Three Pucking Wedding Dates (Hockey Harems #1)

24. Oakley

24

OAKLEY

I savor the salty crunch of a pretzel, happy to sit back and enjoy watching Iris and Reid arguing back and forth over Reid cheating.

“Can you believe they have a full bar here?” Avery slides into the seat across from me, a gleam in her eye as she surveys the impressive drink selection. “Seems a bit excessive for a bowling alley, don’t you think?”

I shrug, grinning. “Maybe it’s for those who need some liquid courage before stepping up to the lane.”

“Or maybe it’s just another way to keep us entertained,” Avery suggests, chuckling softly. Her gaze flits back to the game. “Are they always like this?”

I nod. “As long as I can remember.”

Avery lifts her glass to her lips and takes a delicate sip, the ice cubes clinking softly against the sides. She sets it back down on the table with a contented sigh before arching an eyebrow at me.

“Want a drink?” she offers, gesturing to her own beverage. “They’ve got a pretty good cocktail menu.”

I shake my head, popping another pretzel into my mouth. “Nah, I’m good. These pretzels are hitting the spot for me.” I give her a teasing grin.

My eyes flicker over to Theo, who stands off to the side, watching the game with an unreadable expression. I remember seeing him talking to Avery earlier, their hushed conversation piquing my curiosity.

“Hey,” I say, trying to sound casual as I turn back to my friend. “I saw you chatting with Theo earlier. What was that about?” My heart races, though I try to keep my tone light and conversational.

A soft blush creeps up Avery’s cheeks, and she ducks her head, fiddling with the straw in her drink. “Uh, yeah,” she murmurs, avoiding eye contact. “We were just…talking.”

“About?” I press, unable to stop myself. What if there’s something going on between them? The thought sends an unexpected pang through my chest.

“I really do like him, Oakley,” she confesses. “And I think, at some point, he’ll have to give in to me. If things start out physically first, then so be it.”

My fingers clench around my pretzel, and I force myself to take a bite, the salty crunch doing little to distract me from the sinking feeling in my stomach. The thought of Theo getting physical with another woman—especially Avery—is almost unbearable. But I don’t let that show on my face as I glance at her.

He’s not mine to get jealous over anyways.

“Is the money the reason you like him?” I ask, trying to keep my voice casual. “Or is there something more?”

“Of course not,” Avery scoffs, but then she hesitates, looking away. “I mean…the money would be nice. Growing up in a household of eight, with five siblings, we never had much. It would be great to be able to help them out and not worry about bills or anything. But it’s not just the money.” She sighs, her gaze drifting back to Theo. “It’s him, Oakley. It’s Theo.”

I nod, pretending to understand as I follow her gaze. Theo stands a few lanes away, his focus on the game, his strong arms flexing as he picks up his bowling ball. Even from here, I can see the tension in his shoulders. And though it pains me to admit it, I can see why she’s drawn to him.

The same reason I was drawn to him…maybe still am.

“Yeah,” I whisper, turning back to my friend. “I get it.”

“Have you seen that old picture of Theo? The one with you in it?” she asks, her fingers playing nervously with the edge of her cocktail napkin.

“What picture?”

“This picture of you and him after one of his hockey games. It was his eyes. His eyes, Oakley,” Avery breathes, leaning closer still. “There’s something so gentle about him, even then. Like he just needs someone to take care of him, you know?”

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. It’s not fair. How is it that she can see in him what I’ve always known? What I’ve tried so hard to keep hidden, even from myself?

“Maybe,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual despite the storm raging within me. “But don’t go getting yourself hurt over him, okay? He’s…complicated.”

“Isn’t everyone?” Avery replies, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Besides, I think I can handle it.”

“Promise me,” I insist, locking eyes with her. “No matter what happens, promise you won’t let him break your heart.”

“Oakley,” she murmurs, touched by my concern. “I promise.”

“Good,” I reply, forcing a smile onto my face. “Now, let’s get back to the game. I think Iris might actually win this one.”

As we turn our attention back to the lanes, I push down the unwelcome sting of jealousy that threatens to bubble up. I can’t begrudge Avery her feelings, especially when she’s been so open and honest with me.

“Go Iris!” I cheer on our friend as she releases the bowling ball, willing myself to focus on the present moment. For now, this is enough. This camaraderie, these friendships, they’re what matter most. And as long as we have each other, everything else will fall into place.

Even if it means letting go of the one person who just a few years ago I thought I’d never be able to live without.

The scoreboard flickers above us, proclaiming Iris the victor of our bowling match. She pumps her fist in the air, her red curls bouncing with unrestrained glee.

“Ha! I knew it!” she exclaims, spinning around to face us with a triumphant grin. “I finally beat you guys!”

“Congrats, Iris,” I say, clapping her on the back as she does a little victory dance. I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm—it’s infectious.

“Alright, what do you say we celebrate?” Iris suggests, eyes sparkling with excitement. “How about a sleepover? Just like old times.”

“Seriously?” Avery raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by the proposal. “We’re adults now, Iris. Can we really still have sleepovers?”

“Who says we can’t?” Iris retorts, crossing her arms defiantly. “We’re never too old for some good old-fashioned fun.”

I watch the exchange between them and find myself agreeing with Iris. It’s been so long since we’ve spent time together like this, and the idea of a sleepover brings back memories of our younger days, when life was simpler and our biggest worries were who could stay up the latest or eat the most popcorn.

“Actually, that sounds like a great idea,” I chime in, much to Avery’s surprise. “Count me in.”

“Fine,” she relents with a playful roll of her eyes. “But only if there are face masks and gossip involved.”

“Deal.” Iris grins, sealing the agreement with an enthusiastic high five. “It’ll have to be at the boys’ house, since they have the biggest TV, and the most room for us to all sleep in the living room. My apartment’s too small.”

Reid saunters over, grinning like he’s just stumbled upon a gold mine. “Sleepover at our place, huh? Mind if I join? I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

“You wish!” Iris retorts playfully, sticking her tongue out at him. “This is a girls-only event, Reid. Besides, we don’t want any pigs ruining our fun.”

“Ouch, sis. That hurts.” Reid clutches his chest dramatically before chuckling and flashing a charming smile. “Alright, I get it. You ladies have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Which isn’t much,” I quip, rolling my eyes. I can feel my cheeks flush slightly at our banter, but I don’t mind it. Reid always has a way of making people feel at ease, even when joking around.

“Ha! Very funny, Oakley,” Reid replies, his laughter filling the room.