Page 110 of Cross Check

“I know what you mean. Those three are moving on to different parts of their lives. There are less video game nights. Less trips. Team dinner has more people than ever around the table, and when we have a day off, they spend it with their other halves.”

“Do you ever think you’re doing something wrong?” I swirl my straw around, pausing. “Like you might get left behind because everyone is moving so fast?”

“No.” Riley looks at me. “But that’s because I know those guys. We might go to the bar less and not have as many nights out together, but if I needed one of them, they’d drop everything to be there for me.”

“They would. I would too.”

“And I’d do the same for you.”

“It’s going to be weird when they retire. Even weirder if they start having kids. Can you picture Maverick as a dad?”

“Strangely enough, I can.” He laughs. “We have a few more years before they head out of the league, so we should enjoy it while we can. Is that what’s got you down lately? You’re worried about the future?”

“No. I’m going through a breakup with a friend, and it makes me wonder if one day we’ll all go through that with each other,” I admit.

“No way. We’re brothers. We’re bound for life. Soulmates, I think. In the way friends can be soulmates.”

“I’d find you in every lifetime, Mitchy,” I tease.

He nudges his smoothie aside, eyes serious. “Back to the friend breakup thing. I’m sorry, G. That can’t be fun.”

“It’s not, but it’s part of life, I guess.” I shrug. “Circumstances change. People want different things. I have to respect that, even if it hurts.”

“This sounds a lot deeper than losing a friend.”

“Maybe it was.”

“If you ever want to talk about anything, I’m all ears.”

“I appreciate that, Mitchy. But this is something I have to figure out on my own.” I sip my smoothie, contemplating. “Just so you know, you’re absolutely going to be the next person they invite to girls’ night.”

“Thanks, Grant.” He laughs. “Don’t tell the other guys, but I figured I was the easy choice.”

I knock on Piper and Liam’s door later that night and blink when my goalie stands in front of me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“I live here, Everett,” he draws out. “You’re spending the evening with my wife, remember?”

“Don’t say it like that.” My cheeks heat. “You’re making it sound scandalous.”

“Don’t be such a prude.” He moves to the side, an invitation to come in. “I was just leaving.”

“Where do you go on these nights?” I ask, stepping into the foyer.

“That’s private information.”

“Right. Of course.” I bob my head. “Sorry for prying.”

“If this interrogation is finished, I’m leaving,” he says.

“Have fun wherever it is you’re off to.”

“Painting.” Liam puts a hand on the door knob, glancing at me. “I go to art classes on the nights Piper is busy. The sports psychologist said it would be a good outlet for my general irritation with life. It sucks that it’s working.”

“You—what?” The sharp glare he’s tossing my way tells me he’s serious, and I hold back a laugh. “That is very cool, Goalie Daddy.”

“Thanks.” His mouth twitches with the makings of a smile. “Behave around my wife. There are hidden cameras in the living room, and I’ll know if you do something stupid.”