Page 129 of Game Changer
“Good effort, Hunter,” someone said, and others said similar things in agreement.
Scott sat down hard on the bench and resisted the urge to slam his stick against the boards. This game was a complete fucking embarrassment and it was infuriating.
He glanced across the ice to where Kip was sitting. He was easy to spot because he was next to one of the only empty seats in the building. He was sitting hunched forward, with his hands clasped in front of his mouth. Just one of thousands of anxious, disappointed people in the building tonight.
Tomorrow the team would review, they would practice, and they would regroup. In two nights they would make this crowdroar.
* * *
Kip walked out of the subway station near Elena’s apartment and trudged through the chilly April drizzle. Elena was back from California and had invited Kip over to watch the fifth game of the New York vs. Boston series. He was looking forward to seeing her. He was looking forward to seeinganyone.
The Admirals had rallied and won the second home game against Boston, tying the series at two wins each. NHL playoff series were all best of seven, so the series would go to at least six games.
Scott had been very distant the past few days. He barely spoke, and didn’t seem to be listening when Kip said anything to him. Besides the games, he’d had meetings and practices and gym sessions. He was focused on beating Boston, which Kip completely understood.
And that was why things were a little chilly between them. That was the only reason. He told himself that almost constantly.
Scott had left for Boston yesterday while Kip had been at work. He hadn’t even really said goodbye.
Kip was glad Elena was back.
“Aw, you’re all cold and wet,” she said when she opened the door. “Come on in. I ordered pizza. I have beer.”
“I love you.”
She waited until the first intermission to drop a bomb on him. “I have some news,” she said. “Equinox is opening up a West Coast headquarters.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. And...they want me to manage the cybersecurity team there.”
It took Kip a moment. “You’removing?” he asked.
“I’m afraid so.”
“When? I mean...What?You’re leaving?”
“Next month.”
“Nextmonth?”
She placed her hand over his. “Yes,” she said. “I’m sorry to spring this on you like this.”
“Fuck. That sucks. I mean, congratulations, but...”
“Thank you.”
“No, really. I’m proud of you. Just... Damn.”
“I know. I’ll miss you too.”
“That doesn’t even begin to describe it,” Kip said miserably.
“Aw, sweetie. You’ll come visit. You and Scott both, okay?”
“Yeah...” Would that day ever happen, where he and Scott could travel together as a couple in North America? “Shit, I can’t believe you’re really leaving. It’ll be like...losing my leg or something.”
She squeezed his hand. “It’s much worse than that,” she said with a wry smile.
