Page 70 of Bad Crush
* * *
“You seemto be in a better mood,” I say the next afternoon on the bus to State. Rhett’s phone is nowhere in sight, and he’s playing on his Nintendo Switch.
“That’s because I talked to Carrie,” he says without taking his eyes off the game.
“You did?” I brace myself for the news they’re back together.
Instead, he says, “She’s coming to the game.”
“She is? But that’s, I don’t know—a fuck long way for her to drive.”
“She’s flying, and it’s as close to neutral ground as we could get considering we have games or practice almost every weekend.”
Rhett and I have been friends for a long time, so I’m quiet for a moment as I collect my words. As the captain, I want his focus to be solely on hockey. As his friend, I want him to get the closure he needs. But I’m also afraid it’s the opposite of closure he’s going to get. “Is this the best idea?”
“It won’t affect my game if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“No. Okay, yes, that is a concern. The games this weekend are important. We’re getting down to the final month of the regular season and we need to be our best every single time we step onto the ice, but I’m more worried that talking is going to lead to you two getting back together when that isn’t what you want.”
His gaze pops up from the video game in his hands to me. He studies my face and then huffs a laugh. “I can’t decide if I should be insulted for myself or Carrie.”
“I’m sorry. I think you can do better. I want better for you.”
We’re quiet for the rest of the ride.
When we get to Arizona State, the team files off the bus, and the Sun Devil’s team manager greets us at the door to take us to our locker room.
As is his pregame routine, Rhett’s dressing and listening to music with Maverick. They have this thing where the two of them share one pair of headphones—each of them getting a single earbud. I don’t get it, but it’s their thing, and I don’t mess with guys’ routines.
“What d’ya say, boys?” I ask as we walk down the tunnel to take the ice for warmups. “What d’ya say?”
They file past me, stepping into the rink.
When I finally take the ice, I breathe in the cool air and relax. I’ve always loved hockey and skating. Especially this moment just before the game starts when everyone is optimistic and ready to do whatever it takes to win. Nothing else matters in this moment. We all have a single focus.
After I’ve stretched, I skate over to Rhett. “I’m sorry about earlier. Whatever you need, man, I’m here.”
He grins. “I was hoping you’d say that. I’m gonna need the room later.”
With a pat on the shoulder, he skates past me, and all I can do is laugh.
* * *
“If they’rein your room, where are you?” Reagan asks later when I call her.
“I’m hanging out in Heath and Maverick’s room. Can’t you hear them?”
“I thought you were at a bar or something. They’re loud.”
“Yeah, no kidding.”
“Well, you’ll never guess where I am.” I can hear the smile in her voice.
“I hope you’re about to tell me you’re here.”
“Sadly, no, but I am in your room.”
“You’re at the apartment? I thought you were doing some sort of road trip with the girls.”
