Page 74 of The Penalty

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. But you know I’m on your side if it’s anything else. Now spill.”

“It’s just team stuff. You wouldn’t be interested.”

“Come on. I’ve been listening to you talk about boring hockey stuff for decades now. I’m something of an expert. What’s going on?”

He sighs, fingers tapping out a familiar rhythm on the table, and I keep quiet, letting him get himself together.

“There’s been a lot of pressure this year after losing some of our best players to graduation. It’s something of a rebuilding year. And even though we have some amazing players, they’re not working together as well as they should be. There’s a lot of friction and issues. And it’s all on me.”

The reason his hair is less than perfect becomes obvious when he runs a hand through it, then smooths it down on repeat.

“You’re a team, right? It’s not all on you.”

“Yes, but I’m the captain this year. I’ve got to pull them together. It’s my last chance at this.” The creases around his eyes have deepened, and the look in his eyes is wistful, almost haunted.

“It’s not your last chance. You’ve got years to play hockey.” I try to activate a little twin mind reading power, but he’s not giving anything away. At least not anything specific.

“Sure.”

“I’m sure you’ll get a contract. You’re an incredible athlete.” We might tease and torment each other, but when it comes down to the important stuff, I support him a hundred percent.

“Anyway, at least I’ve got Dev.”

He’s still visibly tense, but there’s a visible softening of his shoulders, as if his best friend helps ease the burden of leadership for him. My stomach drops, leaving me breathless. I can’t take that away from him. It sounds like Dev is the one thing holding him together right now. If I mess that up, it’s on me.

“Right. Yeah. It’s good to have friends.” I nod at him, but it’s an unhappy smile that pulls my lips up.

“He’s not just a friend. He’s like family. I don’t know what I’d do without the guy.”

My mouth has gone dry, and the London Fog tastes like dishwater when I take a swallow. “Well, let me know if you need anything else from me. I’m always here for you.”

“I know. Thanks, Sissy. It was great talking about this with you. But you’re the one who invited me. I know there must be a reason. What’s going on with you?”

The tea goes down the wrong way until I’m coughing and sputtering in the most embarrassing way.

He leans in. “Everything okay?”

I nod, clearing my throat. “Just went down the wrong way. My voice is raspy, dragging on each word.”

“I’m sorry for monopolizing your time. What’s going on with you?”

Umm. Think brain think. “My graphic novel.” That’s exciting news. “Anna and I are putting the final touches on it. We’re going to enter it in a publishing contest. It’s really good. I like to think my characters were solid before I started working with her, but now, together. We’re leveling up. It’s an amazing collaboration.”

“Good for you. That’s amazing. I’ve always been jealous of your artistic abilities.”

“Have you?” I’m surprised. He’s always been consumed by sports. Especially hockey. Not much time for anything else. Other than when Dad drags him in on some work nonsense.

“Yes. Creating something out of nothing. That’s amazing. Just like you. You’re fantastic. I can’t wait to read your comic.”

My neck feels hot. I love compliments, but they also make me weirdly uncomfortable. But I also feel even guiltier. It’s going to swallow me whole if I don’t get it under control.

He glances at the gold watch on his wrist. What other college kid wears a fancy watch? Not many. “I’ve got to get going. I have a class. Don’t wanna be late. Thanks for listening.”

I’m not saying you’re welcome. I don’t deserve the praise.

“Right. Me too.”

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