I nodded again.Coop was a little obsessive—like, “almost starting a cult” level—but I understood his hunger to win it all.He was so fixed on his plan that he didn’t notice I was quieter than usual.
Camp started, not long after free agency opened up.There was a good turnout and the mood was optimistic.My roomie in the tent, Walker, was a nice kid—about twenty-three, from Newfoundland.He’d been playing with the AHL team in Hamilton and was called up last season to replace me when I broke my hand.I hadn’t played with him but I’d watched him, and he had what it took.He needed experience and confidence, which the team recognized since they intended to keep him on the Blaze this season.
He was eager.Anything that Cooper had going, he wanted to be part of it.My biggest problem would be making sure he didn’t overdo it.
I wasn’t that much older than he was in years, but in experience I definitely was.He’d grown up with his parents, played in the Q, the Quebec major junior hockey league, been drafted by the Blaze and moved to Hamilton to play with the farm team.This would be his first year in the big league.
He knew a few of the guys on the team, players who’d come up through the Inferno, especially the team’s backup goalie, Braydon Mitchell, who’d been his roommate before Mitch was called up.They were good friends, so he had someone to help him adjust to playing on the Blaze.
He was so excited to be here that I was surprised to find him frowning over his phone in our tent.
“Everything okay?”I immediately worried that he’d had bad news about his mom.His dad had died last year.
He looked up at me and blinked.“Oh, no, everything is fine.It’s just, you know, I’ve been looking for a place in Toronto.Maybe near the arenas.”
Traffic in Toronto was a nightmare, so not having to drive in it was a plus.The location was one of the reasons I’d bought my condo.
“You need help?”Maybe Fitch would be interested in a roommate again.He’d bought his place last season in the same building as Jess and me, and Alek had stayed with him after he was traded.Which was part of the reason he and Jess— But Jess was happy, and if she felt for Alek what I felt for Mia, I’d support her all the way.
I was alone now, but I wasn’t looking for a roommate.I wasn’t good company for anyone.
“I should be okay.I’ve got a few leads already.It’s just my girlfriend.She’s sending a bunch of listings to me every day.She wants to look at them with me.”He frowned harder at his phone.“I think she’s hoping to live with me.”
I wished I had my girlfriend looking for places in Toronto.“Have you been together long?”
“Just since March.And I was actually looking forward to being on my own, you know?Juniors, the Inferno—I’ve always had guys with me, and it might be nice to have space.”
There was no point talking to Fitch then, and I didn’t need to worry if I should offer.“Then try living on your own if you want.”
He shrugged one shoulder.“She’d be upset if I told her that.”
“How serious are you?”
He huffed.“I think she sees it more serious than I do.”
Some women met a professional athlete and saw financial security.They’d push to get it.“Be honest with her.”
He bit his lip.“I don’t want to be an asshole.You know, she was with me when I was with the Inferno, and then for me to drop her when I get up to the Blaze?”
The guy who would worry about the idea wasn’t an asshole.“That sounds like something she’s said, not you.”
He stilled.“I don’t…think so?”
The situation reminded me of Sharleen.What would be the best thing to tell this kid?
“If you break up with her because you don’t love her, or you don’t enjoy her company, that’s not being an asshole.If you break up with her because you think you can find other and more attractive women now that you’re on the Blaze, then you are.”
He still looked conflicted.“I don’t know.Sometimes I see other women and they’re hot and I notice, but…”
Was he looking for an upgrade, or just noticing?“The listings she’s sending you—how expensive are they?”
He shook his head.“Out of my price range.She doesn’t get how much agents and taxes are gonna take out of my paycheck.And I’ve got other things to pay off.”
Sounded like she was taking advantage of him.
Just then Mitchell stuck his head in the doorway.“Hey, Luke.Jayna just messaged me.There’s a furnished place in our building coming up for rent.Interested?”
Luke’s expression cleared.“That would be sweet.”