7. Jinx
CHAPTER SEVEN
Jinx
I perch on the cold, hard edge of the rink’s wooden bleachers, arms tightly crossed over my chest, eyes fixed on the practice unfolding before me.
The team moves across the ice with a lethargic pace, their usual crisp movements replaced by sluggishness.
The skaters seem out of sync, their passes a beat too late, their shots lacking the usual precision. There’s an undeniable void of energy, a palpable absence that hangs heavy in the air.
Each time a puck sails toward the net, it either slips past the backup goalie with ease or is barely nudged aside. He’s trying desperately, diving and sprawling, but he’s just not Rowan.
The defense hesitates, caught in moments of indecision, unsure whether to press forward or fall back. Their doubt is mirrored by the forwards, who approach the net with uncharacteristic caution, their usual aggressive charges nowhere in sight.
It’s clear they don’t have confidence in the net being securely guarded.
Behind the bench, Coach Walker paces like a caged lion, massaging his temple as if trying to ward off an impending migraine. His jaw is clenched so tightly it seems it might shatter under the pressure.
Jordan Gray, the assistant coach, yells out directions, his voice hoarse from frustration, but even his usually commanding tone sounds strained.
When another puck zips past the goalie, striking the back of the net with a resounding ping, Walker’s patience snaps. He blows his whistle with a piercing shrillness that cuts through the rink’s chill.
“Enough!” his voice booms, echoing off the ice. “You call that a practice? That was a free shot, and you let it walk in!”
The players groan, their shoulders slumping as they shuffle back into their positions, their skates scraping reluctantly against the ice. I shake my head, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. It’s painfully clear the team is missing Rowan.
His commanding presence in the crease, his aggressive play style that inspired confidence, his uncanny ability to orchestrate the defense… Without him, the whole team feels like an incomplete puzzle, missing its key piece.
I’m so engrossed in the chaotic scene on the ice, where players stumble over pucks and misfire passes, that I don’t even notice Kenzie until she nudges my side with her elbow.
“Hey,” she greets, clutching a steaming cup of coffee in one hand, her eyes following the puck as it glides down the ice. “How’s Rowan doing?”
I let out a long sigh, raking a hand through my tangled hair. “Physically? He’s doing okay, just taking it slow. But mentally?” I shake my head. “Not great. He keeps talking about going back home to Montana. I think he’s ready to just quit.”
Kenzie frowns, her brow furrowed with concern. “Seriously?”
“Dead serious,” I reply, frustrated. “He’s convinced himself it’s not worth the fight. That his family was right, and he should just take over the ranch instead.”
Kenzie takes a thoughtful sip of her coffee, her gaze fixed on the ice as another goal slips past the backup goalie, who throws up his hands in exasperation. “Damn,” she mutters under her breath. “That’s… not what I expected from him.”
“Yeah, me neither,” I admit, staring at the ice where Rowan’s absence feels like a shadow.
For a guy as competitive and driven as Rowan, giving up isn’t something that should even be in his vocabulary. But injuries mess with a player’s head more than anything. If he doesn’t believe he’ll come back strong, he simply won’t.
Kenzie and I stand side by side, the chill of the arena nipping at our cheeks as we silently observe the skaters. They glide back and forth, jaws set in determination. Frustration is a palpable aura around them, each failed trick punctuated by a sharp intake of breath or a muttered curse.
The words tumble out of my mouth before I can reconsider. “I’m moving in with them.”
Kenzie swivels her head towards me, one eyebrow arching upward in surprise. “Wait, what?”
I inhale deeply, the crisp air filling my lungs. “Just for a while. To keep Rowan on track with his physical therapy.” My voice wavers slightly, betraying the uncertainty I feel.
Her gaze tests me as a teasing glimmer dances in her eyes. “Uh-huh. And that’s all you’re gonna be doing?”
My face flushes with warmth, and I roll my eyes, trying to dismiss the implication. “It’s not like that,” I lie, the memory of Rowan, Thomas and Bruno still sending a shiver down my spine.
Kenzie sips her coffee, the steam curling upwards, and hums with a knowing smile. “Mmhmm.”
I shift my weight from one foot to the other, the unease knotting in my stomach. Why did I even mention it?
Maybe I was hoping for some kind of cautionary tale or a disapproving shake of her head. But instead, she just watches me, her eyes expectant.
“I dunno,” I mutter, staring at the ground. “It’s just… I’ve never lived with guys before. Hockey guys. It’s probably gonna be chaos.”
Kenzie’s lips twist into a small smile as she nudges me playfully. “Yeah, but chaos can be fun.” She lowers her voice to a playful whisper. “So… Have you already, y’know… sampled the milk without buying the cow?”
I snort, a laugh escaping as I cover my face with my hand to hide the blush creeping up my cheeks. “Maybe.”
Kenzie throws her head back and cackles, her laughter reverberating off the walls of the hallway we’ve stepped into. “Oh my god. Jinx!”
“What? Don’t look at me like that! It was just a thing, it’s not—” I protest, trying to sound nonchalant.
Kenzie waves her hand dismissively, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Save it. I know exactly how these things start.”
I roll my eyes, but the grin spreading across my face betrays my attempt at indifference.
Kenzie leans in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Well, all I’ll say is… make the most of the ‘opportunity.’”
I snicker, nodding. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
I’m still laughing with Kenzie, our voices echoing in the hallway, when Ally strolls by. Her ears perk up just enough to catch our conversation, and a knowing grin spreads across her face.
She shakes her head with an amused shine in her eye, crossing her arms over her chest. “There’s definitely something in the water around here.”
Kenzie cackles. “You’d better watch out, Jinx. One moment you’re acting all nonchalant, and the next, you’re knee-deep in a harem with babies on the way.”
I groan dramatically, rolling my eyes as if to dismiss the idea. “Yeah, yeah. Not happening.”
Ally laughs, stepping closer to wrap me in a warm hug. She squeezes me tightly, a comforting presence. “Well, whatever’s happening, I just hope it brings you happiness. You deserve that.”
I blink, momentarily caught off guard by how much her simple words tug at something deep inside me. Before I can process the emotions swirling within, Ally releases me, waving cheerfully as she heads toward the doors.
Kenzie trails behind her, linking arms with her guys as they approach. Freshly showered, their hair still damp, they look ridiculously good even in casual sweats and hoodies.
Each of them beams at her as if she’s the center of their universe, and a strange, sharp sensation tugs at my chest.
It’s loneliness, a foreign feeling that I quickly try to brush aside. I remind myself why I chose this path: freedom, excitement, the thrill of living untethered by commitments and responsibilities.
But as I sling my bag over my shoulder and head toward the exit, my mind wanders. Maybe I need something to shake up my routine. A new adventure to dive into, a challenge that demands my full attention.
The thought of travel flits through my mind, the pull of distant lands and unfamiliar cultures. Or perhaps returning to school to learn something new and invigorating.
My mind scrolls through the list of destinations and opportunities I’ve been contemplating for ages. Perhaps it’s time to stop thinking and start doing, choose a place, pack a bag, and just go.
Lost in thought, I nearly collide with a broad, sturdy chest as I push open the door.
“Whoa, Jinx!” a familiar voice calls out.
I look up to see Thomas standing there, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. “You good, or do I need to start wearing pads outside the rink?” he teases, a hint of mischief in his tone.
I chuckle, rolling my eyes. “Shut up. What are you still doing here?” I ask, curiosity piqued.
He gives a casual shrug, his jacket rustling slightly. “Was waiting on you, actually. Thought I’d help you pack up your stuff.”
I arch a brow, a skeptical smile tugging at my lips. “Oh, you just thought, huh?”
He smirks, crossing his arms. “Well, I figured it would be a good excuse to spend more time with my favorite punk-rock physical therapist.”
I laugh, shaking my head at his shameless flattery. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Boyd.”
“Good to know.” He winks, his eyes gleaming with playful intent. “So, whaddya say? Let me help?”
I hesitate, thinking of the scattered boxes and odd knick-knacks that make up my life. Then I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Fine. But you’d better not complain about carrying my weird pets.”
Thomas makes a face, feigning horror. “Wait—how many weird pets are we talking?”
I just grin, pulling the door wider and motioning for him to follow me out to the parking lot, the adventure awaiting us back at my apartment.
The drive there is short but electric. I can feel the chemistry between us by the way he looks at me, his eyes flicking across my body. Trying to steady my nerves, I let myself get lost in the music on the radio.
“Wow, your voice is beautiful,” he murmurs, a look of surprise across his gorgeous face.
I blush, biting my lip, feeling myself about to burst. The only reprieve I have is that we’ve pulled up to my apartment complex, and I put the car in park.
As soon as we cross the threshold of my apartment, Thomas comes to an abrupt halt, his eyes widening in disbelief.
“Jinx,” he utters, my name catching in his throat.
“What?” I reply with feigned innocence, dropping my messenger bag onto the worn sofa near the door.
He points animatedly at the rows of glass tanks and enclosures that line the living room like an exotic zoo exhibit. “What the hell is all this?”
I can’t help but burst into laughter, the sound echoing off the walls. “Oh, come on. They’re completely harmless.”
His gaze flits nervously from the massive ball python, its muscular form coiled languidly in its terrarium, to the small, vibrant geckos that cling to the glass with sticky toes.
“There is nothing harmless about a snake that big.”
I shake my head, a smile cracking from his fear. “That’s just Lilith. She’s a total sweetheart.”
Thomas inches backward, his feet shuffling toward the safety of the hallway. “Jinx, I swear, if you make me carry that thing?—“
“Oh, relax.” I roll my eyes as I unlatch the enclosure and allow Lilith to slither up my arm, her scales cool and smooth against my skin. Thomas emits a noise somewhere between a squeak and a groan, distinctly lacking in bravado.
“Nope. Nope, nope, nope.”
I try not to laugh. “Guess I’ll handle the snake. You can grab the gecko tank.”
He grumbles something under his breath about needing better friends, but eventually steps forward, carefully keeping a wide berth from Lilith as we start loading my belongings into the car.
With everything snugly packed away, I slide into the driver’s seat, casting a sideways glance at Thomas, who is settling in next to me.
“Still glad you volunteered for this?”
He shoots me a mock glare, but the curve of his lips betrays him. “Yeah, yeah. Just drive before your demons decide to make a break for it.”
Grinning, I shift into gear and pull out onto the street, the tires crunching over gravel as we head toward Rowan’s house.