Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Minerva

We landed in Chicago and I thought the worst part was over. My panic attack on the plane had left me drained but at least Kendrick had backed off after I caught my breath. No more hand holding or deep stares.

We grabbed our bags and climbed into the team van with a couple other players who looked half dead from the early flight. I’m just glad I couldn’t site Liam or Vivian anywhere, maybe she wanted to take her dads private jet.

I kept my headphones in and stared out the window the whole ride to the hotel. Kendrick sat across from me scrolling on his phone like nothing had happened. Fine by me. I needed the space.

The hotel lobby was packed with people checking in for some conference but the team had everything handled. Or so I thought. Coach waved us over to the front desk and handed out key cards. Most of the guys got their rooms quick. Then the lady behind the counter frowned at her screen and looked up at Kendrick and me.

“There seems to be a mix up with your booking,” she said. “We only have one executive suite left for the two of you. King bed. The rest of the team is already set but that double room you requested got reassigned by mistake. I can try to find something else but it might take a couple hours.”

Kendrick rubbed his forehead and let out a long breath. “One bed. Great. Team staff really outdid themselves this time.”

I shifted my suitcase from one hand to the other. My face felt hot. “There has to be another option. A couch or something. I can sleep on the floor. This is not happening.”

The lady gave me an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. We’re fully booked because of the game. It’s a big suite though. Plenty of space.”

Kendrick grabbed both key cards before I could argue more. “We’ll take it. Complaining won’t fix it.” He started walking toward the elevators and I had to hurry after him dragging my suitcase. The other players smirked but nobody said anything. Smart of them.

In the elevator I crossed my arms tight. “This is ridiculous. I am not sharing a bed with you. I do not care how big the suite is.”

“You think I want this either?” He leaned against the wall staring at the numbers lighting up. “I have enough shit on my plate without adding roommate drama. We will figure it out. Probably a pull out couch or something. Just drop it until we get there.”

The doors opened on our floor and he led the way down the hall. When he pushed open the door to the suite my stomach dropped. It was nice yeah but it was not huge. Living area with a big TV and a small couch that looked too short for anyone his size. Then the bedroom. One giant king bed with fancy pillows and a view of the city. No other bed. No obvious pull out.

I stood in the doorway. “No way. I will call Coach right now and tell him this is not okay.”

Kendrick dropped his duffel on the floor and kicked off his shoes. “Relax Minerva. I will take the couch. You get the bed. Problem solved.” He said it like it was nothing but his jaw was tight. He looked tired already and we had not even done anything yet.

I wheeled my suitcase inside and closed the door. “This is still weird. After everything with Liam and the plane and you being all up in my space. Now we are stuck in here together for three days. I need to focus on work not worrying about where you are sleeping.”

He walked over to the mini fridge and grabbed a water. “You think I am thrilled? You are the one who had a full meltdown on the plane. I helped you. Now you act like I am the problem. Just do your job and I will stay out of your way.”

I wanted to snap back but my phone buzzed. A text from Liam. I ignored it and tossed my bag on the bed. “Fine. Couch is yours. I am taking a shower then we can go over your shoulder routine for tomorrow.”

He nodded and started unpacking his stuff on the other side of the room. Things felt tense but at least we were not yelling. Yet.

About an hour later we were both settled in. I had changed into comfortable clothes and was reviewing my notes on my laptop at the desk. Kendrick was on the couch flipping through channels when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and his whole face changed. He answered it anyway.

“What do you want Dad?” His voice was flat. I tried not to listen but it was impossible in the same room.

I heard the yelling from the other end even if I could not make out the words. Something about sponsors and money and meetings. Kendrick stood up fast and paced to the window. “I am not doing that. I told you last time I am done playing those games. This trip is for the team not your shady connections.”

More yelling. Kendrick’s free hand clenched into a fist. “You do not get to dictate my life anymore. I am the captain here. Stay out of my business.” His shoulder started twitching like it always did when he got stressed. I had seen it in practice. He hung up without saying goodbye and threw the phone on the couch.

This part of him really scared me