Dean (Face-Off 6)

“Can you work another ten hour shift tomorrow? We got a big job and can use all the hands we can get.”

“Yeah, sure. I could use the money.”

Not like I have anything else to do. With Kat MIA for most of the summer, all I have done is work and practice.

Tony taps me on the shoulder. “Right answer, kid. Glad to have you back.”

Thank God he takes me back every summer. My mom barely had enough money to pay the electric bill when I got home. She was hurting worse than she had let on. Much like Kat, she’s too proud. My mother hates admitting she needs help.

He scribbles something on the clipboard in his hand and then walks away, whistling a tune under his breath. My cell phone buzzes in my pocket. Soaked in sweat, my hands are too slick to grip the phone. Slamming the shovel into the dirt, I blow out a deep breath as I look at the work site around me. Ten men dressed in coveralls, long sleeve shirts, and hats dig around me. This is hard work for only ten dollars an hour, but money is money when you have bills to pay.

After I wipe the sweat down the front of my pants, I reach into my pocket. A text message from Kat pops up on my screen. It only took her an entire day to answer a message that would’ve had an instant response when we were at Strickland University.

Kat: Sounds good. xx

Seriously? That’s her fucking response to the long message I sent her yesterday about our plans for when I come to Chicago. Unbelievable. And it took a fucking day to get it? If I could jump into a time machine and erase the last month we spent together, I would do it. Our friendship means too much to me. That was the reason I avoided telling her how I felt for years.

Now, I feel lost and alone. Kat was my anchor. She grounded me. If not for Theo and Travis, who text every day, I don’t know what I would do. I’ve lost touch with most of my old friends from Tampa. Some people moved on, others got married or left the state entirely. The twins have no idea I’m having issues with Kat. They don’t know

she hasn’t spoken much to me over the past two months.

We’ve texted back and forth, both of us writing words without actually saying anything. She almost never wants to get on the phone with me. Kat has an excuse every time. With the NHL Draft around the corner, I’m wondering if I should book a hotel in Chicago instead of staying with her family. She doesn’t act like she wants me to stay at her house. She doesn’t act like she wants me in her life at all for that matter.

Dean: Should I find somewhere else to stay when I come next week?

Kat: No. Stay with us. Theo and Travis will have a stroke if you don’t.

Wow, so this gets an instant response from her? Not any of the plans I wanted to make where she would have to spend time alone with me. Go figure. I can’t believe close to four years of friendship is rewarded with her harsh treatment. I feel like I don’t even know her anymore. Like she doesn’t want to know me.

Dean: But that’s not what you want.

Kat: That’s not true. I want you to come.

Dean: Stop ghosting me. It’s getting fucking old.

Kat: I’m not ghosting you.

Dean: Yes, you are. It’s getting to the point where I’m gonna start calling you Casper.

Kat: Sorry. I’ve been busy since I got home. I have to go. Talk to you soon. xx

This shit again? Okay, Kat. Let’s keep playing these stupid fucking games. This is my fault. I told her to get into my closet because I was too much of a pussy to tell Theo about us. But she didn’t look like she wanted to tell him either. So, what was I supposed to do? I had no choice. And now, she fucking hates me.

Chapter Thirteen

Dean

On the day before the NHL Draft, a black Range Rover pulls up in front of the baggage claim exit at the airport. My heart slams into my chest so hard I can’t breathe. I’ve waited months for this moment. Months to see Kat again.

When the back window of the SUV rolls down, Theo’s face appears. Travis is in the seat next to him, leaning over his brother to glance out the window at me. Where the hell is Kat? I shake my head, biting back my anger. She stood me up. Unreal. She was supposed to come to the airport with her brothers.

“Yo,” Theo yells to me. “Welcome to the Windy City, bro.”

“Get in,” Travis says.

I slide into the back seat next to Theo. He gives me a one-arm hug. Travis reaches behind him and taps me on the back to say hello.

“Where’s Kat?”