Page 2

Chapter 2

Unwanted Visitors

Dev

“Lakeview, Lakeview, Lakeview!!!” The entire team is chanting as we crash through the front door of the hockey house. I’m going to miss these guys so fucking much. Saying goodbye to Woodsy, Seb, and Jacks hurts. I’ve been playing with them since my freshman year, and they fought their way into my life, getting closer to me than anyone else. At least I’ve still got Beau.

“Dev, man.” Beau is slurring his words as he slings an arm around my shoulder. His blue eyes are glassy, hair slipping out of its usual smooth style. I guess getting drunk might make it easier. Numb the sense of loss as our closest friends head off to live their dreams. But that’s not my thing. Not after the things I saw growing up.

“What?”

“It’s just you and me now. ”

It’s true. We’re like a band breaking up after years together, but instead of making kickass music, we’ve been playing stellar hockey. Our tightly meshed team could almost read each other’s minds.

“Yeah.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

I shrug. What else is there to say? There’s nothing we can do to change the facts. Their lives are moving forward.

Everyone is reluctant for the night to end, but at least it’s only the team tonight. Usually there would be a gaggle of random college students hanging out in this place, wrecking Beau’s house. Girls trying to sleep with us. Not in the mood for that.

“What are you up to this summer, Lucy?” Our sophomore goalie, Jenson, comes bouncing up to me. Apparently, he thinks he’s going to slide right into the spot Jacks is leaving behind. Intrusively friendly. Entitled to personal details I don’t share easily with anyone.

My right eyebrow heads straight for my hairline, and I cross my arms over my chest, leaning back in my seat.

Beau laughs. “JJ, my man. If you’re looking for a conversation, you’re nattering at the wrong defender. You have not earned the right to more than single word responses from Lucy. Take it easy on him. He’s shy.”

I roll my eyes at him. It took a while, but he earned one of the limited places of trust in my life.

“Tell the man what you’re up to this summer, Lucy.” He’s going to leave a handprint with how hard he slaps me on the back.

I roll my eyes at my best friend. “Working.”

“That’s cool. I’ve got a job lined up with my dad’s company. Only a couple of days a week, so I’ll have plenty of time for practice. He hired me a new goalie coach for the summer. Blake Thompson. You’ve probably heard of him. He’s trained some of the best. You know...”

“We’re done here.” I cut him off. That’s way more information than I needed from the young punk, but he can’t seem to keep his words contained.

JJ pulls back for a second, brushing a hand through the shoulder-length mess of brown hair hanging in his face.

Beau’s shoulders are shaking beside me as JJ takes off to spout nonsense at a more receptive audience.

“Do we have to let those two move in with us next year?” I ask Beau, eyeing JJ and Grant, who are now competing to get their voices heard. I guess I survived living with Jackson, though, so I can eventually handle these two. Yeah, maybe by this time next year when I’m on my way out.

“We don’t have to, but I think the place would be lonely with only you and that broody fucker to keep me company.” He nods at the corner where Cole is sitting with Jacks. He was all by himself until Jacks descended on him, and now it looks like they’re actually engaged in a conversation.

“Sounds good to me.”

“Awww, Lucy, you would be lonely too. I know you’d never admit it, but you like the company.”

I stare at him through narrowed eyes. “Do I? ”

He nods. “Yes. You do. You’re going to miss us over summer break, all alone in this huge house. Are you sure you don’t want to come home with me? My family wouldn’t mind. If they even noticed you were there. They’re away so much we’d have the place to ourselves more often than not. Other than Sissy, but she’s got her own packed social schedule. It would make the summer break so much better.”

I shake my head. “Can’t. Got my jobs lined up.”

“You could get a job or three in Pittsburgh.”

He’s persistent. That’s for sure. But I’m already taking enough of his charity living in this place. Rent here is way cheaper than anything else in the college town, but that’s the benefit of his parents owning the house. I wonder if they’ll sell it after he graduates or keep it as an investment. Sounds like something rich people do. Not anything within the scope of my life experience.

“I’m good. Thanks for letting me stay here.”

“It wouldn’t be the same without you, man.” A warm smile full of perfect teeth flashes across his face. “And maybe try to take it easy on the new guys. They mean well. They’re just like little puppies that aren’t quite housebroken yet.” Beau can come across as a cocky asshole sometimes, but he cares so much about the team.

“I’m not potty training anyone. Sounds like a job for you, captain.”

He shakes his head at me. “Shoot me a message if you want to come for a visit. You’re always welcome. ”

I know he means it, but I’ve been burned before by people who claimed they cared about me. This can’t last. We’ll get through this year and move on with our lives. The only bright spot is the pro contract I’m going to sign with Vancouver. As long as nothing goes wrong, I’ll set myself up for the rest of my life. After graduation, I never want to rely on anyone else or worry about how I’m going to pay for my groceries.

Beau is great, but he lives in a very different world than I do. He’d never understand how important it is for me to earn as much as possible over the summer. I need to be able to afford the bills not covered by my scholarship, plus save whatever I can.

“Sure.”

“I know you don’t mean it, but I’m still putting it out there. I’ve gotta go make Woodsy and Seb do some shots before they try to sneak out of here with their girls.”

He pushes up, swaggering over to the other guys. Might be time for me to call it a night. Slip out of here before things get too emotional. Yes, I’ll miss the members of our team who are graduating this year, but I’m not shedding tears over it. Too many people have come and gone from my life. Plus, they’re moving on to better things. The life I want and will do everything I can to get.

I’m the first one up. A major advantage to not drinking alcohol is no hangovers. I head down to the gym space in the basement to work out. My headphones are blaring a pounding rock beat in my ears, and who knows how much time has passed when Beau steps through the door.

I grab my towel, swiping it down my soaked face. It’s been longer than I thought.

“What are you punishing yourself for?” Beau asks, tilting his head so a chunk of his dark blond hair falls in his eyes. It’s unusual to see him before he’s perfectly put together.

“I’m not punishing myself. Just working out. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do, captain?” I ask my friend. He’s been given the captain spot next year with Aspen leaving, and I’m proud of him. He deserves it. He was raised to be a leader. Me, I was born to be just what I am. A bruiser. An enforcer. We’re a perfect defensive duo.

“Yes, but not right this second. You can take a day off, Dev.”

I can’t. Not one day of this summer will be wasted. I’ll be at work, at the gym, or on the ice when I can snag some time there. My job helping at the local rink at least guarantees me some ice time.

“Nope.”

“Fine. Are you at least going to come up to say goodbye?”

I shake my head. “Going to work.” I’ve got my landscaping job starting today. The source of the bulk of my income. It’s a decent paying job with the city. And I get to be outside in the sun all day. I prefer that to being cooped up in an office or a store. I’ll take the freedom and fresh air every day. Enclosed spaces make my skin crawl. As a bonus, it’s a solid workout. I’ll be even more jacked when the guys move back at the end of the summer.

He pulls me in for a bro hug, which I tolerate only from him.

“Have a good summer,” I say.

“I’ll see you later, man. You know I’m not leaving until this evening.”

I dip my head in a nod but refrain from correcting him. I’m working at the rink after the landscaping gig, so I won’t be home until the rest of them have cleared out. It’s for the best.

I fucking hate goodbyes.

Hockey keeps me in amazing shape, but I’m still exhausted when I hop off at the bus stop down the street from our house. A long, hot shower and an easy dinner are in my immediate future. My mouth is already watering at the thought of the leftover pizza in the fridge.

Beau ordered a pie of every flavor for last night’s blow out. Detroit style. The best. And now, with the rest of the horde cleared out, all the leftovers are mine. It’ll feed me for a week. Maybe a few days. All this manual labor is making me exceptionally hungry.

A rusty old silver Civic looks out of place parked by the curb near our house. Probably from one of the other student houses. Maybe a summer subletter. Not my concern.

I devour all four steps up to our front porch in one leap, letting myself in and taking a moment to breathe in the peace and quiet. It’s strange though. Walking in and not getting pounced on by Jacks with a million questions or having Seb drag me off to play Mario Kart. I’m not sure what to do with myself.

Shower or food first? My stomach growls as I roll my aching shoulders. Food first. Even though I know it’s still going to be there when I get out of the shower, it’s hard to break the habit of scarfing down every bite as soon as it’s in front of me. I’m shoveling a cold slice of Hawaiian into my mouth when something dark flashes past the corner of my eye. I cautiously set the rest of the slightly gross concoction of pineapple and ham on the counter, swiveling to track the movement.

A tiny fuzzy thing darts out, ripping a scream from my chest that a banshee wouldn’t be ashamed of. Unfortunately, the creature is not phased. Instead of fleeing, the thing runs at me, and I bolt.

Fuck the pizza. Fuck the shower. Fuck the house. My skin is tingling all over and the heavy thud of my heart pounds in my ears as I make it out the front door, slamming it behind me. The frame is still shuddering as I slide down the smooth surface until my ass hits the porch.

Stupid. It’s a stupid, harmless mouse. I try to catch my breath, dropping my head into my hands. As I’m starting to get my shit together and calm my breathing, a shadow falls over me.

At least none of the guys witnessed that stunning episode. They’d never let me live it down. The Devil is afraid of rodents.

But when I look up, something far worse than a mouse is standing over me, worn hands clasped in front of worn Levi’s .

“The fuck are you doing here?” I snarl at him. If I could back up, I would, but I’m trapped between him and the rodent-infested house. No escape. I glance beside me at the empty street. The streetlamps cast eerie shadows, and there’s no sign of a bus. I sigh. Even if there was, what would I do? Go stand there and wait for the bus while the man who contributed to half my DNA follows me. Get your head on straight.

“Are you okay?” His wrinkled brow and muddy brown eyes give him the appearance of a concerned parent. The resentment simmering inside since he showed up is precariously close to boiling over.

“Fine until I saw you.” Not exactly true, but I’d take a mouse over this man any day.

The hard lines of his face stand out against the spiderweb of tiny red veins spreading across his nose. His eyes look clear, though.

“Devlin. I understand you’re mad at me, but I’ve been getting help. I’ve been clean and sober for over a year now and I wanted to come see you. Apologize. See if there’s any way...”

“There’s not.” No way in this life or any other is he getting any semblance of forgiveness from me.

“I get it. But is there something wrong? You came tearing out of the house like it was on fire... Should I call the police?”

My laugh is flat and empty. “No. Just a fucking mouse.” What do I care if he thinks I’m a wuss for my fear of mice? It’s his own damn fault. No five-year-old should have to wake up, shivering under their thin blanket because the heat got shut off again, only to find a rat crawling across their arm. Fuck him .

“I can help you get rid of it.” He offers, looking hopeful.

I want to stomp on his hope and crush it under my heel. “Not a chance you’re coming in there with me.” He’d probably steal the artwork hanging from the walls. At least the guys have moved most of their stuff out for the summer, but I’m sure the Whitakers don’t buy cheap prints from the discount store at the mall.

“We could go out. I could buy you a drink.”

“Didn’t you say you were sober?”

“I am. I can get myself a soda or something. Coffee.”

I shake my head at him to back off as he takes a step closer to me. “I don’t drink.”

“Good, good.” He’s nodding. “Dinner. We could get something to eat. Pizza? That used to be your favorite, right?”

I unfold my body, rising to my feet, looking up at him makes me uncomfortable. Like I’m five again.

I gain a sense of control over the situation, staring down at him, and he takes a step back when I move in closer. That’s also a satisfying feeling. “You know nothing about me, and you never will. Why did you really come here, Dad?” I put as much scorn into the word as I can. He’s no father to me. “I don’t have any money. I’m a student, barely paying my bills.” The scholarships only cover so much.

His lips are turned down at the corners, eyes sad, but I’m not falling for his show. “I’m not looking for anything. I told you. I’m sober. I’ve got a job. I got my mechanic’s license.” He reaches up to rub at his scalp and I hate how familiar the gesture is. “I’m doing better. In fact. If you need help with anything. Extra money for school. I can give you some.”

Rage and anger, sadness and fear are all swirling around in me, competing to take over, but I let the rage win out. That’s the easiest. The best. The one I’m most familiar with. I lift a shaky hand to poke him in the chest. “I don’t need or want anything from you. Except for you to leave and never come back here. I don’t want to see you again.”

He backs up. Arms in the air. “I understand you’re not ready. I won’t come back here, but I’m going to leave my phone number and email address here. Please call me when you’re ready to talk.”

He holds a shaky hand out, offering me a crumpled piece of paper. I snatch it away, jamming it into my back pocket. “I won’t.” It’s not like I even want the paper, but I also don’t want him standing here any longer than necessary.

“I hope you do, Devlin. It looks like you’re doing well, and I’d like a chance to get to know my son. I’ve missed so much, and life is too short to not make amends.”

“I’m not your son. Forget about me and lose this address.” How did he even get it?

I turn to go back into the house.

“Good luck with the hockey season next year, and congratulations on winning the championship.”

I push through the front door. He doesn’t deserve an answer, but at least that solves one conundrum. He must have seen an article about the team. That’s how he found me. He’s hoping to ride my coattails when I become a pro hockey player. All the making amends stuff is bullshit. It has to be.

The house rattles, shaking the expensive paintings as I slam the door on him. I slip to the floor, knees weak, trembling all over as I hug myself. It’s like I’m a kid again, left at home by myself for three days with no food while he’s off drunk somewhere.

The emptiness of the house is less friendly now, like it’s about to swallow me whole and drown me.

I take deep rhythmic breaths to keep the fear at a reasonable level when the little mouse pokes its snout out of the kitchen doorway, blinking jet-black eyes at me. There’s no more room in me for fear, so I glare at the creature until it scuttles away. Tomorrow, I can buy some traps. I’ll never sleep knowing that thing is sharing the space with me.

I drag my exhausted body up. The only thing on my mind now is a hot shower. Even talking to him left me feeling dirty, small, and helpless, and I hate that feeling. I want to wash it away in a stream of scorching heat.

Not the way I wanted to start my summer.