Page 35

“Still…hydrate.”

I unscrew the cap and take a few sips. The cold water trickles down my throat and momentarily soothes the heat radiating from my core.

Feeling marginally better, I peel off my shoulder pads and jersey. Kicking off my skates takes more effort than it should, though. I liken it to trying to pry open a rusted-shut treasure chest with a plastic spoon.

Each tug sends a jolt up my already tender legs, and my fingers are too numb and uncooperative to get a good grip on the laces.

I take a deep breath and give one last heave, nearly toppling off the bench when the skates finally come free. My socks are drenched in sweat, and my feet throb with the release of pressure.

I stretch out my legs, wincing as the muscles protest. The room is loud with post-game chatter. Guys are rehashing key plays, making plans for the weekend, and joking around like they always do.

I stand and shimmy out of my hockey pants, then sit back down hard as the room spins again.Fiddlesticks.Maybe I’m worse off than I thought.

With slow deliberation, I peel off my socksand sigh. The cool tile beneath my feet feels heavenly. I wiggle my toes, letting the chill seep in and take away some of the throbbing.

One of the guys walks by and slaps me on the shoulder. “Hell of a game, G!”

I muster a weak smile and nod as someone starts blasting music from a portable speaker. I want to enjoy it because it’s one of my favorite rock songs, but it only makes the throbbing in my head worse.

Kyle notices my discomfort and slaps the guy over the head.

“Sorry, G. Wasn’t thinking,” the culprit mutters as he lowers the volume to a more tolerable decibel.

I wave off his apology. “It’s all good. You want to celebrate. I get it. Don’t let me rain on your parade.”

Standing up more cautiously than before, the world steadies enough for me to walk. I stagger down the hall toward the communal shower. It’s a relic of another era, with shower heads lining the walls and several Bradley shower poles in the center.

When Infinity Arena was remodeled a few years ago to become the state-of-the-art facility it is now, the owners wanted to turn the space into private shower stalls. The team at the time protested; privacy had never been a concern, and shockingly, the contractors listened.

Steam billows around me as I twist a knob on one of the shower poles and let hot water cascade over my body. The heat penetrates my skin, loosening tight muscles and washing away the sticky residue of sweat and pain.

A few of the guys trickle in, talking and laughing as they claim shower heads and poles. It’s a ritual as old as time—sharing soap and shampoo, making lewd jokes about each other’s bodies. It’s one of those traditions that bonds us closer than just teammates.

Drew saunters in last, unashamed of his perpetual half-chub.

“Gunnarson, you sure you’re okay?” he asks, though his concern is tempered with the confidence of someone who just scored a game-winner.

“I’ll live,” I say, letting the hot water pummel my scalp. “Nice goal, by the way.”

He grins and shrugs modestly. “Had to do it for you, buddy.”

My head is a balloon, bobbing on a too-long string, but the hot water and steam make it slightly more bearable.

I finish showering and stand there as my skin prunes. I know I should get out before I’m as wrinkled as an old man, but the thought of facing the cold air in the locker room keeps me rooted in place.

Nathan yells across the room, “Hey Gerard, who do you think has the best butt on the team?” His pink hair is flattened on his forehead, and he’s grinning like an idiot.

“Besides me? Probably Oliver.”

Oliver shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I can tell he’s pleased with the recognition.

“See? Told you!” Nathan says, high-fiving Jordan.

I shake my head and laugh softly. These guys.

Shutting off the water, I grab a towel from the stack by the door. My muscles have loosened up, but my head still feels stuffed with wet cotton balls. I wrap the towel around my waist and make my way back into the locker room.

The cool air hits my skin, and my body rebels against the sudden temperature change. Goosebumps pop up my arms and legs, my nipples harden, and my balls retreat into my body.