Page 215 of Make the Play

I know he was talking to me. I know it.

And I should’ve texted him earlier. Something light and happy, to tell him he had a good game. To say I was proud of him for the way he handled that brawl on the ice and looked out for the rookie. To tell him I miss him.

But I didn’t.

Now, with the night wrapped around me and my chest heavy with everything I still haven’t said, I pick up my phone.

Me:That post-game bruise was really stealing your thunder tonight

It delivers instantly, and his reply comes faster than I expect.

Chase:Hi

Chase:Also ouch

Chase:Also hi again

A laugh bubbles in my throat before I can stop it.

Me:Just saying. That eye’s gonna need its own jersey

Chase:Might start charging it rent, or at least make it a team mascot

Me:Please don’t.

Chase:Too late. already named it Phil

Me:Phil??

Chase:Phil the eye bruise. huge locker room presence. massive morale guy

Me:You’re such a menace.

Chase:Missed that word coming from you

That stops me for a second, and I stare at it. My fingers hover over the screen while I think of something funny to say, something that deflects the sting of missing him. But I can’t.

So instead, I just… tell the truth.

Me:I miss you too.

His typing bubble appears. Disappears. Comes back.

Chase:Soyou watched?

Me:Yeah.

Chase:And?

Me:You’re still ridiculous, but that ice brawl is gonna go viral

Chase:I was talking to you after, you know that, right?

Me:I know. I heard it

I stare at the screen for a moment, debating how much more I’m willing to say, when the screen lights up with an incomingvideo call. My breath stutters, and I hesitate for half a second, then swipe to answer.

The screen flickers, then steadies. And there he is

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