1
Derrek
The smell of melted cheese, dough, and meat wafted heavy in the air making my stomach growl for the third time in just a few minutes. The promise of pizza from my favorite spot, The Pie, was the only reason I agreed to come to team dinner.
“Geez, Kid. It’s only been a few hours since we ate. How can you be that hungry?” Wyatt Hartman, the team captain, asked with a smirk.
I shrugged. He knew how much I hated that nickname but that didn’t stop him or any of the other guys from using it. Back when I first joined the team I’d tried not to react, hoping it would fade off quickly, but I wasn’t that lucky.
The guys seemed to have a sixth sense for picking up on emotions. They knew when someone was angry, frustrated, embarrassed, or excited. I still wasn’t sure how they always knew. It was likely the result of spending too much time together, but the only thing I’d learned since being here was that there was no hiding. The harder you tried, the more they pushed.
“Hey, give him some slack,” Erik Schultz, the best left wing in the league, said while glaring at Hartman. I almost thanked him, but he wasn’t done. “The kid’s still going through puberty. He’s probably hit another growth spurt.”
I clenched my jaw but stayed silent. It had been stupid of me to think I could go one meal without them ragging on me. We were all tired from a tough practice after a long week on the road, but they still didn’t leave me alone.
I got it. I was young, though I wasn’t the youngest on the team, and being the backup goalie wasn’t exactly the best position to hold. I was here for when Olli Letang, the starting goalie, was injured and the occasional games where he got a break. I dressed out for every game, on the off chance he might need me to sub in. Over one hundred and twenty games on the team and that had never happened. He’d never been pulled, never got hurt, never got tired.
The months I’d subbed in for him while he healed from the accident were the best and worst times of my career. I finally got to play and prove my worth to the team, but instead of being thankful I kept us from losing while he was recovering, I gained the resentment of the guys for taking over their friend’s position.
It wasn’t like I was happy he was hurt so badly he missed almost the whole season. Sure, I got playtime, but I didn’t want it under those conditions. I wanted to be the starting goalie because I was good. Not by default.
We were halfway through another season, and they still didn’t treat me like I was truly a part of the team. I was so sick of trades and guys from the farm team being welcomed with open arms and a freaking party while I was forced to sit in the corner and watch. One day I was going to snap and end up unleashing all this pent up aggression.
“Hey, guys!” Chloe walked into the back room we’d claimed and took the open seat next to Reese Murray, her husband. Half a dozen women followed her through the doorway before spreading out and finding their husbands and boyfriends.
I forced a smile and nodded at the few that glanced in my direction. The women took over the conversation and went off about a group date night they were planning. Another reason I was left out of so much. I was one of the few single guys left on the team. I swear they were dropping like flies around me. Even Nikolay, the grumpy, always scowling Russian ended up in a relationship with a beautiful woman. That was one couple I’d never understand. Where Elena was graceful and extroverted, Nikolay was gruff and reserved. She was someone everyone loved being around, and he was a recluse.
Part of me was a little bummed she turned out to be into him. She was one of the few that didn’t treat me like a kid or an outsider. Maybe if they weren’t neighbors and basically forced together by proximity, I would have had a chance. Sure, she was a few years older than me, but what did that matter?
Nothing. It didn’t matter at all now. She was clearly in love with Nikolay.
I sat up and looked at the kitchen area, trying to see if our pizzas were ready. I came along tonight because I was hungry, and a small part of me hoped each time I hung out with everyone that this would be the time they let me in.
I was beginning to wonder why I bothered. None of the guys would ever cross a line when the Pride was around, but their little quips were just enough to get under my skin and add to the crushing weight reminding me I didn’t really belong. At least in their eyes.
Elena walked into the room, pulling off her jacket. “Sorry, I’m late. The promo we were filming kept getting delayed.”
She looked around, saying hi to the people she passed on her way to the open seat next to Nikolay. I was a few spots away from him and on her path.
She squeezed my shoulder and leaned down. “Good to see you, Derrek.”
I turned around and smiled at her. “You too. When are you coming back to sports?”
It had been fun when she interviewed us and hung around practices. A friendly face had been nice, even if it was only for a couple of weeks.
She rolled her eyes as she slid into her seat. “Hopefully never. That was so stressful. I like the weather much better.”
I chuckled but her attention was diverted to Nikolay and Madi Schultz.
“Hey, Kid.”
I groaned and turned to see Olli looking at me. “Coach Abrams wants us at practice early tomorrow.”
I nodded. “What time?”
“Eleven.”
“Oh, someone’s in trouble,” Colin Brassard teased.
I scoffed. “Yeah, me and Olli.”
“What do you need to practice? Sitting on a chair?” Grant Fisher, one of the guys that usually left me alone, said with a smirk.
Noah Malkin, last year’s rookie, leaned forward while I narrowed my eyes at him. He was one of the youngest on the team, yet he was treated like a king. Everyone loved him and fawned over him like he was the greatest thing to ever happen to the team.
“Nah, he needs to get better about opening the door. I hate sliding in and having to jump over the walls to get to the bench, but he’s too slow sometimes.”
“Seriously, it’s like he’s not even paying attention to the game half the time,” Erik added.
The guys all started agreeing, fueling the fire burning my self-esteem to the ground. It’s not my job to open the stupid door. I just happened to be close and did it when I could. “Says the guy that missed half his passes last game.”
He shot me a glare and I matched it with one of my own.
“Hey, how about we quit roasting Derrek and focus on something positive,” Elena said with a stern tone.
The guys had the decency to look a bit guilty, although no one offered an apology. I was grateful for the distraction though. I caught her eye, and she gave me a small wink. She knew exactly what she was doing. I wanted to stand up and give her a hug, but I leaned back and hoped the guys were done for the night.
“What is it?” Chloe asked with excitement.
“My little sister finished her program and is looking to start as a sports trainer,” Elena said as she sat up with a bright smile. “She has a few offers in Texas, but I was wondering if you’d be willing to give her a call?”
She was looking at Madi who instantly nodded. “Yes, of course. I’ll reach out and set up an interview.”
The Pride seemed excited at the prospect of growing their numbers. I wasn’t exactly on their level, but if her sister was half as kind as Elena, I wouldn’t mind having her around.