“Could, but I’ve played in worse shape. I’ll be fine.” We’ve got Vermont this weekend and I don’t want to miss it.

She smiles and it hits me in the gut. Either that or I’m gonna be sick again.

“Okay, well, I’m going back to my dorm before class. Call me later?”

She looks uncertain and I hate that. Hate it but can’t seem to bring myself to reassure her. I also don’t want to get much closer in case I’m still contagious.

“Yeah, of course, I’ll call you later tonight. I have a feeling after practice I’m going to need a nap.”

“Okay.” She steps back and gives me one of those sweet, Ginny smiles. “Feel better.”

35

GINNY

DECEMBER

I’m sitting at the bar at The Hideout waiting for my friends and brother. Reagan’s the first to show.

“Hey.” I stand to hug her. “Where’s Dakota?”

“She wasn’t done studying for her biology test. She said to tell you she was sorry and that she’d make it up to you.”

“Well, boo. I was hoping she’d come. Adam’s running late and the rest of the guys didn’t feel like going out. It feels like everyone is bailing.” Monday night was a bust after Maverick and Heath got sick, but I was hoping tonight we could all finally hang out.

“Actually, I’m glad I have you alone. I need to talk to you.”

“Okay.” We sit and when the bartender comes over, she orders two shots of RumChata.

“You’re making me nervous, Rea.”

The shots come and she downs one without waiting for me.

I start to chuckle. “Woah, there, it can’t be that—”

“I like your brother.”

Her words hit me slowly, but she doesn’t give me time to respond anyway.

“I’m sorry I lied, but we’d just met, and I didn’t want you to think I was some weirdo or that I was pretending to be your friend because of Adam.”

His name makes it all finally click.

“Your crush, the hockey player, is my brother?”

“Yes, and I’m going to tell him tonight, but I wanted to tell you first.” She eyes the second shot. “Do you need that or do I?”

“I’m not upset. Adam would be lucky to have someone like you, but you can’t tell him tonight.”

“Why not?” Her brown eyes crinkle at the corners as she draws her eyebrows together.

“Because I invited Taryn and she just walked in. I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” As I stand to greet my brother’s girlfriend, I see Reagan down the last shot.

“Hey,” Taryn says tentatively.

“Hi, Taryn,” I say and we hug. “Thanks for coming.”

She laughs lightly. “You didn’t leave me much choice. You said it was life or death.”