Page 10 of False Start
When you walk in, you notice there’s no big dance floor or DJ set up. Instead, it’s an upscale bar, owned by the Davis family, with booths and tables, surrounded by a large bar on the bottom floor. Their family has lived in Winter Hills for generations, and they’re a big deal in the world of football, with their son currently playing in the NFL and their dad a head coach. It definitely helps make this place feel a little more like home when the owner understands sports and comfort.
As I make my way further into the building, I pass by a few people smiling and waving at them in politeness. One guy wearing a Blaze T-shirt raises his beer. “You feeling ready for this season?”
“Feeling good about this new team. Can’t wait to hit the ice next week.”
I continue up the stairs, their cheers reminding me of how much I love our fans and the people of this town.
Once I clear the top step and pass by the bouncer, I step into the lounge area and I’m greeted by my teammates, all laughing and joking around with each other. As I step closer, Beckett is the firstone to see me.
“Look who finally decided to show up! I didn’t think you were gonna show that handsome face of yours, Jakey Poo,” Beckett teases from where he’s sitting.
“You act as if I’m late compared to the twins, who I don’t see here. And you know I hate that nickname, jackass,” I roll my eyes as I clap his shoulder in greeting.
“Exactly why I still use it.”
Once I’m sitting, I turn to Connor, give him a handshake in greeting.
“Hey, Jake, glad you decided to join us tonight.”
“Hey, old man, surprised to see you out,” I tease.
He just rolls his eyes as we all gather around and wait for the rest of the group to arrive. “I may be old, but I can still hang out with the best of you younglings. Lord knows I’d rather be home with my family, instead of sitting here with you dumbasses.”
Connor is a big family man, and everyone on the team knows it. He proposed to his wife the night he was drafted, and they’ve been married ever since. They have two beautiful daughters who are an absolute joy to have around the arena.
“Who says younglings anymore?” Maddox asks from his spot on the far end of the couch.
“Our very own captain, of course. He just loves to make us all feel young and vibrant, right, Cap? Get used to it, rookie, because there’s plenty more to come,” Becks exclaims, laughing with some of the other guys.
Connor just rolls his eyes and then gets quiet all of a sudden. He looks down into his beer, and I can tell by the slight twitch of his lip that something is eating at him. “Hey, you okay?” I ask in a hushed tone. I’m not sure if the guys picked up on it like I did since they’re still laughing, so I lower my voice in order to not draw attention.
He’s saved from answering me when Violet, our usual waitress when we come, walks over to our group. “Hey, Jake. It’s been a minute since I’ve seen you around.”
“Yeah, finally decided to hang out with these losers,” I tease, as I look over and see Beckett scoff across from me.
“Excuse me! I take full offense to that,” he proclaims, clutching his chest in mock horror.
I roll my eyes at him before turning back to Violet.
“What can I get you sweetie? The usual?”
“Actually, can I do a club soda and a lime tonight please?” While I can normally handle one or two beers before cutting myself off, tonight I want a completely sober head for what might happen.
“You got it.” She winks before walking over to the bar set up on this floor.
Turning back to Connor, I tilt my head, reminding him about my previous question. He looks at me with a sheepish expression and opens his mouth, but before he can answer, the guy's cheers interrupt us yet again.
“Look who’s finally here. I know we ribbed Jake over there for being late, but leave it to the twins to always be fashionably late,” Beckett teases.
“If it wasn’t for the darling princess taking her sweet time getting ready, we’d have been here a while ago.” Brayden rolls his eyes.
“Oh, please, you spent more time flexing in the mirror than I did doing my hair and makeup. If anything, you’re the reason we’re late, as usual,” Kailyn throws back.
That voice—her soft, warm tone that soothed me to sleep so many times when I had too much on my mind. The voice I hear when I want to be reminded of how good things were before they changed.
I hear Kailyn’s voice everywhere, and in everything.
Sometimes I find myself looking at old pictures of us and screaming till my lungs give out. Going to the rink on my off days and skating until I can’t feel or think about how angry and heartbroken I still am.
