Pucked (Pucked 1)

Way to be subtle, Char.

I turn to Alex and Darren. “We’ll be back after we’re done talking about you two in a public restroom.”

Darren snorts as Charlene shoves me from behind. Once we’re inside the stall, she flaps her hands and mouths things I can’t decipher.

“Charlene, I can’t read lips.”

She grabs my hands and does the thing girls do in the movies when the dude they like likes them back—she squeals loudly and jumps around in the confined space. If the stalls were smaller, she’d be banging into the wall.

“I’m in love!” She grabs my shoulders and shakes me. “Okay, well, that’s a lie, but Darren is the hottest guy I’ve ever met, and he’s smart and he’s got all his teeth! Isn’t that unheard of for a hockey player? Does Alex have all his teeth?”

She sucks in a deep breath, wheezing, and continues. I know better than to cut her off in the midst of one of her monologues, and this one is going to be fun.

“So after you took off to make Alex feel better with the locker room lovin’—”

“Shh! This isn’t a soundproof bubble. People can hear you.”

She rolls her eyes. “All the guys are talking about it. Well, not all of them. Some asshat named Kirk wouldn't shut up, even when Darren told him he’s going to kick him in the nuts. He was even going on about it with Buck there, but the blonde tree hugger seemed to be a good distraction—”

I grab her arm. “Where did Buck go?”

“I’m not sure. He must have left just before you showed up. He and the blonde were eye-fucking each other, so I assume they were going to get their freak on. Kind of odd, really. I didn’t think she was Buck’s type.”

“The tree hugger is Alex’s sister.”

“Really? She looks so different in real life.”

She doesn’t share my worry over this situation, so she continues with her story. “Anyway, after the game, I went with Skye and Sidney to the locker room hallway. Darren came out and gave this interview where he totally defended Alex’s position and talked about the stress of the game.” Charlene sighs.

“When we got here, I had Sidney introduce me to him. We’ve been talking ever since. He’s the sweetest man alive. He’s close to his family, he likes romantic comedies, and he has a degree in sports management. Did I mention he has all his teeth? I want to have his little hockey babies.”

I picture tiny hybrids of Charlene and Darren with skates, jerseys, and helmets.

Someone bangs on the door and asks if we’re done with our therapy session. It’s funny, even if it’s rude.

“Piss off!” Charlene yells and hikes her skirt. I turn around. We’re not so close that I want to watch her pee.

I don’t have to tell Charlene not to say anything about Buck and Sunny. She’s smart enough to understand why I wouldn’t want Alex to know they may have left together. Conjugal visits aren’t sexifying.

When we return to the table, Alex keeps checking his phone. It’s obvious he’s trying to get in touch with his sister without success. I would hate for her to get involved with Buck without knowing what kind of guy he is. I send Buck a quick text, threatening to wax his balls in his sleep if he’s planning a fuck and chuck. If he revenge bangs Alex’s sister, I’m making good on my threat.

Eventually, I persuade Alex it’s time to go to our room. He isn’t hard to convince. Charlene and Darren are completely absorbed in each other. Since we were supposed to share a room, she has ours all to herself. I’m curious whether Charlene will give it up tonight if the opportunity presents itself. As much as she talks about riding Darren until the sun comes up, she’s a traditional girl and isn’t likely to fall into bed on the first night. Although neither am I, and look what happened with Alex.

We stop at the room I’m supposed to sleep in to grab my bag and then head up to Alex’s room. I commandeer the bathroom and don my new jammies, ready for post-game celebrations.

I emerge to find Alex standing in the middle of the suite. His suit jacket is open, the top two buttons of his shirt are undone, and his tie hangs loose. He’s focused on his phone, so he doesn’t hear me clear my throat. I assume he’s still trying to track down Sunny.

“Hey.” I had hoped to use the doorjamb as a place to cop a pose. Instead, I stand in front of him with nothing to use as a prop.

Alex glances up briefly, and then looks back down as his phone buzzes. I’m on the verge of tears at his lack of response. Fortunately, he notices what I’m wearing and drops his phone on the floor.