We all reluctantly get up, and I see Taryn out. Sneaking out now, before everyone starts getting up, is for the best.
I’m going to speak to Coach Harrison, though. Until we figure out who’s stalking our girl,we need to be able to protect her without worrying about the no fraternization rule.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
STALKER
NASH
It’s the end of the day and I’m beat. After an intense morning practice, we spent the afternoon in the weight room. I’ve never been so thankful for the team of PT and massage therapists who take care of our sore muscles.
This is the most intense training I’ve experienced so far in my career. My previous coach’s training program was a walk in the park compared to Coach Harrison’s grueling schedule.
It’s comparable to how I know a lot of NHL teams train, and a huge contributing factor to the superiority the Cove Knights have shown since Coach Harrison took over as head coach.
“Hey Nash,” Vaughn stops me on my way out of the locker room. “A few of us are going to Joe’s for dinner. They have free fried pickles with every burger and unlimited fries for six ninety-nine.”
“I appreciate the invitation, man,” I say, clapping his back. “But I’ll have to take a rain check. There’s some stuff I need to do and I can’t put it off.”
Vaughn wiggles his eyebrows to entice me. “Are you sure? Unlimited fries end before the weekend.”
“Positive. Besides, don’t let Coach hear you. He’s going to blow a gasket if he hears that you’re going to stuff your faces with your body weight in fries.”
“He’s just jealous because he isn’t twenty anymore and he has to watch his diet if he wants to stay in shape.” He chuckles.
That might be true, but our coach is still in a more than enviable shape; probably not far off from his NHL days.
“I’m just saying that if he hears about it, he’ll crank up the cardio for everyone. But enjoy it. I’ll join next time.”
I smile as I exit the main training building. Coming to Star Cove was the right decision. The climate in the locker room is awesome, and my teammates have made me feel welcome from day one.
Tucker was actually the first Cove Knight I met when I arrived on campus. The day we met in Coach Harrison’s office was just a few weeks ago. It’s crazy how close I’ve gotten with him and Colsen. I guess falling for the same woman worked as the glue between us. But despite not sharing Taryn with him, Mack has become one of my best friends, too.
I walk to our building and take the elevator up to the top floor.
Jodie’s voice reaches me when I knock on the door of Taryn’s apartment. “Are you already back? Oh, Nash.” She stiffens when she sees me. “I thought it might be Taryn. But if you’re looking for her, she’s out.”
“I know. She’s gone into town with Tucker to get a new phone. I was actually looking for you.”
Her brow knit together. “She told me her phone had an accident, but we’ve had a really busy day. I’ll have to ask herwhat happened when she gets back. Anyway, I doubt I can help you with anything.”
I’m not surprised. Jodie has made no mystery of her dislike for me. Now I know that it’s because she thinks I might be Taryn’s stalker. But there might be another reason why she’s not gonna join the Nash fan club any time soon. I hope I’m wrong about that.
“Fine.” She rolls her eyes but steps aside to let me into the apartment. “Come on in. I hope no one saw you come up here. I don’t want to get in trouble with Carole and Lexi because of you.”
“Don’t worry. There was no one around to see me. It’s the cheerleaders’ dinner shift. All your teammates will be at the dining hall, and most of my teammates are going to Joe’s for free fried pickles and unlimited fries.”
Jodie sighs. “Lucky them. I’m so close to making this team. If I do sign the contract, I’ll have to keep watching my weight. That’s why I’m avoiding the dining hall and cooking my own meals whenever possible.”
The smell of baked chicken invades the open space kitchen and living room; and I spot a cutting board with several veggies Jodie is cutting up for a salad.
“That looks good. But the dining hall has a choice of healthy meals. They cater to athletes after all.”
“I know. But there are too many temptations there. All those carbs I have to stay away from if I don’t want to be cut from the team. Here it’s chicken or fish and veggies without any extra fats, and I don’t have to look at other people eating pasta and potatoes.”
Jodie looks really stressed. I bite my tongue about how a balanced diet needs healthy carbs. With our intense workouts, we use thousands of calories, and I don’t think a small serving of carbs can ruin her figure. Iwatch what I eat during the season for the most part, but I don’t think I could live depriving myself of everything on a daily basis.
Somehow I have the feeling that Jodie couldn’t care less about my opinion. The hostility in the room is almost palpable, and my hunch is confirmed by the glare she shoots my way.
