Page 4 of Wild About You
Dramatic much? I pull over and stop the car.
“Thanks for the ride,” she says.
“Hey.” I stop her before she gets out. “Coach Miller and his wife went out on a limb for us. If this doesn’t work out, then it’s back to Iowa.”
“Yes, sir,” she says, but it has less bite in it. She knows I’m right. Not that she’d ever admit it.
“What time do you need me to pick you up?”
“I’ll find my own ride home.” She’s out of the car before I can object.
With a silent prayer to the teenage gods, I turn the car toward the arena.
Coach catches me as I’m stepping onto the ice. “How’s everything going with Everly? Is she settling into her new school?”
“Good. I think so. She wouldn’t let me go in with her this morning. Apparently, I’m embarrassing.”
He chuckles. “I remember those days well. She’ll be okay,” he assures me.
I let his words settle like a balm, and for the duration of our morning practice, I put it all out of my mind. Hockey has always been my sanctuary, but I’ve never needed it as much as I have since Everly came to stay with me.
I thought it might bring us closer like when we were younger but being responsible for her has only added strain to our relationship. She’s sullen and withdrawn, and I’m grumpy. I know it, but I can’t seem to help it.
We have some big games coming up and I need to find a way to focus. I miss the days where hockey was my only concern. I feel selfish admitting that. I love my sister, I do, but I did not plan to spend my rookie season making sure she goes to school and stays out of trouble.
After practice, I linger in the training room with Declan. We’re both quiet as we stretch and roll out our muscles.
Ash and Leo come in and take a seat on the mats with us.
“What are you two still doing here?” Leo asks.
Dec grunts and gives a one-shoulder shrug. Even though he can’t practice, he still spends all day here. I know because I’m usually here with him, avoiding my cramped apartment.
“I was just admiring all the empty space in here,” I say. “Think they’d mind if I move in?”
Ash chuckles. “Baby sis still driving you crazy?”
I don’t say anything. Admitting it feels shitty.
“I get it,” he says. “I have two sisters. You can love them and still want to kill them sometimes. I suggest ear plugs and a sleep mask.” He kicks my foot. “Better yet, you need a night out. Come over later.”
Man, would I love to say yes. I know that Everly doesn’t need me to hover twenty-four/seven, but I’m not sure how much space to give her. Especially with the things Coach and his wife have done for us. It’s only because of Mrs. Miller’s recommendation that I was able to get Everly into the private high school. She doesn’t work there, but she’s a local teacher and made a few calls to help me. Turns out two suspensions in a year does not make you a highly desirable prospective student.
“I can’t. I’ve barely seen Ev all week with travel. I’m going to take her to dinner and see if I can get some idea of how school is going.”
“Bring her over for dinner at my place. I’ll grab some pizzas.”
He and Leo are good guys, always offering up whatever they think I might need, but I don’t take them up on much. Trusting other people, even my teammates, doesn’t come easy. Everly and I have that in common. Call it a defense mechanism from being let down one too many times if you want. I call it smart.
“Thanks. Maybe another time.” My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out and stare at the number.
“It’s the school,” I say and stand. “I’ll catch you guys later.”
“Hello,” I answer as I walk down the hallway to the back entrance of the arena.
“Hello, Mr. Sharp. It’s Mrs. Best from Park Academy.”
An uneasy feeling washes over me, but I try for cheery in my response. “Hi, Mrs. Best. Everything okay?”
