Page 89 of Puck with Karma
I am saved from having to answer by the timer showing that my time in the box is up. I grab my stick and jump on the ice like my ass is on fire. I am thirsty for Karlsberg’s blood, and I won’t give up until I have it staining my fists. Fuck what corporate will say about it.
Unfortunately, by the time I get close enough to do just that, the game is over.
“I can’t believe we fuckin’ lost,” Noah mumbles from next to me. “How am I gonna get sponsors and make some extra cash if we play like garbage?”
“It’s just one fuckin’ game,” I growl at him. “Get over it.”
I make my way to the locker room designated for the visiting team. Media is all over, but I don’t want to have anything to do with them.
“Hamilton!” Coach Harris points at me as soon as I enter the lockers. “You’re on tonight.” Meaning, he wants me to give interviews.
“Not after the way I played.” I make my way to my spot and drop on the bench, completely disgusted with life right now.
He gets into my face. “Especiallybecause of the way you played. Go there and explain to all the fans how you plan on getting your head out of your ass and actually play professional hockey.”
He’s not giving me time to prepare when the reporters are allowed to walk in. I can see the hungry look on their faces. They want the story, and I try to give it to them for the next thirty minutes.
“You’re fuckin’ pathetic,” Cole Samson murmurs from behind me when they are all gone. “No wonder your days on the team are numbered.”
I know he’s just trying to bait me, so I don’t bother responding. I know it’ll just irritate him more.
“He’s got it bad for you.” Noah is once again right under my feet. “What’d you do to him?” I ignore him. “Maybe he wants the hot intern, too.”
That does it.
“Shut the fuck up with that!”
My growl is effective. I sound angry, and deranged, and I think I finally scared him off.
It’s been two weeks since I last laid eyes on Abby. It’s been complete hell. I thought I’d give us both some time to regroup. But, two days later, when I was leaving the building, our doorman Burt was kind to inform me that Miss Bennett left in a hurry, large suitcase in tow. I tried calling her twice, both times I ended up in her voicemail.
I shower and change into my suit, grateful that at least I don’t have to deal with a press conference out there. The chaos inside the locker room was plenty.
The handles of my heavy bag almost give out when I yank it off the floor, ready to go to the hotel. My heart drops to my stomach when I hear my cell phone ringing. With every call I get, I expect to see Abby’s name on the screen.
I let out a sigh of disappointment when I notice it’s my mom. She doesn’t call very often though, it’s always my father, so something must be up.
“I know you’re busy.” She sounds apologetic when she speaks. “I just wanted to tell you that Janie didn’t make the trip to New York. And now Mallory is in the city all by herself, and…”
I am almost scared to ask, but I need to know what’s going on with my sister.
“What happened with Janie?”
“She got snowed in at the small airport,” mom explains. “She had a meeting out that way, so it was easier for her to get on a flight from there, and meet Mallory in New York. But they don’t clean the runaways there like they do at the big airport.”
“Okay.” I look around me, unsure of where to go or what to do about any of this. “Is Mallory okay?”
“I think so. But I’m not sure. Last I heard from her, she was at a coffee shop out there, close to the arena. I tried transferring a ticket to her, but I don’t think it went through. I feel so bad!”
“I can call her and…”
“Hamilton,” Coach yells from behind me. “To the bus. Now!”
“We’re going to the hotel now,” I explain to my mother. “I won’t be able to leave and go look for her. But I can get her help if she needs it. Can you check on her for me and let me know?”
She sounds relieved that I am willing to help as necessary.
“I’ll do that.”
