“God, yeah, of course. I can’t… I can’t imagine. And I’m giving you shit, being an ass because you’re kind of putting me on the spot about Emmersyn and…” I yanked open the door to the arena, showed my badge to security. “She’s my sister’s friend and needed some help. Like I said, it’s a long, complicated story, but I can fill you in when I can. Okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah. Okay. I gotta get to my next class, just wanted to reach out when I figured you’d be home. Things are okay, though? The team?”

“We miss you. Every practice and every game.”

“Hell yeah, you do. I’m awesome.” He laughed, but there was still that sadness.

Max had lived for hockey. Hadn’t wanted to retire or even dream of it, but one too many concussions and he had no choice. He was good with his decision, but that didn’t make it easier. I figured if I was forced to retire before I was mentally ready, I’d feel the same way.

“I mean it, man. I’m not sure I’m the guy for your job, you know? But we’re doing good. Playing hard, and next time we’re in California, Anaheim or LA, you know we’d love to see you. Even if not at the game, at the hotel for drinks.”

“Damn straight. Who’s making sure you guys are partying now and not taking yourselves too seriously if I’m not there? You need me.”

We did. That was a given.

“Alix—” we both said at the same time.

“All right. I’ll let you go, but next time you know you’re going to end up in the papers, give me a heads up first, yeah?”

“Promise. Kick ass at school today, sweetheart.”

He laughed again, but that was Max. Always laughing. “Fuck you, too.”

He hung up, and I hit the locker room. Since I was behind, most of the guys were dressed, kicking around a soccer ball or tossing up a football. I grabbed a pass from Easton to Dom in the air and then threw it to Joey on my way to my locker.

“Not like you to be late.” Dom saddled up next to me, settling his shoulder at the locker. “Late night? Early morning?”

How in the hell could he read me?

“Shut up.” I shoved him so hard, he tripped over his skates, fell over Garrett’s knee and ended up in our goalie’s lap. “Aww… quick. Who’s got their phone?”

Dom struggled to get out of Garrett’s lap, but he just held him tight and pushed his lips out. “Oh, come on, Dominick. It’s okay to show your love for me.”

He leaned in, pretending to kiss him on the cheek while Dom struggled, beet red in the face, and Joey shouted, “Got it!” He grinned at his phone. “Nice. Definitely going on my Instagram.”

“You assholes. All of you,” Dom muttered, but where at one point we might have actually been afraid of that look on his face, now there was no heat behind it.