He shouldn't have been surprised. There were three guys from the team sitting there. And they'd seen him coming so he couldn't turn around and make a different decision. He eased himself into the hot water. Talk was of the game, the one that night, last week, next month, it all seemed the same to him. It was exciting as hell most of the time, travelling, seeing different places, and playing a game he loved for a shit load of money. But other times, like tonight, it was exhausting and slightly shallow. He missed having someone to return to at the end of the day. He hadn't had that someone since, well, Mandy.
Fuck, why was he dwelling on her now. He hadn't really given her much thought in eleven fucking years. Eleven. He faked a yawn and stood up. "All the hot water has made me suddenly tired. Think I'll head it in."
"Aww come on," Corey Porter said, "join us for a drink."
"No thanks guys. Watching you all play has worn me out." He smiled, hoping it wouldn't be taken as an insult to them or Lundin.
"Sooner or later Lundin will be off this hot streak and you'll have a chance to show us up," Kyle McLachlan said.
"I'm not stranger to being the new guy." Kip wrapped his towel around himself. "Have a good night." He lifted his hand over his shoulder in a good night gesture. Corey and Kyle still protested, but Kip kept moving.
Back in his room, he sat down at his computer, hit reply.
Hi Mandy, The past eleven years have certainly flown by. I'm very well. I was recently traded to Calgary and bought my first house in the city. Still single. Nothing too exciting. I've done lots of travelling over the years. What about you? Where are you living? I bet your married with a gaggle of kids in your house, and win the hearts of all your students. I am on the road right now, we have one more game and then we return home. I'll be thankful to have some time off in my house. Thanks for writing. I hope to hear from you soon. -KT Kip reread the message and then hit send before he lost his nerve. He browsed around the social networking site for a few more minutes, saying a quick hello to his sisters. He closed the browser window and tapped his fingers on his keyboard, begging sleep to come.
He sat on his bed and pulled the little box from his suitcase on the floor. He lifted the top off and set it to the side.