Page 152 of Puck Me Secretly

“Good.”

“This is insane. I’m sorry this happened.”

“Why did you tell them about us?”

My head snapped up at his harsh tone. “What?”

“I was trying to protect you. Why did you give me an alibi?”

Why did he look so pissed?

“Because I was your alibi. I was with you.”

“I didn’t want you to get involved.”

“Too late. I already am.”

He rubbed his face. “I should have known nothing could ever change.”

“Max,” I stepped closer. “We’re going to get these charges cleared. This is bullshit.”

“My career as a hockey player is over. My reputation is ruined.”

“This is a smear campaign, but once the truth comes out everything will be fine.”

“It’s over Rory. All of it,” he stepped back from me.

“What?” Panic seized me. “Where are you going? We have to talk, plan our strategy.”

He shook his head. “You’re better off without me. This will never go away. And nothing good can come of this. You need to let me go.”

“Don’t talk like that. We’re going to get the charges dropped.”

“Even if you do, it’s too late.”

“Max,” I took a step towards him. “I understand that you’re upset, but you have to work with us on this.”

“It’s over, Rory. Between us. I don’t want to see you again.”

Air sucked out of my lungs.

“Max! No!”

“Go be with your Dad. Forget about me. I’m done with all of this. With you, with hockey, with Vancouver. Nothing will ever change.”

“Don’t do this,” I begged.

“Goodbye, Rory.”

I stood still as he exited the room. Too numb to cry, I could only lift my eyes when Brian stepped back in.

“Max left.”

“I know.”

“He said it’s over.”

“He’s upset.”

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