Page 6 of Golden Goal

“While some teams around the league have that rule, we don’t. Personally, I think it makes the team stronger for it. Everyone gets along so much better, and no one’s afraid of accidentally breaking a rule by being friends. There’s so much more synergy between everyone.”

“Makes sense.”

She nods and we start walking down the street toward the coffee shop. She points out a few different places as we walk. A deli that makes great soups and sandwiches, an ice cream shop, and her favorite bar where a group of them go for happy hour. I take it all in, making a note of what she says so I can check out a few of the places she suggests. I’m new to this area, so I’ll take any recommendations I can get.

Chapter three

Holt

“Sorry I’m late,” I yell as I let myself into Wes’s apartment and slip off my sneakers.

I almost said no when Wes invited me to dinner after the team meeting, but I thought better of it and agreed. I know if I keep avoiding hanging out with them, it’s only a matter of time before one, or all of them, shows up at my apartment unannounced, wanting to talk. Which would lead to more questions when they realized Kat has moved out. This was definitely the easier alternative.

“We’re in here,” Wes yells from the kitchen.

I follow the sound of voices, rounding the corner to find my three friends standing around, glasses of tea or water in their hands.

“Hey, Holt,” Wes greets me. “Help yourself to a drink. Dinner should be ready in five minutes.”

I grab a glass from the drying rack and pour myself some water from the pitcher on the counter.

“How are you?” Elias asks me.

“I’m fine.” I take a sip of my drink.

“Are you sure? You kept yawning during the team meeting,” Hunter says.

“You can talk to us if something’s going on.” Wes gestures at the three of them.

“I stayed up too late playing video games, okay? That’s all.”

Hunter steps closer, putting a hand on my arm. “We’re not pissed at you that we keep losing. I hope you know that. We all bear responsibility for those goals going in as much as you do.”

“Still isn’t helping when your goalie isn’t in top form.” I hang my head, my shoulders sagging.

“Which is why we’re concerned about you. Worried something else is going on,” Elias pipes up.

I shake my head. “It’s nothing. I think I’m letting all the losses get in my head.”

“Understandable. But if there’s anything you want to talk about, we’re here.” Wes gives me a pointed look.

“Noted.”

“Has anyone talked to Brody lately?” Hunter asks, changing the subject. “Their wedding is coming up soon.”

When Brody retired two seasons ago, he followed his girlfriend, now fiancée, Aubrey, out to Hawaii where she’d been working at an observatory. They recently moved back to Orlando and are expecting a baby and planning a wedding.

“I have. He and Aubs are coming to Monday night’s game,” Wes says.

The oven timer beeps, and the conversation dies as we spend the next few minutes helping get all the food on the table.

“Where’s Madison tonight?” I ask Hunter once we’re all seated, our plates piled high with grilled salmon, sautéed vegetables, and wild rice.

It might be hockey season and therefore time to pay attention to our diets, but that doesn’t mean we have to eat bland chicken, plain rice, and steamed broccoli.

“She’s having dinner with her aunt and her dad,” Hunter says, a huge grin on his face at the mention of his wife.

I’m happy for him. Happy he’s happy. I used to think I might one day have what he has, but now I doubt I’ll ever get that. Some people aren’t cut out to get married, have kids, a family, and I’m one of those people.