Off Ice.

Chapter Four.

I just want to get drunk tonight.

Theo, Cam, and I are on our way to Casey and Grace's house for Casey's 26th birthday. I can't believe he's already 26, I feel like he was 22 yesterday. But what's really crazy is that I'm 22 now.

Casey and Grace live in a beautiful house in LA. It's not too big or flashy, a two floor home on the outskirts of the city. It's cozy and the perfect size for them and their future family.

"I still can't believe you're friends with Casey Kalinski," Theo shakes his head as we walk up the steps to their porch. Grace and I always sit up here and hang out for hours. It's her favorite part of their house.

I look back at Cam, who's eying Theo from behind. He glances at me as Theo adds, "I wish I could of seen your face when you found out your friend was dating someone in the NHL."

I look up at Theo with a small smile, forcing out a small fake laugh. Oh God, I'm so fucked if he ever finds out.

Theo's never met Casey and honestly, I'm freaking out a bit. I know him and Finn are still best friends and I'm wondering if he's going to go and tell him everything about him. But I'm going to actively avoid stressing about it. I'm just going to have fun with my friends and my boyfriend.

When we get to the door I ring the bell and Theo squeezes my hand. I look up at him and see him already gazing at me with a small smile. I lean into his side and his arm wraps around me as the door swings open.

I feel my heart falls a little bit when I see Casey. I've obviously seen him recently, since I'm over here a bunch and we've continued to be friends even after the breakup, but this is different.

He's only gotten more muscular as the years have gone on, the work in the NHL paying off in that regard. His hair is still as blonde as ever and although a bit shorter, he still has that surfer dude vibe going on. He's done great on the Kings and is probably one of the fan favorites, which isn't a surprise. He's so charismatic and attractive, not to mention his killer aim and speed.

He subtly eyes up Theo and I can see the small trace of shock at his appearance. He masks it well though and his arms are thrown out to the sides in classic Casey fashion, his bright grin shinning. "Avery! Bring it in!"

I break apart from him and basically collapse into Casey's chest, feeling a huge sense of relief when I feel his arms wrap around me. I feel safe with Casey, I still feel like he's an older brother to me. I know he's best friends with Finn but he doesn't treat me any differently, he still cares about me and never brings him up. Honestly if I were to be in trouble, he'd be one of the first people I'd call. I trust him with pretty much everything I have. "Happy birthday, Case."

Next to Cam, him and Grace have been a rock for me throughout college. They've always been there for me and I don't know what I'd do without them.

He holds onto me tightly, his cheek pressed to the top of my head as he responds, "Thanks, kiddo. How've you been holding up, eh?"

Awful, to be honest.

"Good," I smile, pulling away from him. His bright eyes scan my face so I look away before he can pick up on the lie. I step to the side and gesture to Theo, holding my hand out. He takes it as I bite the bullet, "This is my boyfriend, Theo. Theo, this is Casey."

I watch as they shake hands, Casey's pale and clear one connecting with Theo's inked and ring filled one. "Nice to meet you, man," Theo says, his deep voice filling the awkward air. I don't know if it feels as awkward for Casey as it does for me, though.

"You too, buddy," he says politely, but I can see that he's sizing him up. Oh, Lord. I hope Theo doesn't catch on.

Cam, bless his fucking heart, pops out from behind Theo and Casey's eyes light up. "Cam!"