Page 74 of Only Ever You

The late August sun paints the world gold. The engine of my black Audi Q8 rumbles as I exit the freeway, rapping my fingers over the steering wheel, restless.

The SUV is shiny and powerful, but I still prefer my Yamaha YZF-R6. On my bike, I can be anywhere I fucking want way faster, maneuvering between cars, opening the throttle when the road is straight and empty. The feeling of the wind rushing over me is overwhelming but freeing at the same time. It makes me feel alive, even on days when my mood is shit.

The only downside? It’s impossible to get myself, my hockey bag, and my stick to practice on two wheels.

“Why are you so fidgety?” Ash asks from the passenger seat, sunglasses slipping down his nose.

“I don’t know,” I mutter. “Guess I’m just wired.”

He snorts. “So nothing new. It’s August, dude. School starts in a couple of days, and we haven’t started two-a-days yet, even if you’re already showing up at the rink on your own.”

“It’s my last year here. One more season. One more shot to take home the championship.”

“You say that like you’re sixty, not nineteen. And don’t get me wrong, winning the Frozen Four would be great, but a year from now, we’ll be prepping for our first season in the NHL. We have plenty of time to prove ourselves after that.”

While I’ve been drafted by the Phantoms, Ash has been drafted by the Vipers. It’ll be the first time in our lives we’re not playing together.

Rather than answering, I focus on the road ahead. On Golden Bay University. As we crest the hill, the brick buildings sprawling below come into view, bathed in sunlight and surrounded by green quads. I spent last year here, learning who the hell I am outside my last name, outside my reputation. The best part is, it’s only an hour from Santa Clara. It’s comforting to know I can go home anytime I want.

Dad wanted to rent an apartment for Ash and me, but I chose to live on campus. Our dorm is for athletes only. Ash and I share a suite with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a mini kitchen, and even a small living area. It’s good for rest, but also for the parties we throw from time to time. I’m only here for two years, so I want to enjoy this time to the fullest.

Though it’s hard to avoid conversations about my future.

It’s well-known I’ve been drafted to the New York Phantoms, so people are always asking why I’m still here. My go-to answer is: why not?

The deal was simple. Two years at GBU before I go pro. Two years with the Golden Bay Hawks. The Phantoms’ management wants me stronger and sharper, and the Hawks are making sure I’m exactly that. By the end of my sophomore year, I’ll be ready to hit the ice in New York—but only as long as I’m putting my all into it.

Plus, I really want to win the college championship, just like my dad did when he was in school. The day Dad lifted that cup, Mom was already pregnant with me, and they were planning their life together in Santa Clara. I’m not usually sentimental, but that means something to me. And maybe I also want to prove I’m as good as my dad was.

Either way, my goal this year is to win, to finish the season, pass my classes, and move forward with my NHL career.

The Hawks use a rink about twenty minutes from campus. It’s an old, spacious arena near the bay. The cold bites, and the boards creak each time we crash into them.

Most days, I’d rather be on the ice than anywhere else. Even parties. Even dates. Ash doesn’t feel the same. He lives for partying and pussy. It’s a miracle he agreed to come to the rink with me today. Or maybe it’s because the campus is still a ghost town, so the parties haven’t started up yet.

“What do you want to work on? Shooting?” Ash’s voice brings my attention back to him.

“Speed and some edge work.” I lift a shoulder. “I get enough shooting and stickhandling during practice.”

“And yet you’re dragging my ass to the rink for the second time today.”

“You really think the Vipers would be happy with an attitude like that?”

Lips twisted, he flips me off. “Fuck off, Thompson. Sue me for wanting to have fun while I still can. This is my last year here too.”

“Sorry.” I crook a smile, easing off the gas. “I’m grateful you’re here. It’s much more satisfying to beat you than it is to compete with myself.”

“Keep dreaming.” He laughs. His phone buzzes, and he pulls it out of his pocket. “How long do you plan to stay here?”

“Two hours. Why?”

“Amanda wants to hang out. She says Leah can come too.”

“Who?” I ask as I pull into the lot.

He rolls his eyes. “Amanda is⁠—”

“I know who Amanda is. A chick from your never-ending list of hookups.”