Chapter 6
The locker room buzzes with pre-game energy, a mix of nerves and adrenaline filling the air. I'm lacing up my skates when Harvey plops down next to me, already suited up and ready to go.
“We’re going to win this one. I can feel it,” Harvey says. Crew shoots back a look like he feels it too.
Crew says, “And we’ll celebrate it tonight at the party. Is that chick from the Grind Stone coming, Harv?”
I glance at Harvey and say, “This thing with the Grind Stone girl is a bad idea."
Harvey's head snaps up. “What's your problem with her? I've never known you to have enemies, other than you know.” He jerks his head towards Grey, who's adjusting his pads across the room.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “It's not that, man. She has a problem with me. I just…maybe inviting her tonight was a bad idea. You don't need the drama.”
Harvey nods slowly. “You don’t need the drama either. Maybe try being nice to the girl.”
I shake my head because he has no idea. If Miss lil Mike Tyson could’ve pretended she didn’t recognize me that one night, I wouldn’t have bothered.
I say, “I'll steer clear of her at the party. We've got more important things to focus on tonight anyway.”
“Damn straight,” Crew grins. “Let's go show these losers how hockey's really played.”
As we file out onto the ice, the roar of the crowd hits me like a physical force. This is what I live for. The game. The rush. The chance to prove I'm the best damn player on this team.
The puck drops, and everything else fades away. It's just me, the ice, my team, and our goal. I weave through defenders, my stick an extension of my arm. The other team might as well be standing still.
I spot an opening and send the puck flying towards Grey. Time seems to slow as it soars across the ice. Grey catches it perfectly, and with a flick, it's in the net. The crowd erupts.
Harvey slaps my back as we skate back to position. “Nice assist, Pearson,” he shouts over the noise.
I nod, already focused on the next play.
By the second period, I've scored twice, both times with assists from Grey. It feels good, to be in sync on the ice again with him. Winning is my drug of choice, and right now, I'm flying high.
The final buzzer sounds, and we've demolished the other team. The locker room is electric, everyone riding the high of victory. As I'm showering off the sweat and grime, I can't help but grin. This is what it's all about.
Later, at the Kappa Pi house, the party is in full swing. Music pounds through the speakers, the bass thrumming in my chest. I'm three beers in and feeling on top of the world.
“Pearson!” Crew shouts, pushing through the crowd to hand me another drink. “Hell of a play, man! Finally back on track.”
I accept the cup with a smile. “Hard work pays off.”
He laughs, shaking his head. “And so humble, too.”
More of the guys join us, and soon we're reliving every moment of the game.
I scan the room as I listen, nodding and laughing at all the right moments.
My eyes land on Maddie and Grey, cuddled up in a corner.
For the first time, the sight doesn't bother me. They look happy. Good for them. I don’t like Grey, but if Maddie is happy, then I support it.
As the night wears on, more people gravitate towards our group. That's how it always is – everyone wants a piece of this team. The team is a good time. I play the part, laugh at jokes, swap stories, and make sure everyone feels included. It's second nature by now.
I catch Michelle's eye across the room. She's dancing, if you can call it that, and staring at me like I'm the last slice of pizza at 3 AM. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Time to find some new territory to explore.
I nudge Crew. “Wingman duty. Help me scope out who we can hit up.”
He grins, immediately on board. “Roger that, Captain. What's your type tonight? Blonde? Brunette? Breathing?”
I'm about to answer when I spot a familiar face in the crowd.
Amber.
In a tight black dress with loose hair falling around her face. She looks…different.
Well, isn't this just fan-fucking-tastic.
“Houston, we have a problem,” I mutter to Crew.
He follows my gaze. “Who’s that?”
“Grind Stone girl,” I say, reluctantly.
Crew whistles low. “Damn, Grind Stone girl cleans up nice. Think Harvey's gonna seal the deal tonight?”
I watch as Harvey awkwardly tries to talk with Amber, who looks about as comfortable as a cat in a bathtub.
“Not a chance in hell,” I smirk. “Ten bucks says she bails within the hour.”
Crew considers this, then shakes his head. “Nah, I'm not taking that bet. It's too easy.”
I laugh, but I can't take my eyes off Amber. Have the last few beers made everyone good looking? I glance around to scope out who’s here. Is this brunette pretty? I stare for a little too long. Yeah, I guess she is. See, it’s the alcohol.
“You found yours?” Crew asks, looking in my line of sight.
I shrug because why the hell not. “Yeah.”
The brunette looks our way.
“Jackpot,” Crew grins, nodding in their direction. “Let's go work some magic, Pearson.”
I follow his lead, putting on my best I don’t think every woman is beautiful right now face. As we approach, I recognize one of the girls from my sports psychology class. Sarah, I think her name is. The other is definitely on the soccer team – I've seen her around the athletic center.
I sidle up to the girls, offering a friendly smile. “Hey there. You ladies looked like you could use a breather from all this craziness.”
Sarah, from my sports psych class, raises an eyebrow. “Oh? And you're here to rescue us?”
“We come bearing gifts,” Crew chimes in, holding up the water bottles.
Kate, the soccer player, looks amused. “Wow, hockey players offering water instead of beer? That's a new one.”
I shrug, handing them each a bottle. “We're all about hydration. Gotta keep you in top form for all the dancing we’ll be doing.”
Sarah takes a sip, eyeing me curiously. “Dancing, huh? That sounds suspiciously like you're angling for something.”
I hold up my hands. “Hey, no ulterior motives here. Just looking out for my fellow athletes. Though if you happened to save a dance for me, I wouldn't complain.”
Kate laughs, nudging Sarah. “He's smooth, I'll give him that.”
Crew chuckles, shaking his head. “Don't let him fool you. He's not nearly this smooth off the ice.”
“Crew, buddy, you're killing me here. I'm trying to work my magic.”
Sarah raises an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. “Oh? Is that what this is? And here I thought you were just being friendly.”
I offer my hand to either one of them. “Well, I was thinking we could start with some dancing. That is if you think you can keep up.”
They exchange amused glances. “I’m up for dancing. You?” Kate asks.
Sarah nods.
Crew takes Sarah’s hand and then we’re off.
As the night wears on, we end up dancing for a while. I'm not the world's greatest dancer, but what I lack in skill I make up for in enthusiasm. Plus, it's hard to look bad when you're riding the high of a big win and several beers.
Crew's got some moves, though. He's spinning Sarah around like they're on Dancing with the Stars or something. Kate and I exchange amused glances.
“Your friend's got game,” she shouts over the music.
I look over. They’re having a good time, so I nod, twirling Kate dramatically. “For a soccer player, I thought you’d be better on your feet.”
She laughs, her head falling back. “Oh, I'm not the one who invited me here. I never said I was good at dancing.”
We're swaying to the music, and I'm actually having a good time. No drama, no complications, no petty remarks. Just a fun night with cool people.
But then I feel it. That prickle on the back of my neck that tells me someone's watching me. I try to ignore it, but curiosity gets the better of me. I glance over Kate's shoulder, scanning the room. It’s not Crew. He doesn’t need saving.
Heck, he’s even smiling and having a conversation with the girl.
It’s not Maddie. Not Grey. They’re nowhere in sight.
It’s not Michelle for once. Wow, making progress.
I search for Harvey. He’s in the kitchen talking to a few guys.
And there she is. Amber, standing by the wall, glaring at me like I've personally offended her entire existence. Which, to be fair, I probably have at some point.
I raise an eyebrow at her, silently asking 'What's your problem?'
She doesn't back down, her scowl deepening.
Jesus, what did I do now? Exist in her general vicinity? Breathe her air?
I consider ignoring her, but something in her gaze catches me. This girl passionately hates me. I think she’s only here to ruin my time, and she’s come to realize that no one can ruin that.
Without really thinking about it, I shrug at her. A universal 'what can you do?' gesture. Her eyes narrow, and I can practically feel the hatred radiating off her from across the room.
Great. Looks like we're playing some new version of the 'who can glare harder' game. And here I thought I could ignore her and move on.
I turn my attention back to Kate, determined not to let Amber ruin my night. But Amber's death glare is like a physical weight on my back. Jesus, what's her deal?
“I'll be right back,” I mutter to Kate. She looks disappointed, but hey, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. And right now, this man's gotta figure out how to get Amber off my back. Inside of Grind Stone, this is cute. But in my territory, I’m not allowing it.
I head towards the bathroom, but I'm not really planning on using it.
When Amber cuts the corner, following me, I shake my head.
I take a moment to really look at her. She's flushed, her eyes a little too red. Well. Looks like someone's been hitting the punch bowl pretty hard.
“What's up?” I ask, cool as a cucumber. No way I'm letting her see she's gotten under my skin. I would like to test the waters to see if she can be civil.
“What's up?” she mocks.
Real mature.
“Yeah. What can I help you with?”
She doesn't say anything, just stares at me like I'm a particularly confusing piece of modern art.
“Aren't you here with Harvey?” I ask, glancing around. “Where is he? Do you want me to find him for you?” Look at me, being all chivalrous and shit.
She laughs, hiding her face against the wall. Oh yeah, she's definitely three sheets to the wind.
When she finally stops laughing, she fixes her hair and says, “Are you actually talking to me like I'm a human being right now?” She laughs again, pointing her finger in my face. Rude. I always talk to her like she’s a human being.
“I don't know why that's so funny,” I say, keeping my voice neutral. No need to poke the drunk bear.
“Because, Matthew,” she says my name like it's a curse word, “You come into where I work and you treat me like I'm a piece of dirt, and then I'm in your world right now, and you're nice?”
I shrug, biting my tongue. No way I'm rising to that bait. “No,” I say simply, meeting her eyes.
She leans against the wall next to me, close enough that I can smell her perfume. “Great,” she mutters.
I can't help but smirk. “You shouldn't be using Harvey to get to me, you know. It's not very nice.”
Amber's eyes flash with anger. “Excuse me? Not everything is about you, Matt. And while we're on the topic of 'not nice', how about you stop coming into the Grind Stone like I asked you to a week ago?”
“Not gonna happen, Amby,” I say, leaning closer. “I like my sandwiches and shakes with a side of hostility.”
She steps back, crossing her arms. “Fine. Then I guess I won't stop seeing Harvey.”
I feel anger simmering now. Not jealousy. Definitely not that. Maybe protectiveness. She’s going to lead on one of my best friends because I won’t leave her alone?
“Look,” I say, trying to keep my voice level. “Leave Harvey out of this.”
Amber's laugh is sharp. “What I do is none of your business. If you could just stay as far away from me as possible, that would be great.”
She turns to leave, but before she can, I step in front of her. “You want war, Amber?”
She stops, looking up at me with fire in her eyes. “Do I want war?” she scoffs, taking a step closer to me. “Me? Let me solve this for you –– stop coming into the Grind Stone.”
“If you can’t leave Harvey out of it–”
She shakes her head at me, walking away. I can’t even finish my sentence because she's gone, leaving me alone in the hallway with nothing but the pounding bass from the party and my own jumbled thoughts for company.
I lean against the wall, running a hand through my hair. I stare at the ground, fuming. I am triggered.
Amber, you want to bring my best friend into this?
This means war.