Practice ended later than usual.
Not because anyone asked for extra time. Just because no one seemed eager to leave.
The gym felt quite odd lately. Too quiet after noise. Too empty after tension. I stood near the edge of the mat, pretending to retie my shoe even though the knot was already tight. My hands needed something to do.
“Jane.”
I stiffened before I turned.
Damien stood a few steps away, hockey bag slung over one shoulder like he’d just wandered in by accident. Like he hadn’t been watching the entire last set from the doorway. Like he hadn’t waited.
“Hey,” I said.
It came out flat. Too casual. I hated that.
The last of the girls filtered out in twos and threes. Geneva shot me a look on her way past, eyebrows lifting in a very obvious “don’t be stupid” kind of way.
I ignore
