Page 22

Chapter 21

Shawn

I slam the weight down on the rack as I finish my last rep on the bench press. I stayed and got an extra workout in after practice because I don’t want to slack off as I start my rookie season. Over the past few weeks, the coaches and my teammates made it pretty clear they expect this year to be prize-worthy with me being here. Calming my nerves, I breathe and swipe the sweat from my brow with the cool, damp, scented towel. I feel my phone buzz in my shorts, and I smile already, knowing it’s Lee. I don’t know how I could cope through my first year in the league without her, and having her at games will give me such a burst of energy to go all out.

Pulling out my phone, I read the text.

Lee

Heads up! Liam is up to something.

Books

Lol. What’s new?

Lee

Right!

Sliding my phone back in my pocket, I finish my last set and return to the locker room. I sit down on the chair under my last name and start taking off my shoes. I tuck them under my chair as I hear my phone start a steady stream of continuous buzzing next to me.

Liam

Hey peeps!

Lee

Don’t call us peeps.

Liam

Whatever, I have an idea.

Millie

Someone got a letter…

Soph

I wonder who it’s from?

Bouch

OH, this is like a Blues Clues thing. I’m following you now.

Soph

Anyone else shocked he caught on this quick?

Millie

Honestly, proud of you, Bouchey.

Bouch

Thanks, One-in-a-MILLion!

Liam

Hey now, that’s my nickname for Mils.

Lee

That’s what we all call her…just because you started calling her that after watching Miss Congeniality for the first time doesn’t mean it’s only your nickname, bro.

Books

Liam, you got news to share?

Liam

Thanks, Books. Yes, I do! Mimi is going to Stratford for an art festival next weekend, and the cottage and guest house are ours. Last party of the summer before the boys' seasons start?

Bouch

Hell yes! I’m so in. These two-a-days are a bitch and I need a weekend to chill out before games start.

Books

I’m in. I’d love some time by the water, and I’ve been wanting to check out Mimi’s place. Lee can ride with me!

Millie

Obviously, I’m in. I’ll stop at Sobeys before you all get here.

Liam

Yeah, any chance we can get you to stay in Lee’s old room instead of sneaking back home?

Lee

Wait. Then where am I staying?

Books

Dibs on the guest house with Lee!

Liam

Ewwww

Soph

Sounds like Books wants to give Lee more than just a ride there.

Bouch

I want guest house sex.

Liam

Bouch, I will uninvite you so hard.

Lee

Girls, you can take my old room. I second Shawn’s dibs on the guest house. I want the whole place for me and my man.

Lee

Shawn and I will ride out on Friday after work. That way, we can get Luna and Blaze. Soph, you need a ride?

Soph

Yes, please, but I don’t want to be the third wheel. I’ve done that one too many times after work at happy hours.

Books

Hey, we aren’t that bad!

Soph

Shit, the way you two look at each other is bad enough. It’s like he can taste the rainbow by looking into your eyes.

Bouch

Bet he did taste the rainbow.

Soph

I’m uninviting him.

Liam

I second that.

Bouch

My mom sent me homemade Nanaimo bars this week, and I can bring them as my offering to stay in the group.

Lee

Deal.

Millie

Deal.

Soph

Ugh. Why are those bars so addictive? Fine.

Books

Nana- what bars?

Liam

Shit, okay. Now Bouch has to come so Books can try them.

Bouch

If it helps, I can meet you all at Sophs, and the four of us can ride together.

Lee

Perfect!

Soph

There better be one hell of a party after this car ride.

Liam

I’ll head out that morning to go with Mils to the store. We’ll get everything ready before you all get there.

Millie

Sounds like a plan to me.

Books

Can’t fucking wait!

Bouch

I bet you can’t. You get a party and a confirmed fuck. Lucky ass.

**Liam removed Hugh Bouchard from the chat**

**Lee added Hugh Bouchard to the chat**

Bouch

Thanks, Lee. You da best!

Liam

Sleep with one eye open, Bouch.

Bouch

Bro, I’m not even the one that is boning your little sister.

Liam

Ugh. I call one bottle of Jack for me and me only.

Soph

Can I get in on that deal, too? I feel like I’ll need a whole ass bottle to myself as well.

Liam

Hell yes.

Lee

Later losers! Love y’all to pieces.

Books

Millie

Love you guys.

Soph

Bye Tits and Dicks.

Bouch

At least I’m not the only one thinking about them... Laters!

Liam

Later, party peeps.

I put my phone down and smile at this crazy group I already love so much. I’m so pumped to see the home Lee loves so much and spend the entire week relaxing before the season starts. It’s just what I need.