Page 76 of Slapshot
“I didn’t realize you were a hockey player,” Rainn says when I finish. He’s got that same look of disgust on his face that Vivian always wears when the subject comes up.
“Not you too. I’ve never met so many people that hate hockey. Isn’t it sacrilegious here or something?”
“Probably. So, you were pissed at her for getting you in trouble with the coach and then killing your opportunity with one of the coolest jobs ever?”
“No.” I shake my head. “It was my fault I got benched and I knew just the thought of working for her dad would hurt her.”
He hangs his head and snores. “Get to the good stuff. Where’s the drama?”
“She assumed the worst and wouldn’t hear me out. She pushes everyone away and I guess I thought I was different. I don’t know what to do.”
“Only two options.”
“And those are?” I ask.
“Let her push you away or don’t.” He shrugs.
A couple of guys walk into the bar and take seats at one of the tables.
“Looks like my hour is up,” I say.
He checks his watch. “Yep. You better get to practice. Coach Keller will eat you alive if you show up late. You’re already on thin ice, don’t make it worse.”
“How do you know Coach Keller is such a hard-ass?”
He avoids eye contact as he clears my plates. “Everyone knows that.”
I don’t have time to press him because he’s right, if I don’t hurry, I’m going to be late.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate the food.”
“Yeah, well, next time I’m holding out until I hear your story. That was barely worth it. Good luck.” He winks at me and heads toward the table with two beers.
I jog back to campus. Two days of eating like I’m on death row was not a great idea. I don’t really feel like practicing, but I can’t let the guys down again. I might be willing to sabotage myself, but not at the expense of the team.
I’m wheezing by the time I make it to the locker room. I collapse onto the bench, holding my side.
“Are you all right?” Tate asks, giving me a slow once-over.
“Too much food,” I gasp.
“Better get a move on. Coach is in a particularly foul mood.”
“Why?”
The man himself walks in before Tate can answer. Hands on his hips, he doesn’t meet anyone’s gaze as he barks out, “Let’s go, boys. Vonne, are you planning on practicing in street clothes?”
“No, sir.”
“I’m gonna need the freshman to take care of the equipment today. Daniels and Forte, get us setup. Since Vonne’s not ready, he can do the cleanup.”
“What happened to Kaitlyn?” Jonah asks.
The entire locker room looks to me for an answer. I drop my gaze to the floor. My stomach rumbles and there’s a deep ache that has nothing to do with the amount of food I ate. I do not have a good feeling about the answer to that question.
“Our equipment manager quit. We’ll get another one, but for the next few days, everyone needs to pitch in.” He straightens. “Now, let’s get moving. We’ve got BU this weekend and they would love to give us our second loss of the season.”
I know I should be getting dressed, but I can’t move for several minutes after Coach leaves.
