AllFreeNovel
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Back in the locker room with our win, everyone is celebrating. I hit the bikes after the game with a couple of the other guys, including Banks.
“Hey, man, have you decided whether or not you’re doing a player initiative?”
Player initiatives are special projects that some pros take on, usually for charity. Many start their own organizations, others set up hockey clinics and camps for underprivileged kids, and sometimes it’s just writing a check.
“Yeah, a little. What’s yours?”
“Domestic violence.”
“Oh, yeah, didn’t you open up a women’s shelter?”
That’s right. I remember hearing about the grand opening of a housing project he set up for families before I was signed. His protective mentality makes more sense now.
“Couple of ’em.”
Seeing Anna struggle so much, I’ve been trying to incorporate addiction and sobriety into my charity. There are several rehab centers that other players donate to, I could do something like that.
“I’ve thought about doing something with addiction.”
“That’s a good one. There’s a lot of that in the pros. Team docs overprescribing pain meds and such. What makes you choose that? Something close to home?”
“Yeah.”
Very close to home.Anna finally texted me back this week. She apologized, something about a friend needing her.Uh-huh.She makes it sound like everything’s fine, but I know it’s just a matter of time before she needs something. And now that I’m traveling all the time, it’s harder to keep tabs on her. She says she’s getting better, and I have to believe that. The fact she’s responding to my messages is a good sign.
“Is that why you never get drunk?”
“Huh?”
“Whenever we go out, like Top Shelf, you get one, two beers, tops. Then you get a pop or some shit.”
“Yeah, I guess. Not a big partier.”
I don’t like feeling out of control, and after seeing Anna struggle so much, it’s better to play it safe.
“Speaking of drinking, what’s the deal with you and the bartender?”
“Freya?”
He raises his eyebrows and smirks. “I thought her name was Micky.”
It’s hard not to envision her without smiling. “Yeah, Freya, Micky, whatever. She’s my neighbor.”
“You fucking her?”
“No, not fucking her.” I chuckle.
Not yet anyway.
“Yeah, but you want to.”
“Taking the fifth.”
“I tried to set you up with that bunny the other day, and you did nothing with it. I took her back with me and another girl, and we had a lovely evening together. There’s definitely something between you and Red. Are you serious about her or just messing around? Because Burke might kick your ass if you’re just looking to get your dick wet. You know how he gets when it comes to family shit.”
Yeah, I’m aware of the way Lonan gets. He’s already given me a few stern glances at Top Shelf. If he wasn’t on his honeymoon, there’s no way in hell I’d have let Reese sit on my lap. Not that Freya is into me, but he knows there’s something going on between us. And now, apparently, Banks has picked up on it too.
“I’m not looking for anything serious, per se, but I wouldn’t mind exclusive fucking.”
