Page 57 of In the Danger Zone
“Fuck you.”
“She’s not—”
“Daisy’s not a fucking liar and if you call her that again, you’re gonna get another concussion.”
“You don’t even—”
“Will you two knock it off?” Murph exploded. He pulled his cap off, running a hand through his white hair. “Christ. Alright, clearly something serious has happened here. Evan, will you just explain this to me?”
I shrugged at Murph lazily. “Daisy and Asher went to school together. They’ve known each other since they were kids. And he used to give her shit every single day. Used to bully her every chance he got. You met Daisy the other night. You know her now. She’s shy, quiet. She was the perfect target for this prick.” My eyes darkened as I looked over at Asher. I could have sworn I saw shame on his face. Good.
“… What else did she tell you?” Asher asked.
“What do you mean what else did she tell me?” I barked back at him.
“What else did she say?”
“About what?”
“About…” Asher’s words went nowhere for a moment. “About…”
“Shut up,” I cut Asher off before turning back to Murph. “You know she has a stutter, Murph. And you know she can’t control that, that it’s just one small thing about her. But this asshole made sure shehatedthat part of her.”
Murph scoffed, looking over at Asher with a look that screamed disappointment. “Really, Callaway? What the hell is wrong with you?”
“That’s bullshit,” Asher quickly let out, but he didn’t even sound like he believed his own words. “None of that happened. I barely even talked to her in school.”
“I did what I did because he deserved it,” I told Murph sternly. “And I’d do it to anyone else if given the opportunity. Maybehe’sthe one who should have been punished.”
“I can’t kick him off the team, Evan. Not because he was a bully in high school,” Murph said. “I’d probably have to kick half the guys off the team if I did that…”
My arms crossed over my chest. “You suspended me fordefendingmy girlfriend but you’ll let him stay after what he did?”
“I’m sorry, Evan. I don’t know what you want me to say.”
“Suspend this prick for the rest of the season so I don’t have to look at his fucking face.” I nodded at Asher.
“You can’t suspend me!” yelled Asher. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Murph held a hand up. “Relax, Asher. I’m not suspending you.”
“That’s a dumb move,” I said under my breath.
“My hands are tied here, kid.” Murph gave me a shrug. “I can’t give you what you want. I get it. I understand why you’re mad. You know I have three daughters myself. My oldest is weeks away from having her first baby. I’d feel the same way you did if someone did anything to them. If anyone did what thisonedid.” Murph’s eyes narrowed as they landed on Asher. “But I can’t suspend someone for what they did in high school.”
“I just… I can’t work with this asshole,” I said with gritted teeth.
“You’re gonna have to remember that you’re on ateam, Evan. You’re my best defenseman. I don’t wanna lose you and I don’t wanna lose Asher.” Murph gave me a shrug. “But like I said: my hands are tied.”
I looked over at Asher. He let out a long breath, looking a tiny bit relaxed. Maybe he thought he’d be off the team like he should have fucking been. Either way, Asher shouldn’t have been experiencing any kind of relief.
“If he comes near her again, I’m not holding back.” My voice was loud as I stood up, towering over Asher who stayed seated. I wanted him to remember everything I was about to say. “You go near Daisy again, and I’ll keep my promise. You’ll be out for the rest of the fucking season. Fuck, I’ll make sure you never pick up a hockey stick again. I went easy on you last time, asshole.”
I didn’t give Asher a chance to say anything back. All I did was walk out of the room, huffing as I rounded the corner and moved back into the locker room. My hands snatched at my jacket, yanking it off. I was pissed. It wasn’t fair that Asher got to scare Daisy and fuck with her and get away with it.
I pulled off my T-shirt next, trying to keep my breathing steady. Nothing was working. Until I thought of her.
Her soft hands, her perfect lips, her pretty voice. My eyes closed. The thought of Daisy next to me calmed me down. She’d be at the rink soon. She was gonna come see me play.
