8. Theo

8

THEO

When I leave Francesca's office, my blood is boiling. I refrain from punching a hole in the wall and get dressed for practice.

How could she take something this good and throw it away?

It's like she doesn't trust that I'd keep it between us. Maybe she thinks I'll blab it to the team. Obviously, I don't want to damage her career, but I know there are ways we could see each other. She lives just down the hall from me. We wouldn't go out in public.

When Francesca explains to me how much —according to her— she has on the line, I get it. If I screw up this chance with the Frostwolves, I'm likely out for the season, or worse yet, off the team.

There's no way I'll go crawling back home. I'd never hear the end of it from my dad.

My mom left us when I was in elementary school, which left Dad to raise my older brother, Tommy, and I. Dad was in corporate sales, and made good money, which supported our sports activities. He bullied us when we showed any sign of weakness. Mom tried to encourage us and show us the tenderness that boys need from their mothers, but my dad wasn't having it. We often heard them arguing after we'd gone to bed. My dad said he wasn't going to watch her "turn us into weak pussies." His words. I think my mom just gave up. She couldn't stand what he was doing to us, and she left.

Practice starts off a little rough. Coach Sullivan calls me out a few times and claims my head isn't in this practice.

I let out a breath when me and my teammates make our way to the locker room. Thankfully, I can change and head straight home.

Jack gives me a tap on the head with his glove. "What's your problem today?"

"Nothing," I grumble as I untie my pants.

Tom laughs. "You'd be in a bad mood too if you were banned from getting your dick wet."

Jack laughs and shares a fist bump with Tom. "I forgot coach put your dick in the freezer for the season."

"When you get that thing back?" Alexie says with a deep chuckle. "There's no way we're gonna be able to put up with you if you can't get laid."

"Spending a lot of time shaking hands with the milkman, are you?" Tom laughs.

"Blowing his own horn," Jack says as he heads to the shower.

I shove my practice gear into my bag. "Knock it off, assholes."

Tom puts his hands on his hips. "Well, someone's in a mood."

"You'd be in a mood too." Alexie slips a shirt over his head.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow."

There's more banter and jokes as I walk out of the locker room. The last comment I hear is someone going to coach about getting my dick out of coach's freezer.