Page 80 of Blue Line

“Hey, man,” Sebastian greets me when I step into the locker room a week later.

“You’re back.”

“Got in yesterday evening. Sad I couldn’t come back a week earlier for Cap’s baby shower, but it is what it is. Still a little jet-lagged, but I figured it would be good to get back into the routine sooner rather than later.”

“Makes sense.” I tug off my shirt and shorts and grab practice gear from where it’s hung in my stall, and start getting dressed.

“I heard a rumor,” he says a few minutes later.

“This rumor made it all the way to England?”

Let me guess.

“I heard you were engaged. Didn’t even realize you were dating anyone, mate.”

“It’s true.” I go back to lacing up my skates.

“Hey, guys,” Elias says, strolling into the locker room.

“You guys see the latest pictures of Brody’s daughter? Abby looks like her momma,” I say.

Brody and Aubrey had their little girl a few weeks ago, at the end of June. I’d have been at the hospital the minute Brody called me, but they asked for no visitors, aside from Aubrey’s two sisters, who were there during the birth, and I’ve respected their wishes, reluctantly. I get it. I do. I am hoping they’re up for guests soon. I’m excited to meet my newest niece. Brody sent me a bunch of pictures, which have helped, but I can’t wait to meet her in person, get to hold her.

“Yeah, she’s adorable,” Eli says.

He gets a faraway look in his eye. What’s that about? Especially after his comment at the baby shower about being a bachelor for life. If Hadley wasn’t waiting for me, I’d stay and ask him about it, but that’ll have to be a conversation for another day.

“Sorry to cut this short, but I gotta get out there. My girl’s waiting for me.” I stand, grabbing my stick. “Let’s plan to get beers and catch up. I want to hear all about your summers.”

With a wave, I head out of the locker room and toward the ice, where Hadley is.

“Hey, tornado,” I greet her when I spot her sitting behind the bench chatting with Bristol Jackson, our video coach. “Hey, Coach.”

“Good to see you, Reynolds. Hadley was filling me in on what you all were up to today.”

“Bristol and I were also exchanging numbers so we can hang out. She was telling me she still doesn’t have many friends even though she’s been here since the middle of last season.” Hadley frowns. “I wish I’d known sooner.”

“Sorry, Coach.” I grimace.

Shit. I didn’t even think about it. I guess I always figured the coaches had their own families and friends and that they spent enough time with us during the long season that they wouldn’t want to spend even more time with us outside of work. Brody, well, he’s unique because he used to be a teammate and is one of our best friends. And then, of course, Coach Weaver is Madison’s dad, so he’s going to be around.

I didn’t even think about Coach Jackson being new to town, and since she arrived late in the season, family day had already passed, and it never crossed my mind that she might not have anyone.

Shit.

“It’s fine.” She waves a hand around. “Honestly, it’s no big deal. But it was nice to meet you,” she says to Hadley. “I hope you’ll share the pictures.”

“What pictures? What’d we miss?” Sebastian asks as he and Eli make their way over.

I start to tell them to butt out, but I don’t get that far.

“There you are,” Ansley says, stepping out from the hallway. “We had an appointment,” she says to Eli, crossing her arms over her chest. “We need to talk about the segment we’re filming together next week.”

He hangs his head. “Shit.”

“I’ll do it,” Sebastian says, glancing between the two of them.

“No.” Elias levels Sebastian a look that has me stifling a laugh.