The Turnover - Luke Hughes

Chapter 27

Winter 2023 - February

Ana organized a few drawers with supplies, trying to make herself look busy, so no one would talk to her. She noticed that several players, mainly her friends, would stare at her out on the ice. She prayed Ethan didn't say anything to anyone, but she did have a suspicion.

Behind her, she could hear a few boys coming through the training area, stopping to get stretched, or walking on through to the locker room. Ana turned around and was soon greeted by Rutger.

"Hey, Ana. Feeling okay after last night?" He offered her a smile.

You have no idea, Rut, she thought to herself. Maybe you do. Hell if I know.

Ana leaned up against the counter, attempting to push the bitterness in her mind away. She forced her lips into a half smile at her friend. "Oh just peachy, Rut. What's up?"

Rutger untucked his practice jersey from his pads, sitting down on the exam table behind him, directly across from her. He looked at Ana. "Will you be at Emma and Jentry's place after this for a little bit?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm staying the weekend with them. Do you need something?" She turned around, her back to Rutger, and washed her hands.

"Do you think I can come over after practice? I want to start on our presentation, if that's okay."

Ana smiled over her shoulder. "Sure! We can work on it."

Rutger sighed with relief. "Okay, sweet. I can drive us, if that's easier so no one has to come get you."

Rutger could not have possibly known how much that simple gesture meant to Ana. And thank God he didn't offer to go back to his place. "Thanks, Rut. Let me get my stuff together and we can go," she stated.

"Oh, no rush. I have to go change and get my bag," he said, hopping up from the table. "Take your time." Ana nodded as he walked away. She finished putting away the various items scattered across the counter, putting everything in its place. She pulled her phone out of her jacket pocket and texted her group chat with Jentry and Emma.

THE TRIO <3

Ana: Rutger is gonna come over after practice to work on project. Hope that's okay. He's bringing me home. Be there soon.

Em: Okay!

Jen: Rut is always welcome! Be careful.

Ana grabbed her backpack and purse, making sure she had everything. She walked to Jenny's office around the corner, peeking her head inside.

"Hey, Jenny, am I good to go?" she asked. Jenny finished the paperwork she was writing on, putting it in a filing tray behind her. She looked up at Ana, grinning.

"Yes ma'am, you are good for today. Thank you for your patience today. I'm gonna finish up these papers and then I'm on my way out, too. Any plans for the rest of your weekend?"

Ana huffed with humor. "After the weekend I've had so far, I hope it is filled with big plans of rotting on the couch and watching TV."

"You and me both, girl," Jenny replied. "You and me both. Now get out of here and enjoy the rest of your day."

"Will do. Don't work too hard," Ana winked at her. She waved goodbye, and turned around to head out of Jenny's office door. She pulled her phone out to check her text messages, completely unaware of her surroundings as she smacked right into Luke's chest.

Ana stumbled back right as Luke caught her arms, steadying her so she didn't fall. She glanced up at him, half shocked, half embarrassed. His face was flushed, his eyes wide with surprise. Ana chuckled slightly, trying to brush the awkwardness off.