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“Yeah, we are. Just trying to work out when I’ll see her again,” he lied. “She can’t take any more time off this month.”

Lauren had been texting him relentlessly this past week for updates on “Thirteen,” the nickname she’d given Nico because of Bennett’s hotness rating. He'd answered her evasively, not wanting to put any of what was really happening in text. Phones could be hacked or stolen, and the last thing he needed were private messages being shared online.

He did miss her, though. She was his closest friend, the one who knew everything about him, and he liked spending time with her. When it was just the two of them, in private, he didn’t have to pretend. He could be himself. For a man living a very public lie, being with Lauren behind closed doors was a luxury, a prize worth its weight in gold. He wasn’t even sure Lauren realized how much he appreciated it.

Seconds later they were in the air, the takeoff smooth, guys talking softly, and Bennett grabbed his phone. He connected to the plane’s wifi and saw there was nothing from Nico. Asshole.

So he sent Lauren a screenshot of his post-game dinner. Her response was instant.

Lauren: Can’t they afford better food?

Lauren: That sandwich looks dry af

Something shifted in Bennett’s chest, just a tiny bit of his stress unknotting. She always made him smile when he needed it most. Writing back, he said, It doesn’t matter. I can barely taste it I’m so fucking hungry

Lauren: I bet

Lauren: Good game tonight

Lauren: That OT clapper was a beauty

Bennett: Thanks. How are you?

Lauren: Busy, but good

Lauren: What’s going on with Thirteen?????

Then she sent a devil emoji.

He felt himself start to get irritated by her tenacity. But Lauren had been a rock over the years and put up with more shit than anyone deserved. He owed her everything. Without her, he wouldn’t be a professional hockey player.

Bennett: Too much to text

Lauren: Omgggggg!

Lauren: I’ll delete it, I swear. But you have to tell me

Bennett: When I can call you, I’ll explain

She followed it up with a heart emoji, which prompted him to do the same. He really did love her. And maybe he sometimes needed a push when he focused on hockey to the detriment of everything else.

But he couldn’t talk about this over text.

As if Nico knew Bennett was thinking about him, Bennett’s phone buzzed. Thankfully, Noah had fallen asleep beside him so Bennett quickly read the message.

NM: Dai, I cannot decide if you are stupid or stubborn

Bennett crammed the remainder of his sandwich in his mouth and washed it down.

Bennett: And you’re an asshole

Bennett: You asked for my help and then ignored it

NM: You have done nothing but prevent me from finding answers

NM: I regret asking you in the first place

NM: I should have burned your team to the ground instead