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“For what? I want to bone my hockey captain roommate?”

“Get away from me.”

She laughs and returns to the espresso machine. “Gotta watch out for the hockey players.”

I know there is more to that story, especially since someone got lucky.

Not me of course. Still celibate in Chicago. I’m thinking about updating my IG profile to that when my phone rings.

Declan.

“Hey.”

“You alive?”

“Why does everyone keep asking me that?”

“Mom was worried, especially with Bishop gone on such a long stretch.”

“Of course.”

I carry my coffee toward the window, warm cinnamon and espresso scents following me. We talk about home. His season. Work. Then he asks about apartments.

“Still looking.” I try not to think about the fact that our little end of the month deadline has came and gone.

“And Bishop?”

“What about him?”

“You guys still getting along?”

“Yep.” One syllable. Perfectly normal.

“Good, that’s good. Heard about the Halloween party.” I freeze.

“What exactly did you hear?” I try and fail to keep my voice from going up an octave in and the end.

“That you went out with your new friend Avery, had too much to drink and Bishop had to come carry you out because you can’t hold your liquor. Then he held your hair while you puked.”

That’s not all he held.

“Yep, that pretty much sums it up.” I watch pedestrians hurry through the cold outside.

“I’m lucky that he’s there with you.” Guilt gnaws at me a little, especially when he adds. “I wish it was me.”

“I know, same. How is Callie by the way?” I wince realizing how bluntly I just threw that out.

“She’s fine I guess. I only really see her at home games. She’s pretty busy.” He sighs.

He won’t admit it, but I know he still loves her. Even if she did break his heart the same year hockey did. Instead of spending his rookie year with Bishop in Chicago, he ended up in St. Louis and it’s a wound that hasn’t properly healed.

It’s like New York for me.

“Speaking of busy, know any attractive single men? Maybe someone on your team?” I decide to change the subject and instead of sad and mopey Declan, I get over protective big brother Declan.

Silence. Then— “No.”

I laugh. “You didn’t even think about it.”