Page 24 of Heart of Ice

“We’re just friends,” I said not really sure what Max would want me to say.

“Friends who hook up,” he said and waited for me to answer.

“Jason, what the fuck?” Max said as he walked into the room in full pads, holding his stick with his helmet shoved on the top of his head.

“You’re my bro, and I’m looking out for you. I’m not letting him do what Joel did,” Griffin said while I looked between the two of them, not really knowing what was going on.

“Oh my god,” Max mumbled before grabbing Griffin’s jersey. “We will talk about this after practice. Sorry, Ru—Doc.”

I waved the two of them off and tried to forget about what had happened and was thankfully busy enough that I did just that. “Ready?” Brian asked as he stood at the door.

“Yes, just organizing what I’ll need later.” He and I spoke about who was injured and what course we’d be taking on their care as we walked out to the arena. Even in practice injuries happened and we were there when it occurred to hopefully make sure those players were able to compete in the next game.

After setting up in the players’ box I walked over where Coach stood and watched everyone doing drills. I glanced at everyone but noticed Griffin staring at me which I promptly ignored. Max was busy with Vanel as Dexter had them stretching before they’d take turns guarding the net as Dexter took shots at them.

“How’s everything going, Doc?” Coach asked.

“Good, so far no major injuries.”

“Let’s keep it that way. I saw Griffin talking to you in your office. What was that all about.”

“He was looking out for his friend. Nothing to worry about,” I said, and hoped it was true because I really had no clue if it was nor not.

“I hope so. I mean I just talked to you yesterday about not creating any drama,” he said and turned to look at me.

“Well technically it’s not my drama,” I said knowing it was weak.

“You’re kidding right?”

“Sorry,” I said and rubbed the back of my neck. “I’ll speak to Griffin and see what’s going on.”

“That would be good, and make sure it’s before this week’s game. Hey, get to work,” he yelled at a couple of guys who were standing on the ice talking instead of working. They both flinched at his voice and immediately started stretching like everyone else was.

I glanced at Griffin again, who was still looking at me like he was ready to take my head off and forced myself not to look at Max. Coach was right; this was the kind of drama we didn’t need here. Even if I still wasn’t sure what the drama was.

Twenty-Two

Max

I didn’t know whatwas going on, but I knew Griffin was starting shit with Ruben and I had no clue why. He’d always been a good friend but for the most part we stayed out of each other’s personal lives, which was why he hadn’t said anything about Joel until he was out of the picture. When I talked to him earlier, I had admitted that I really liked Ruben and hoped we’d eventually get to figure out what was between us, but his reaction today was over the top.

“Max, can you meet me in my office?” Ruben said as I walked off the ice.

“Sure, Doc.” Yep something was up. I set my stick by my locker and took off my leg pads before walking into his office. Griffin was sitting there with his arms crossed looking like Ruben had somehow wronged him, but he’d never once mentioned Griffin, so I doubted there was anything there.

“Max, Griffin,” Ruben said as he leaned against the wall across from us. “What’s going on?”

“I have no clue what this is about,” I said because one look at Griffin I knew he wasn’t going to say shit unless he was forced to.

“Griffin?” Ruben said and matched Jason’s energy.

“Call me Jason.”

“Jason, what’s going on?”

“Look I know it’s none of my business, but Max’s boyfriend left him just before you showed up, and I know he’s trying to act like it’s all okay but it’s not. Then he came in today looking so happy and told me that you two were now seeing each other. I don’t want him to get hurt again, and this time I’m going to do all I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

My eyes felt like they were going to pop out of my head as I listened to Jason speak. “What are you talking about?”

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