Chapter 2
The final horn sounds, and just like that, another hockey season is officially over.
We lost in the first round of the playoffs, but after the finals, we always have a few practices before parting ways for the summer.
It’s impossible not to join the guys in a cheer of relief at the prospect of some much-needed time off.
“Alright, alright, stop skating around like a bunch of cheerleaders and get your asses in the showers! Dunbar, stop bellyflopping on my ice like a goddamn walrus,” Coach yells. “You sure aren’t acting like you want time off. Where’s all that groaning I heard at the beginning of practice?”
We head to the locker room, but the commotion worsens as the guys talk over each other, telling their plans for the break. For once in my life, I shut the fuck up. Because for once, I don’t have any plans. Instead, I just listen to everyone else.
“We’re going to England for a month. My daughter is convinced that she’s a real princess, so we’re going to show her some castles.”
“Aw man, we went through that phase too. Actually, there are some way better countries in Europe if you’re just wanting to see castles—”
“We had our eyes on an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, but our kids begged us to go to Disney. Most magical place, my ass. Whoever coined that obviously never went with two preteens in the middle of summer.”
“Hey, you leave the mouse alone. It’s magical, and you know it!”
“Lisa and I are doing a Mediterranean cruise. You know, for someone who keeps trying to convince us to start a family, you sure aren’t making it sound fun. I’ll take my wife all to myself, especially in a bikini by the pool.”
“What about you, Sunshine? Any big plans?”
“Sunshine?”
“Thatcher?”
“Ow, what the—” Something smacks me in the forehead, and the offending item lands at my feet, stench trailing in its wake. “Whose nasty-ass socks are these?”
Bubba Jones cackles like a hyena and wiggles his toes. “Next time I ask you a question, get your head out of the clouds and answer it!”
“What was your question, asshole?”
“What are you doing during the break? Any big plans, playboy?”
“Oh, um, just going to the Hamptons.”
“Hell yeah, I hear the parties there this time of year are insane.”
“They are. I swear the women there are fucking feral in the summer. It’s like they get away for a while and lose their damn minds. You know, I have plenty of extra room if you want to come stay sometime.”
Bubba ruffles my hair and laughs. “I bet it’s wild. Maybe in my last lifetime. Natalie hates all the parties and stuff. We’re going to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica.”
Oh yeah, I forgot he got married this year. “That sounds nice, too.”
“Yeah, it sure as hell sounds nice,” Milton shouts from across the room. “Just wait until you have kids and you end up in a theme park.”
“I’m sure Nat would like that too.” Bubba smiles lazily, then looks back at me. “Anyway, enjoy your bachelor time in the Hamptons. I think this might be one of the last years you’ll be single. Someone is bound to snatch you up soon.”
“Nah, I’m not ready for all that yet. You and Nat enjoy Jamaica, though.”
One by one, the guys get their things and clear out of the locker room, saying their last goodbyes. As the team captain, I’m always the last man out. Finally alone, I take one last look at the empty room and turn out the light.
I’m usually counting down the days until the offseason, but I can’t say I’m looking forward to it this time.
No, two months with nothing to fill my days but alcohol and sex just isn’t doing it for me this year.
It’s not like Teddy partied with me before, but I always had someone to go home to.
I would spend my weekends at my parents’ house in the Hamptons, live it up, then go back to the city and spend my days with him.
In fact, hanging out with Teddy and his grandma Muriel has been the only time in my life that I felt like I had a family. I haven’t seen my own parents in months, and even though I’ll be in their home in the Hamptons, I won’t see them there either.
No, Dad and Mommy Dearest are probably gallivanting about in Europe somewhere right about now. As far back as I can remember, they’d leave in the summer to embark on their own adventures while I was left back in the city, or in the Hamptons, with whichever nanny was in rotation at the time.
Their absence led to some killer parties over the years.
My friends all thought I was the luckiest guy in the world to have so much freedom, but I hated it.
They got to come get drunk or high for a weekend, then go back to their loving family during the week.
I would hear about their vacations and imagine what my parents and I might be up to wherever they were at the moment.
Perhaps we would take a tour of the catacombs in Paris, a wine tour in Portugal, or even attend one of the contemporary operas my parents rave about, where the actors sing while standing in trash cans.
At least they’re still in love. I think.
I knew plenty of people whose parents couldn’t stand each other.
The Upper East Side was filled with infidelity, so much so that it was assumed to be the standard.
It never sat right with me, though. Maybe that’s why the idea of settling down with someone hasn’t ever appealed to me.
Why have one woman when you can have them all?
Except, after so many years, they all turn into the same boring woman. Maybe that’s why Teddy was never into it, and it worked out for him. He met his soulmate, Ellie. Those two could make someone with the hardest of hearts believe in love.
Someone like me.
For the first time in my life, a month away with one woman who loves me sounds better than the countless faceless women I’m used to. Too bad nobody’s waiting for me at home except my empty bed.