More Than Meets the Eye

Chapter Seven

Auston's POV

*I'll be switching points of view throughout, but I'll make it clear to whom I am switching to :)*

Game time. It was going to be a crazy year, and we had a lot to prove. I was tired; tired of all the constant first round exits. Tired of all the critics. We were all desperate for a winning season; and were all willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.

I looked up into the stands, and saw the beaming faces of my family, and Addison. I smiled despite myself, feeling happy. Despite being very skeptical about having a "girlfriend" assigned to me, I was really beginning to enjoy the arrangement. Of course, there were moments where I wished I was free to do as I pleased. But she was growing on me, and we were becoming closer. There was only one hitch in our little plan; but I didn't want to keep dwelling on that. It was no secret to her I missed playing the field. The thrill of it all; I missed being able to have my freedom. Addison was well aware of this, but still accepted to continue to "date" me anyway; she was truly something else.

The game went better than expected. Well, it went exactly as we wanted it to. Starting off the season with a win is always a victory in itself. Nothing set the tone for the year and the season like a well deserved, well played victory on home ice.

"Way to go boys!" I cheer, and I get a loud group yell in response. We're all amped up and ready to celebrate. It was unfortunate that due to covid still playing a factor, we couldn't all go out to celebrate. I knew a lot of the older guys would be heading home with their families, so I turned to Willie and Mo once the post game interviews and everything was said and done.

"Hey, celebrate at my place tonight?" I ask, and they nod immediately. "You don't have to ask- bring Liv and Aubrey... though if you don't, I'm sure Addie will" I chuckle as an after thought. They both nod, getting out their phones.

"Will do man, see you in about an hour" Willie says, probably texting his girl the plan for tonight. I make my way out of the dressing room to see Addie standing with my family.

"Great game, Aus!" She tells me as soon as I walk up. I can't help but smile; she looks so good in my jersey.

"Thanks!" I reply, as I take in the scene. I pull my parents in for a sweaty hug each. Remembering where I was, I slung my arm around Addison and pressed a kiss to her temple; it was so automatic. I could feel her melt into my touch, as she wrapped her arm around my waist.

"We're so proud of you" mom gushes, and I keep cant the blush from creeping up my cheeks. It doesn't matter how many games I play, I always want to do my parents proud.

I noted Addison slip from my grip and head into the direction of Freddie. Weird, I thought to myself, but didn't let it bug me.

"I don't even think I have to say it, but great goal" my dad tells me, patting me on the shoulder. "I know you'll probably go celebrate- we hope to see you before we leave" they typically didn't spend the whole season in Toronto; they couldn't. They always made sure they made as many home games as possible; but again, with travel restrictions they were opting to staying in Arizona for most of the season. As hard as it was not seeing them, I understood.

"Of course" I smile; Addison and I were planned on having them over for a brunch tomorrow before their flight. "How's brunch sound?" I ask, and my mom looks impressed.

"My, my, she's got you cooking too?" She asks, and I want to roll my eyes but don't. She's a good influence on me, what can I say? I look up and note her and Freddie seem to be in an intense discussion.

"I just need to confirm with her" I lie, heading over in their direction. As soon as I get close I shoot daggers at Freddie; and he notices immediately. If there was one thing I didn't want, was him trying to get involved in my business; it wouldn't end well for anyone.

"Jesus, you scared me!" Addison jolts as she realizes I'm behind her. I instinctively put my arm around her protectively; Freddie gives me another look, but I don't care.

"Not Jesus, just me" I grin, thinking I'm being clever, but understanding that no; what I said was indeed the opposite of clever.

"That was original" Freddie says, and I shrug, before looking at both he and Addison expectantly.

"You cool with us having a few people over?" I directed the question at Freddie; we did live together, after all; though I did already invite people. Oops.

"Yeah for sure" Freddie nods, and I smile. Perfect!

"Cool. I gotta go say goodbye to the fam. See you both at home?" I ask the both of them. Addie nodded, turning to face me. "Awesome, see you soon!" I looked at Freddie for a brief second before placing a kiss on her lips. I think I caught her by surprise, but she didn't let on. Giving Freddie one last look, I turned my attention back to my family. Like I said; Freddie needed to keep his nose out of business and everything would be fine.

****

Everyone gathered at mine and Freddie's condo to celebrate a great start to the season. We all sat around the living room, laughing and joking as some music played lightly in the background. Addison was beside me, smiling as she spoke to Liv, who we had all met tonight. She had been dating Willie for a few weeks and he finally decided to bring her around. She seemed very nice, and the pair looked good together; I was happy for him.

Beside her sat Willie, who had his arm around her affectionately. Morgan and Aubrey seemed to be off in their own little world despite being in the large group, and then there was Mitch and Steph, who had just arrived a little later than everyone else. I kinda felt bad for Fred; he was the only one without a girlfriend present. Well, I guess in all reality I also didn't have a girlfriend present; but nobody but her and I knew that, and that's the way it was going to stay.

I couldn't help but wonder, as we all sat around, what it was Addie and Freddie talked about on the way here. I also couldn't help, but wonder why I felt a pang of jealousy in my chest, at the thought of them alone together?

Before my thought train could spiral down any further, I looked down to see I was getting a phone call.

"Dammit" I muttered, knowing I wouldn't be able to ignore it. I kissed Addie on the cheek before getting up and answering it.

"I told you not to call" I hissed, a little annoyed. I was very explicit in my instructions; they were not hard to follow.

"I know. I'm sorry" the apologize and I can feel my face get hot. "But I had to congratulate you on the game"

"I appreciate that" and I truly did. But now was a bad time. "But I'll call you back later, okay?" I didn't wait for an answer, I simply hung the phone up immediately. I sigh, wondering when the hell this all got so complicated.

"Another phone conversation?" A voice startles me, and of course it's the last person I wanted listening.

"Yes, not that it's any of your business" I snap, and I regret my tone immediately. "I'm sorry- that came out aggressively" I apologized. I didn't like the tension there seemed to be between us lately. And besides, the better our relationship the least likely he would say anything.

"It's fine" Freddie grumbles. I hated how his face was so unreadable sometimes; I could never tell how he was feeling. "I'm pretty beat though, so I hope you don't mind hosting the rest of the night" he says, and I'm a little confused; everyone had just gotten here.

"Uh yeah- for sure, I don't mind" I tell him and he gives me another strange look before taking off in the direction of his bedroom, leaving me confused, and alone with my conflicting thoughts.