Page 27 of Play Maker

“It won’t happen again,” I called out apologetically.

But I left the phone on my lap and surreptitiously tapped on my email. It was a note from Coach Banning about the spring fundraising event. I needed this added stress like I needed a fucking puck to my head. When I read through the entire email, I realized that this volunteer thing was going to take more than one or two hours a month. It was probably more like one or two hours a week and that meant even more time spent with Axel. Hockey was one thing. At least we had Coach or Silas or Finn to keep us from imploding. This? How the hell were we gonna navigate this? And we could not screw up. Coach would be watching, the school too, and fuck, even the mayor of the town.

I could do this. It would be fine.

Without pause, I texted Axel, since Coach included his contact information to ensure nothing would be left undone. We had to set up a time where we could meet and discuss how we were going to divide up the work for this event. I expected him to reply, but I did not expect him to reply right away.

Jace: We need to meet in person to discuss the fundraiser.

Axel: The only days that work for me are Monday evening or Sunday morning.

Jace: Fuck Sundays, we need one day to sleep in. Monday it is.

Axel: It won’t interfere with your hookups?

Jace: We all need a day off. FYI, I don’t fuck everyone on campus. And even if I did, don’t slut shame me.

Axel: Don’t be so touchy.

Jace: Around you? No thanks.

Axel: Monday at seven. The game room at the dorm or the pub in town?

Jace: Pub. The school can at least comp us a meal.

Axel: Are you sure you want to be seen with me in public? Wouldn’t want to ruin your reputation.

Jace: According to you it’s already shit, so what does it matter?

Axel: Is this what it’s going to be like on Monday or are we actually gonna get stuff done?

Jace: You got the email from Coach. Set up a plan and we can discuss it.

Axel: Me? Why don’t you do it?

Jace: Aren’t you used to attending all these fancy ass socials? This event should be right up your alley.

Axel: I hate that shit. But since I don’t fuck away my responsibilities, fine, I’ll do it. You just show up and act pretty.

Jace: Didn’t think you’d noticed.

I didn’t get any response after that.

“Mr. Rowland?” Professor Mulligan bellowed.

My head shot up and I stared at my teacher, my face burning hot.

“Yes, sir?”

“If you do not put your phone away, I will confiscate it, and I won’t return it for an entire week. Are we clear? Do you understand, or do I need to put it in writing to your advisor?”

“Understood, sir. My apologies.”

There was a ripple of laughter in the room from my fellow students, but Mulligan’s glare put a stop to it pretty quick.

Like I did when I was playing hockey, I put my conversation with Axel out of my head and focused on what I had to do right here and now, which wasnotpissing off my teacher. Any more than he already was. The last thing I needed was an extra assignment or getting my marks docked.

When class ended, I headed over to the library. I had an hour of free time before my next class and I needed a quiet place to study.

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