Page 37 of Capturing the Captain

“I’m not telling you what to do.” I sigh, she’s not normally difficult to talk to when she’s been drinking, but she’s been in a shitty mood lately, and she won’t tell me what’s going on. “I’m just trying to look out for you. I'm worried about you, and I don’t think the answer to whatever is wrong is drinking and dancing with men you don’t know.”

“I’m fine, Olivia. Jesus, just lighten up, for once.” She turns away, grinding on the mystery man. We’ve known each other for over fifteen years, and not once has she turned on me. Whatever she’s got going on is really huge, and I’m hurt that she won’t share that with me. I’ve thought about reaching out to Max, but I have a feeling in my gut that he’s the reason why. Whenever she decides to tell me, I’ll be here for her, no matter what.

I touch her arm lightly, gaining her attention again. “Look, I’m gonna go spend time with Josh for a little bit. I’ll come back soon, and we can go home, okay?”

“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes. “No, you know what? Don’t come back. I’m having fun. I’ll go home when I want to, and I don't need your help with that.” She says, snidely.

“What is this all about?” I ask.

“God, all you fucking do is talk about Josh. Josh this. Josh that.” She’s attracting attention, raising her voice, and I need her to shut up.

“Sash, keep it down.” I plead with her, glancing around. She laughs in disbelief.

“He’s all you care about. I’m done with it.” Where the hell is this coming from? It’s so out of the blue and out of character for her. I’m holding back the tears burning in my eyes. “Just go, Olivia.”

I sigh, “Fine. But text me when you get home. Please.” She doesn't respond. Just turns around and starts dancing again.

On my way to the door, I bump into Conor. He grabs me by the arms to steady me before I fall onto my ass.

“Wow, Olliepop. You good?” He asks, concern in his voice when he takes in my teary eyes.

“I’m fine.” I reply, wiping a stray tear off my cheek. “Can you just keep an eye on Sasha, please?”

“Yeah, of course. Is everything okay?”

“I don't think so. Can you just make sure she gets home okay?” He nods. “And make sure she doesn't drink anymore.”

“You got it, Olliepop.”

I thank him and leave, just ready to curl up in bed with Josh at my side. When I turn the corner towards the elevator, I mentally curse the Gods for this shit show of a night that this has turned into, when I see Ryan leaning against the wall. Just my fucking luck.

He spots me, pushes off the wall, and walks in my direction. “Not now, Ryan.”

“I just have one question to ask, Liv.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “What?” I snap at him.

“Why are you and Josh sneaking around?”

I eye him cautiously, “What do you mean?”

“Well, I was watching you two. You didn’t touch each other, didn't kiss or hold hands. He left the party five minutes ago and now you come out, presumably following him.” It sounds like a question, but it’s not.

I scoff, “We’re not sneaking around. I just don’t like PDA.” Lie. “And, I just had to talk to Sash first. That’s all there is to it.” He doesn't believe me. The way he looks at me tells me so.

“Okay, so if I go ask Conor about you two, he’ll know?” He’s calling my bluff. He won’t actually go and ask Conor. I don't think so, anyway.

“Of course, he will. Why would we even need to hide?” Ryan doesn't know I work for the team, and there’s no reason for him to find out. He just thinks I’m friends with all the hockey guys because I’m with Josh. He doesn’t need to know any different. “Look, I can’t deal with an interrogation right now. I have to go.”

Surprisingly, he doesn’t follow me. I just hope I convinced him enough that he doesn't go digging for information. If he finds out, he’ll use it against me. That's the kind of person he is. He’s done this plenty of times before, using shit against me to get what he wants. He’s ruined so many things in my life, and I am done with it. He’s not gonna ruin this thing between me and Josh.

21

Olivia

When I got to Josh’s apartment last night, I was just so fucking exhausted. I felt terrible after practically promising sex to him all night, and then not being in the mood five minutes later. After I told him what had happened, he didn't even question it though. He’s such an amazing man. He ran me a bubble bath with candles and fancy incense that I don't even have, and let me stay in for as long as I wanted. After, he put a movie on in the living area, got blankets and popcorn, and we stayed there all night, cuddling on the couch.

He’s making me breakfast before he has to go to practice. The apartment is filled with the smell of coffee and bacon. My mouth waters at the smell.