Page 253 of Cross Check

Are you sure about that? Feels like that’s part of the bro code.

Me

I don’t have other friends. I’m just busy!

Easy E

Does that mean you’re hanging out with your new brother-in-law?

Me

I would appreciate it if you stopped calling Coach my brother-in-law. I don’t like it.

Huddy Boy

He kind of is, G.

Mavvy

He totally is.

Me

I’m blocking you all so I can have an afternoon of peace.

Sully

Once you do that, Everett, you’re never going to want to go back.

“Sorry I’m late.” Amelia closes the door to my apartment with a thud. “My meeting ran long.”

“I’m in the living room” I answer, tossing my book on the coffee table.

“Hi.” She smiles from the entryway and drapes her team jacket over the back of the couch. “How was practice?”

“Humbling. I’m not as fast as I was seven years ago.” I pat the spot next to me, smiling when she drops on the cushions and puts her legs in my lap. “I also had some hip pain. Is this my life now that I’m approaching thirty?”

“You haven’t even scratched the surface.” Lia laughs. “Talk to me when you hit thirty-five and start taking vitamins.”

“Goddamn gut health. How was your first day?”

“Great. Darcy and I talked about our goals for this upcoming season. Making it back to the Stanley Cup finals is the top priority, but we also focused on player development. I met my new personal assistant, and Simon Buttecker was actually respectful. All in all, a good day.”

“How’s the assistant? Do we like her?”

“Simone is a lifesaver. My life is significantly more organized after two hours with her. She has different calendars for different events I have to attend, and I love her.”

“Glad to hear it.” I squeeze her ankle and rest my elbow on the arm of the couch. “What else do you have on your agenda today?”

“Nothing besides watching last night’s episode of my new favorite reality show.” She rubs her hands together with a grin. “I can’t wait to see which couple is kicked out of the villa.”

“Do you feel like taking a field trip before you put on your sweatpants?”

“I could be persuaded. Do I have to dress up?”

“Nope. I’m going like this.” I gesture to my gray shirt and athletic shorts. “We’re keeping it casual around here.”

“A field trip sounds fun.” Her eyes twinkle. “Let me take off my makeup, and I’ll be ready to go.”