Juicy Rebound (IceCats 1)

When the buzzer signals the end of the game, I’m relieved. A shutout for Nico and a game-winner for me—that’s a damn good night.

A text from Amelia would make it a billion times better.

The bus ride to the hotel is full of chatter and excitement. We like winning, as does every other team. With this win, though, we’re with the top teams in the league. It’s a good feeling. We’ve never been this high on the leaderboards before. Maybe this year is different. I don’t know, but I’m excited to find out.

I pull out my phone from my suit jacket and click on Amelia’s name. As I type out a message, Nico asks, “Is the beard a thing now? Are you keeping it?”

I look over at my friend and laugh. “Yeah, I like it.”

“It’s odd.”

I drop my phone into my lap before I’m able to hit Send. “Why?”

“I don’t know. I’m used to you being so clean and crisp. I’m the dirty guy. You’re supposed to be the clean one.”

I look at him incredulously. “You make absolutely no sense.”

Nico laughs as I pick my phone back up and hit Send. I feel Nico looking over my shoulder, and before I can hide my phone, he goes, “Jesus, you’re still trying?”

I roll my eyes. “Shut it before I find someone else to sit next to.”

He laughs as my phone vibrates in my hand.

Me: Done ignoring me?

Amelia: omg. I’m sorry. I suck. I was at work when you texted, and then I forgot to answer you back.

Me: Nice to know you aren’t thinking about me.

She sends the eye-rolling emoji, and I smile down at my phone, watching her text bubble.

Amelia: For your information, the espresso machine exploded on me when I was about to answer you back. I was so caught up in that that I went home and fell face first in the bed.

Me: So you do think of me?

Amelia: Maybe.

I chuckle softly as the bus comes to a stop.

Me: How was your day?

As I file out with the guys, I wait for her response.

Amelia: Dumb. I am really starting to hate the coffee shop, and my boss won’t hire anyone to help out. I get spurts of crazy customers, and then it’s really tedious to tell people left and right we don’t have pot brownies.

Me: Well, in everyone’s defense, the place does look like a stoner spot.

Amelia: Exactly! So, put up a sign that says we aren’t. Jeez.

“Hey, Moon, you coming to the bar?”

I look up at Kurri as Nico heads to the left with them. “Not tonight. I’ve got something going on.”

Nico scoffs. “She’s actually talking to you today?”

“Hey, Nico,” I call, and he grins. “Fuck off.”

Everyone laughs at that as I head toward the elevators, my fingers moving over the keyboard. All I hear is my mom in my head—don’t text and walk, you can get hurt. But it is what it is. I haven’t spoken to Amelia in two days. I can run into a wall and still be okay as long as she’s talking.

Me: I still think you should quit.

Amelia: I’m getting there.

Amelia: How was your day?

I hit my floor number and then lean back on the elevator wall.

Me: Good. Did you watch the game? I scored the winning goal.

Amelia: Awesome! Way to go! But no, I didn’t watch.

Me: You’re failing me, Justice.

Amelia: My bad. Did you just get back to the hotel?

Me: Yup, and I blew off my friends to talk to you.

Amelia: Well, doesn’t that make a girl feel special?

Me: Good, ’cause you are.

As I reach my room, I put my card into the slot and open it as I type with one hand.

Me: Question.

My room is small. Two beds, one for me and one for Kurri. All our crap is spread all over the floor, and I know I need to pack since we’re heading out early in the morning, but instead, I lie back in the bed, holding the phone up.

Amelia: Yes?

Me: Why did you delete all your social media? How am I supposed to admire you from afar when I can’t even see your gorgeous face?

Amelia: LOL you’re insane.

Amelia: You mean stalk, right?

Amelia: But I deleted it ’cause it became too much, and I also didn’t want any way for anyone to find me.

Me: Understandable, but what about me?

Amelia: What about you?

Me: I want to see that gorgeous face.

Amelia: Well, that’s an issue since you’re wherever you are and I’m here.

Me: California. That’s where I am.

Amelia: Oh, okay.

I wait for her to say more, but she doesn’t. I don’t know what to do about that. I want so many things, but I also want to respect her space. Her needs. I swallow hard before I type out my next message.

Me: Can we FaceTime?

A text bubble comes up then disappears. This happens four more times, basically putting me on edge until, finally, one word appears.