Chapter Eleven
Roman
We are on fire!
I laugh to myself as I congratulate the goalie, thinking about Nico watching and laughing about the boops. Now that we’ve gone through the motions, I know he means the head pats. And I guess he’s not wrong about it.
As I skate off the ice, I spot him just as I did the other night.
In the athlete section, watching me with a proud smile.
He gives me a thumbs up and I duck my head as I move down the tunnel, ready to change and go see him.
He’s quickly become the highlight of my day.
Yes, even over winning. Hockey is hockey.
I’m proud when I win, but I know I’m good at what I do.
There aren’t many people I like spending time with and who like spending time with me, so being with Nico gives me a different kind of happiness.
A kind I don’t get anywhere else so I’m eating it up while I can because I know it’s only temporary.
We won’t be here forever. Soon enough, we’ll be back in our own homes, nearly two thousand miles away from each other.
Hersch, our captain, does media tonight. Coach chats with us for a few minutes, and then we go on our way. I shower, change, and rush out without speaking to anyone.
Connor has been wondering why I’ve been so busy, but I told him I’m just enjoying my time and that’s all he needs to know.
He’s doing his thing too. I think he met someone that he’s been hanging out with, so I don’t feel so bad for doing my own thing.
I fulfill all my team obligations without issue.
I get to practice on time. I play hard on the ice.
I pose for photos when needed and meet up with the guys for team activities.
It’s busy and I’m loving it, but I love the quiet nights with Nico more.
I like talking with him. Walking. Seeing how his day was.
Getting to know him. It’s a little something for me that has nothing to do with the team.
The moment I step outside, I glance to the left, to where he was the last time.
“Hey,” he says, coming from the other side. I turn my head and smile. “Were you looking for me?” he asks with a knowing grin.
“You did that on purpose.”
“Maybe,” he says, feigning sweetness. “I could use an ego boost today.”
“Bad day?”
He shrugs, toeing the ground with his boot. “Rough practice.”
“That’s unlike you.”
“It is. I couldn’t sleep last night, and it threw me off.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I can walk you back to your building now.”
“And miss my time with you? Not a chance, Big Guy.” He nudges me with his elbow. “Come on before we miss the bus.”
When we get back to the Village, we don’t say a word to one another as we take our usual walk and find our usual bench. It’s routine now. Our spot. Though I do wish it was a little warmer, it’s nothing I can’t handle.
It’s earlier than usual, so there are still plenty of people out and about.
A few wave when they see us, recognizing us.
Nico seems to recognize more people than I do, and part of me feels bad for that, like I’m a bad athlete, and I should pay more attention to others.
Hockey is my life and that’s all I ever focus on.
I know everyone I play against, but all these other people?
I’ve never really had a reason to know them, and so I just don’t.
“Great game, by the way,” Nico says. “Sorry, I should have said that sooner.”
“No need to be sorry. And thank you… it’s amazing being here, and winning? It’s even better.”
“Tell me about it.” He smiles.
“You’re going to win the gold tomorrow,” I say.
He looks at me, watching carefully. “You really think so?”
“Yes,” I say firmly with a nod. “I know it. You’re amazing.”
He huffs a small sound, then looks out at the open space where people are walking around.
“I think I will, but I don’t like being cocky.”
“Cocky and confident are two different things.”
“But they share a line, and it’s easy to cross.”
“But y—”
My phone rings, cutting me off. I pull it from my pocket. Nico watches as I check to see who it is. I can’t help but smile at the incoming video call. “Sorry, I have to take this.”
“Of course.”
“Hey, Ma,” I answer, but the screen is filled with my girl. “Taco!” I say excitedly. “How’s my girl?”
She’s wagging her tail and whining as she looks around, trying to find me.
“Misses you, that’s for sure,” my mom says, coming into view.
“I miss her too. And you and Dad.”
“Oh please, Roman. You hardly see us to begin with.”
“Yeah, but I’m in another country.”
“You’re always in another country.”
Nico huffs a laugh on the side of me.
“Oh, is that Connor?” she asks. “Let me say hi.”
“It’s not Connor,” I say, glancing at Nico with a smile.
“You’re making new friends? Wow. I’m so proud.” I hear the teasing in her voice and can’t help but laugh.
“Want to say hi?” I ask Nico.
“Sure.”
He moves a little closer to me, and I move the phone away and to the side so we’re both in the view. He waves, and says, “Hi.”
“Ma, this is—”
“Nico Laurent!” she shrieks. “Honey, oh my goodness, honey! Your son is hanging out with Nico Laurent.”
Nico and I both laugh, and I shake my head. “Good to know you’re more famous than me.”
He just shrugs as my mother loses her mind. When she finally calms down, she comes back to the screen, her hand on her chest. “I’m sorry, I’ve just been watching all your performances. You’re so talented.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Callahan. I appreciate that.”
“Your parents must be so proud of you.”
“They are, thank you.”
“Oh, and you’re so polite.” She turns her head to shout at my father again. “And he’s polite!”
“Can I meet Taco?” Nico asks, glancing at me.
“Of course. Ma, put Taco back on.”
“All right, hold on.” She puts the phone down, the camera facing the ceiling as she moves around, calling Taco. “Come on, come see your father,” she says, picking up the phone with Taco on her lap.
“Oh, wow. She’s beautiful,” Nico says. “Hi, Taco. You’re so pretty.”
“She is beautiful,” I agree. “Miss you, girl.”
My mother kisses her on her head and then she jumps off and runs away. Probably back to my father. Those two are connected at the hip when they’re together, I swear.
“This dog doesn’t stay still for a minute.”
I laugh. “All right, we just wanted to say hello and congratulate you on another amazing game. We’re so proud of you, Roman.”
“Thanks, Ma. Love you guys.”
“We love you too. It was nice meeting you, Nico!”
“You too,” he says with a chuckle.
“Bye!” she says, blowing a kiss.
I end the call and put my phone back into my pocket.
“Your mother is sweet. I see where you get it from.”
“Yeah, she’s great.” I sigh. “Have you talked to your parents?”
“Yeah, I talk to them in the morning. It’s the easiest time for them.”
“Three-hour difference, right?”
“Yep. I—”
My phone rings again and I frown.
“Sorry,” I say as I pull out my phone. It’s Connor. “What’s up?” I answer.
“I will not be coming back to the room tonight.”
“Uh, okay?”
“Just wanted to make sure you knew so you weren’t waiting for me.”
“Where are you?”
“Just… out.”
“You better not be doing something you’re not supposed to.”
“As if I’d put the gold on the line. Pfft. I’m just enjoying my time here. I’ll be at morning skate. Promise.”
“Connor, I swear—”
“I’ll be at morning skate,” he reiterates, then hangs up.
I shake my head as I put my phone into my pocket once again.
“Everything okay?” Nico asks.
“Yeah, apparently Connor is staying somewhere else tonight, so I get the room to myself.”
“Hm, all to yourself?” he asks, and I don’t miss the suggestive tone.
“Apparently.”
“That sounds like heaven. My roommates aren’t much of a bother, but they do talk a lot.”
I nod as I look around and we get hit with an especially cold gust of wind. Nico trembles, huddling closer to himself.
“Do you want to come back to my room?” I ask. His eyes narrow. “Because it’s warm,” I add quickly. “And quiet.”
Nico gets up and stands in front of me, his gaze meeting mine. “You don’t have to convince me,” he says, then sweeps his arm out. “Lead the way. Lord knows I don’t know where I’m going.”
So, I do.