their close group. I loved them and appreciated their friendship, but I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t stand back and let them rag on him.
“This,” I waved my hand in a circle between the three of us, “is what perpetuated his reputation.”
Both of them looked surprised by my words.
“Yeah, he got in a fight with one of the guys. Did any of you bother to ask him why?”
I waited for a response, but they just glanced at each other, remaining silent.
“He’s not as oblivious as you guys might think, or hope. He’s all too aware of what the guys say behind his back. He knows most of you don’t really like him. He’s barely tolerated by most of the team. Wouldn’t that drive you crazy after time? Wouldn’t you act out at the first chance? Were you guys at that practice? Was he being antagonized before the guy hit him? Do you think that just maybe that was all he could handle? That one shove could have been his breaking point. He shouldn’t have gotten in a fight, I’m not condoning that, but has anyone ever stopped to think about it from his perspective?”
They shared another look, and Emma spoke up. “He’s been cocky since he got here. The guys got sick of it.”
I almost snorted. “He’s cocky? That’s the problem?” I sent each of them a look. “You’re saying Erik doesn’t like how cocky another player is? Erik Schultz? Or Olli?” I threw up a hand. “Wyatt? None of them are a tiny bit arrogant?”
Madi made a sound behind them, and my eyes met hers. She was covering her mouth but I could tell she was smiling. I grimaced. I had just insulted her husband a bit, but it wasn’t like I was stating something shocking. Erik had a reputation in the league for his attitude.
I shook my head. “They’re NHL players. Of course, they’re cocky! They’re the one percent that made it to the professional level and stayed there! That’s a big freaking deal.”
Emma pursed her lips and Kendall seemed to finally hear what I was saying. “I guess you’re right.”
“The guys have each other. I can’t imagine how hard it was for Olli to sit on the sidelines and watch Derrek in the net while he was injured, but the team had an amazing season. Derrek didn’t screw it up. I just don’t understand the animosity. I’ve been here for two weeks, and I can’t believe how loving and supportive you guys are. Except when it comes to him.”
I wasn’t sure where the bravery came to say all this, but now that I started, I couldn’t seem to shut up.
“Don’t you think he knows that? He’s not stupid. He’s well aware he’s an outsider. He’s trying. He comes to these parties and dinners because he wants to be included. He wants to feel like he’s really a part of this.” I threw up my hands. “I know it’s not required for everyone on the team to be best friends, but why invite him if everyone just talks about him behind his back when he’s out of the room? Why do the guys tell him to come only to belittle him to his face?”
I was starting to get emotional. I barely knew him, but I already hated how he was treated. He didn�
��t deserve it. I knew how much it stung to have people say things about you that weren’t true. People made assumptions without even knowing you. The rumors that spread about me ruined my career in Texas, but it also destroyed my spirit. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have your own team do that.
“You know what?” I let out a huff. “I’m not going to sit back and watch as it keeps happening. I appreciate your invitation, but I think we’re going to go somewhere else for dinner.” I shot them a serious look that I hoped conveyed my disappointment. “Go Fury.” I said with sardonically.
I pushed past them and hurried in the direction I saw Derrek go. More people had arrived and it took me a few minutes to find him sitting in the theater room watching a recap of a football game that was played earlier tonight.
“Hey, Derrek?” I whisper-yelled, trying not to distract the rest of the guys.
He turned and smiled when he saw me. He crossed the room and leaned down so we were almost eye level. The smell of cedar overwhelmed my senses making me fight the urge to lean closer. “What’s up?”
I cleared my throat and pushed away the inappropriate thoughts of running my hands through his hair. “Would you mind if we went somewhere else for dinner?”
He looked confused. “Are you okay?”
I tried to smile, but couldn’t. “Not really. I just want to leave.”
“Yeah, of course.” His eyebrows pulled together, but he turned and grabbed his coat off the edge of the couch and walked with me down the hall. We were almost to the front door when Emma, Kendall, and Madi stopped us.
Emma blocked the door. “Can we talk to you?”
Derrek’s eyes found mine before moving back to hers. I knew if I said no he would make sure we were able to leave, but I didn't want to leave on bad terms. Well, worse than they already were. “Sure.”
Emma turned back down the hall toward Olli’s office with Kendall and Madi following behind her.
“I’ll be back in a second.”
He opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but nodded instead.
Scoring Chance (Utah Fury Hockey Book 9) Page 7