Page 36 of The Alternate Captain (Elite Hockey #3)

My brother’s idea of a wedding is getting pissed and dad-dancing until the DJ calls it a day, but since he’s got morning skate at an ungodly hour—his words—he’s forced to be sensible.

“Honestly, I can’t wait for this to be over,” he says, sipping at the glass of water he’s clutching. “What is it with weddings? Because this is torture.”

“It’s not that bad,” I say, looking over at Stacey and her new husband—who is still a prick. And I feel it too. This is torture.

He follows my gaze and grunts.

My sister’s wedding is on a Thursday, to accommodate Mike’s schedule and save money since it’s cheaper. But although this is supposed to be the happiest day of Stacey’s life, Mike and I are both miserable—but for different reasons.

We’re hovering near the bar, watching the happy couple travel around the room, thanking people for attending.

“It makes you sick though, doesn’t it?” Mike says, glancing around the room.

“The wedding?” I ask .

“No. People being happy. And in love.”

“What happened to that girl from speed dating?” I ask, but he scowls at me.

“Honestly, Kel. I’m sick of dating now. Most of the women I meet are trying to tick a box labelled ‘hockey player’. They don’t actually care about who I am.”

“Maybe if you stopped putting yourself out there as much, you’d have more chance,” I say, taking another sip of my drink. “You don’t want to get a reputation as a fuck boy.”

Mike cringes. “I already think that’s the case, to be honest, but I don’t want to talk about that with you. I’m just glad Johnny is a stone wall and down to be single forever. At least we’ll have each other in our old age.”

I nod, feeling the guilt settle in my stomach. Because Johnny still hasn’t told him. And there’s no way in hell I can either.

“What about Ellie?” I ask, trying to shift Mike’s thoughts away from Johnny.

“Found her on Facebook. She’s engaged. Everyone is pairing off, Kel.”

Auntie Julie, our mam’s sister, ambles over to us, leaning against the bar while she tries to flag the server down.

“It’ll be your turn next, Kelly,” she says, cheeks flushing from the wine she’s been drinking all day. Mike and I were seated at the same table as her, so we witnessed it firsthand. “Are you seeing anyone?”

“No. And Mike insists I don’t date,” I say, finally grateful for the excuse.

But he chooses now of all times to change his mind.

“I’m actually thinking of lifting the ban,” he says. “No point in Kelly being as miserable as I am.”

He’s frowning. A genuine frown that shows nothing but heartache.

“In that case—what do you think about him?” Auntie Julie points to a guy sitting at a spot a few tables away. He downs a pint, then slams the empty glass down on the table before whooping at the top of his voice.

“Who the hell is that?” Mike asks, straightening up.

“Maggie’s son. He’s lovely. Said he was hoping to meet a nice girl here today.”

I don’t know who Maggie is, but I’m not keen on meeting her son, either.

Mike scowls. “I bet he fucking did. But it’s a no thanks to him. Ain’t that right, Kel?”

I have to agree with him, because, despite everything, I want Mike to approve.

Not only is he such an important person to me, but seeing how he and Stacey’s new husband are together breaks my heart. It’s not a brother-in-law relationship that anyone would want, really. And the question sits heavy in my chest—would Mike be okay with Johnny?

“I’m not interested,” I say. “Thanks anyway.”

“Why, love? He’s a good-looking boy.”

“Yeah, but I’m... busy with uni and music and that.”

“Ah, so you are seeing someone, then?” Auntie Julie asks, raising her pencil-thin eyebrows.

“No.”

“I can see the twinkle in your eyes,” she says. “Tell me more.”

“She’s not seeing anyone, Auntie Jule. Besides, if there’s a chance that she’ll end up with someone like Stacey, then I’m getting involved, whether she likes it or not.”

My heart thunders in my chest.

What do I do? What do I say? Should I break the plan and tell Mike myself right now?

“Mike?”

“I’m just going to take a leak, Kel. I’ll be back soon.”

I watch him disappear through the double doors of the event space.

“What’s going on then, Kel? Tell me because I can see it written all over your face. ”

But the scenarios play in my head. What if Mike disowns me? Doesn’t want to associate with me any longer—and Johnny? What if he refuses to play on the same team as him?

It could ruin Mike’s career—his chance for Team GB.

It could ruin Johnny’s career, too.

“I need to go,” I say to Auntie Julie, and I turn on my heel and amble out of the room towards the reception desk.

Because I need to cry in peace.