Page 7 of The Golden Goalie

“With Adam?” Brielle asks, eyes wide. “Oh my goodness! He gave you that black eye?”

I jerk my head back. I really thought I’d covered it well with my covert makeup skills.

“Wait, no, I—”

“You need to file a report.”

“Break up with him.”

“Aiden will beat him up.”

“Wait, everybody stop,” I call out, running my hands through my hair. “This is exactly why I didn’t come home last night.”

“But Amber, if he hurt you,” Bri starts, and I can see the concern in her eyes. I look away.

“It wasn’t him,” I say quietly, but I don’t tell them how I got it. I don’t think I can handle the humiliation. “There was a fight, though.” I look at Aiden. “I’m sorry if your teammates got hurt.”

His one eyebrow raises slightly. “Rico fought?”

“Yeah and your captain.”

I can tell I’ve shocked him. “Gunner fought too? What happened?”

“I don’t know. They just all started going at it; that’s when I got out.”

He pulls out his phone as I turn my attention back to my mom and sister. “I’m fine. Really. I just didn’t want to come home last night after all that, but it’s fine now. I’m fine. I’m really tired, though. I’m going to go up to bed. I have to get up early.” I kiss my mom’s cheek and give my sister a quick hug. “I’m glad you’re back, and you had a good time.”

She softens. “You know I love you, right? I’m just worried about you.”

Guilt hits me hard, but I manage a nod. “I know. I love you too.” After that I start toward my room, but Aiden’s voice stops me in my tracks.

“You’re dating Adam Grey?”

I close my eyes. I really wish people would stop saying his name tonight. “Wasdating,” I automatically say.

“Oh, Sweetie,” my mom says.

“Wait, who’s Adam Grey?” Brielle asks.

I still don’t turn around, but I will my brother-in-law to stay quiet. “He’s a forward for the Red Devils.”

“What?” Bri shrieks. I wince. “Don’t you know they’re like our biggest rivals?”

Thatgets me to turn around. “I’m sorry. I didn’t really ask about that when we first started dating.” I regret snapping immediately.

“You didn’t know he played hockey?” Brielle asks.

“I did; I just didn’t know it was for their...enemy or whatever,” I say gesturing to Aiden.

“Are you okay?” Aiden asks, looking up from his phone. “Rico says it was a rough fight.”

Brielle’s eyes go wide. “That’s what the fight was?”

“Rico needs to keep his mouth shut,” I snap. “And you can tell him I said that,” I say, nodding at Aiden’s phone. Aiden doesn’t say anything, but I see the set to his jaw. I’ve seen that look in my brother-in-law before. It usually doesn’t bode well for the other person.

“Yes. I was an idiot. I dated a loser. I didn’t know he played for the Red Devils. Yes, there was a huge fight. And Rico and Gunner both got involved. I’m sorry about that too. I didn’t mean for any of that to happen. And that’s why I stayed away last night. I’m sorry.” To my horror, I feel my eyes start to tear. I blink furiously, but it’s too late. Brielle’s like a homing pigeon to someone that’s hurting.

“Oh, Amber. I’m so sorry.” She wraps me in a huge hug, trapping my arms at my side. And then Aiden’s deep voice sounds again and ruins everything.

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