“Not really,” he says. “I didn’t see you at the after-party.”

“He doesn’t do after-parties,” Evan says, coming in and sitting next to Viktor. “Or any parties.”

“That you know of,” I tell him, smiling. “Besides, been there, done that.”

“There were so many women last night,” a rookie says, coming into the room with sunglasses on. “I haven’t even slept yet.”

“This should be fun,” I say to Evan, and he just shakes his head.

“Six-hour flight. I bet he sleeps the whole way.” Viktor laughs.

“Okay, people,” Oliver says, coming into the room. “Bus is here and ready to be loaded. I have made some hard copies for you guys about the upcoming season and the activities I am in the process of planning. Any encouragement or time would be greatly appreciated.”

“Does he ever relax?” Viktor asks, and Evan and I both answer at the same time. “No.”

I get up, and I’m the last one out of the room, grabbing a seat in the front of the bus right next to Viktor. “Last one on, first one off.”

“Then I get on the plane first, and I’m off first. It’s just goes round and round,” I tell him, and he laughs, taking out his phone. I wait to get onto the plane before I take out my computer and do work for Walk ’N’ Licks. I also RSVP to the SPCA gala in a month, putting the address in my calendar so I don’t forget. The flight goes faster than I thought it would go, and when I finally open my hotel room door, I toss my bag on the desk and kick off my shoes.

Turning on the television, I switch it to SportsCenter and listen to the news from last night’s game. When my phone rings, my heart speeds up just a touch at the thought it could be Vivienne, but I see it’s Matthew. He calls to invite me to dinner, and I pass, opting to order room service instead.

I wait for her to text me all night long, but nothing comes through. When I get up the next day for practice, I send her another text.

Me: I think we should talk.

I put the phone away and then go to practice. The boys are a bit peppier this morning after a good night’s rest. “How was dinner?” I ask Evan.

“It was just the three of us.” He laughs. “Everyone was either sleeping or ate in their room.”

I nod at him and get my gear on. For two hours, I lose myself in my job, and then I hit the gym. When I pick up my phone, I see that she hasn’t messaged me back, and the messages both say delivered.