Epilogue
Luke
We’re back on the ice on campus before the fall semester officially starts. But I can’t focus on practice today.
Sienna will be here in a few hours. She’s staying with me and Ma until the semester begins. Under the condition that we don’t “fornicate” in her house.
So I’ll make sure she’s not home when we do. Gives Sienna the chance to scream my name anyway.
We’ve been texting every day again, just like old times. Except now she sends me dirty texts and pictures, and I do the same. With the mask on. She’s been enjoying living with both of her parents again, so I haven’t pushed her to come back earlier. She needs this time with them, especially Mike. They have years of catching up to do. I’ll have the rest of my life with her.
Not sure how I went so many years without meeting her, without holding her in my arms. But I won’t waste another second of the time I get with her now.
I block the puck when Finn sends it my way. Then again when Damien gains control. Bastards are relentless today. I owe them a lot for protecting Sienna that night. For having my back. Even if they drive me fucking nuts, I wouldn’t pick anyone else to call my teammates. My brothers.
“Thought your girl wasn’t supposed to be back until later?” Damien shouts.
“She’s not.”
He nods at the empty bleachers.
Empty except for one person. One girl, in my jersey, cheering loud with a sign like she’s at the championship game.
Did I ever tell you how I imagined cheering for you at your games? I’d be the loudest person in the bleachers. I hoped that even if your dad couldn’t cheer for you, it would help, knowing someone out there is cheering for you so loud, their throat is raw after. I probably wouldn’t even be able to talk, but it would be worth it if it helped you play. If it made you happy.
Coach will tear me a new one for leaving the ice during practice, but I don’t give a fuck. My girl is here. Mine .
She grins when she spots me leaving my post in front of the net and heading for her.
Before I can cross to the wall, Knox cuts me off, finally making an appearance from the locker room, breathless and ten minutes late to practice.
“Where the fuck were you?” I ask. Stupid question. He was probably getting sucked off by some random puck bunny.
His eyes are wide. Can’t remember the last time I saw calm, cool, go-with-the-flow Knox look anything close to frazzled. “You won’t believe who the fuck I just saw on campus.”
This piques Damien’s and Finn’s interest. They both come to a stop to listen.
“Who?”
Couldn’t be Wes or Violet. He’d be happy to see them, not shocked. Definitely not disturbed.
Then he drops the name that makes my stomach twist.
“Trey Lamont.”