“I always wondered about that woman. Jock’s seemed depressed this entire season. Since none of us knew him prior to this year, I didn’t know if his behavior was normal or not. I assumed being a backup goalie and never getting in the game would be discouraging.” Easton scratched his chin and took a sip of his beer. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve and set the beer down on the glass coffee table.

“Yeah, and his wife never joined the WAGs at the games or any charity events they sponsor, even though they always have a nanny,” Kaden said. “Ziggy has never met her, and he’s been on the team a lot longer than us.”

“Probably a good thing he hasn’t met her. He’s a horndog,” Steele said grimly. All of us considered the possibility.

“I wonder if she’s been with other guys on the team?” Kaden said.

“Oh, man, that poor bastard.” Easton turned to me. “She was at the hotel down the road from the SHAC when you met her?”

I nodded. “And I had to be the lucky one.” I sounded sulky, and I guess I was a little. Being called up was tough enough without this added stress. Then there was Jock to think about. I truly felt for the man. His marriage had been a lie, and he understandably looked for a person to blame other than her. I was certain I hadn’t been her first affair.

I rose to my feet and walked over to the bar in the corner of the large room. I rummaged around in the cabinet and found a bottle of Jameson. “Anyone else?” I asked, holding up the bottle. All three of my friends nodded their heads. At least I wouldn’t be drinking alone. I filled four glasses with ice and poured the whiskey in each. Once everyone had their drinks, I settled back on the couch.

“I believe you,” Easton said.

“Thank you.”

“I do too.” Steele gave me an encouraging smile and a fist bump, then all heads turned toward Kaden, who didn’t say a word. He shrugged and said nothing. While his reluctance to jump on Team Axel hurt, I blew it off and changed the subject to our game tomorrow night—my NHL debut if you didn’t count preseason, and I wasn’t counting it.

We talked for a while about Vegas, our next opponent. They were a tough team and at the top of the pack this year. We’d need to play our best if we wanted a chance at beating them.

I glanced at my watch, surprised to find that it was after eleven. “I guess I should be going.”

“Where are you staying?” Easton asked.

“At the hotel.”

“You can stay here. I’ve moved across the hall with Caro, and my room is available. We’ve bought a house and are having it remodeled before we move in.”

I shot a questioning glance at Steele, who was nodding, and Kaden, who was avoiding my gaze. “That okay with you guys?”