Page 27 of What Are the Chances
“No. No more extra ice time. Or extra gym sessions. Or extra anything. Ease up, man.”
Easier said than done. That was like being told to change my instincts, like breathe slower or blink less.
“You’re burning yourself out, Will. And for what? What are you trying to prove?”
A good question, and one I didn’t have an answer to.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Loosen the reins
WILL
Was I surprised Coach had bag skated us? Nope. Nobody was. That didn’t mean we were prepared for it. I knew one player didn’t make a team, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel responsible.
The locker room was eerily quiet as everyone showered after practice.
After towel drying my hair then pulling on my hoodie, I rotated my shoulder back and forth. Slugging myself in last night’s game had taken its toll, and for nothing it turned out.
As our head trainer Richard passed, he stopped, double checking me. “Shoulder giving you grief again?”
I forced a dismissive nod. “No, all good. Was just stretching.”
When he carried on, I released the breath I’d been holding.Too close, Caufield.
Tripp strolled over, dressed in sweats and his hockey jacket. “Should we walk over together?”
My eyebrows pinched. “Walk where?”
“You didn’t check Hughesy’s text last night?”
I shook my head in answer. I’d hit the hay the moment we got home and hadn’t caught up on my phone before getting to practice early this morning.
“Our second check in with Riley is this morning, which has come at a perfect time.” Tripp arched his back, puffing out his chest. “My back is fucking wrecked since sleeping in the back of your truck.”
If he was fishing for an apology, he sure as shit wasn’t getting one from me. He could blame our goalie who’d pissed on in his tent.
But on another note, I couldn’t catch a break this week. My head wasn’t prepared for another run in with Riley. The alternative wasn’t an option though. Shy away from fronting her? No fucking way.
“Yo,” Ryan called out, whipping Tripp with his towel. “I need a wingman tonight. You free?”
“Nope. I’ve got to meet with my mentor for my shop assignment.” Tripp gestured to me. “Take Caufield.”
I shook my head. “No fucking–”
From the bench beside me, Levi shoved my good arm.
Loosen the reins.
Maybe the idea wasn’t half bad. I could use the distraction.
I sighed. “Fine. What’s the plan?”
Ryan grinned like the fucking Cheshire Cat. “We’ll head over to the house of the chick I’m talking to. Probably watch a movie. Apparently she’s got a hot roommate.”
“Uh-huh. And you can’t hang out with this chick on your own?”
“Nah. Think she’s trying to pump the breaks. You know, make it more of a casual hang out with a group of friends.” Ryan waggled his eyebrows. “Because you know what Netflix and chill alonereallymeans.”
