Chapter 44
FORTY-FOUR
CALLUM
- Present Day -
“ D ude, where ya been?”
The mood has shifted, karaoke music now overtaken by somebody’s playlist – probably O’Connor’s if I had to guess – and the raucous laughter that had filled the air at the sound of off-key singing when I left has now been replaced with a more sultry vibe.
The older players, the ones with families to get back to, have long since left with their partners, and now the room is filled with the younger guys and their potential hook-ups for the night.
An arm is thrown over my shoulder, and I quickly adjust my stance so I’m not knocked over as one of the guys crashes into me.
“Aw, he was probably getting some. Weren’t you, Robinsky?”
“Cal? Nah, man. He isn’t like the rest of us skirt chasers. He doesn’t do random hook-ups, remember?”
Ugh. Disgusted, I shove Mikhail away, knocking his arm from my shoulders .
“Just because you guys are a bunch of womanizing assholes, doesn’t mean I don’t get laid ever. I just happen to have more respect when it comes to women, and don’t blow through them like I’m god’s gift to womankind.”
“Man, don’t be such a pussy. I think you could use a good lay. Might help you loosen up and take that stick out of your ass for once.”
I stiffen at his words, images flashing through my mind of warm bodies, and the apartment I just left. Chest tight, I can feel the heat rising up my neck at his words, and I clench my fists as I fight back the urge to punch him.
“Dude, don’t be an ass.” Timing perfect as always, O’Connor walks up, smacking Mikhail in the back of the head, saving me from doing something stupid.
I force myself to relax, loosening my jaw.
“Leave Robinsky alone. Do you really want to piss off the guy who springs for the good beer at his parties? Not a good move, man.”
He cuts a look in my direction, and I nod in silent thanks.
This wouldn’t be the first time that Mikhail has tried to start shit with another teammate.
Traded last year from the New Jersey Pythons after multiple scandals that led to his suspension, his behavior on our team hasn’t been much better since.
I don’t care how good of a player he is, or how many draft picks we got out of the deal, I will never understand the justification for taking a player like him on.
Mikhail just scoffs, taking a swig before barking out a harsh laugh. “Aw, come on man. He knows I’m just playing. Right, Robinsky?”
Shaking my head, I try to brush off the discomfort I feel at his words. “Sure, dude. Whatever you say.”
Not wanting to hear whatever trash he comes up with next, I head off in the opposite direction, looking for a distraction from my chaotic thoughts.