Page 97 of Off The Rush
The message sends a shock of anxiety through me, like cold water down my spine. My heart races as I consider how he’s going to handle this.
“Hey, Alec, what’s wrong?” Emma asks, her green eyes filled with concern as she notices the tension on my face.
“Coach wants to see me in his office,” I admit, my mouth suddenly dry.
“About what happened at the Spring Showcase?” she clarifies, her voice wavering slightly.
“Seems like it,” I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel. “I’m not sure what he’s going to say, but I don’t expect it’ll be pleasant.”
“I’m so sorry, Alec. This is all my fault.”
“No. It isn’t,” JD says firmly. “We didn’t do anything wrong.”
Emma bites her lip, her worry is evident in the crease between her eyebrows. “What are you going to do, Alec?”
“I’m going to face whatever he has to say head-on and figure it out from there,” I tell her, my resolve firming up despite my fear. “We’re not doing anything wrong, and I won’t let him make us feel like we are.”
“What about JD and Luka?” Emma asks.
They both check their phones with frowns. “Nothing.”
“He’s at least going to start with me. I was already in trouble,” I say.
She nods slowly, her fingers twisting together as she tries to find the right words. “Okay, we are here for you.”
I offer her a small smile. “I’ll handle this.”
“Good luck,” she murmurs, pulling me in for a quick kiss. Her lips taste sweet and warm against mine, and I can smell the subtle scent of her shampoo as her hair brushes my cheek. For a moment, I wish I could stay here with her, wrapped up in the safety and comfort of her arms. But I know that’s not an option right now.
“Thanks,” I whisper as we break apart, reluctant to let go of her hand. “I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon,” she echoes softly, her eyes lingering on mine for a moment before I turn to leave.
I make my way to the rink with a sense of urgency, my heart pounding in my chest. The scent of cold air and ice greets me as I burst through the double doors, my breath fogging up in front of me. My footsteps echo against the empty bleachers as I head towards Coach’s office, a sense of dread settling over me. I can feel the sweat on my palms, but I clench them into fists, steeling my spine.
The door to Coach’s office is slightly ajar, and his face is an unmistakable shade of red fury that sends a shiver down my spine. I knock tentatively, feeling like a mouse facing a lion.
“Coach?” I ask hesitantly, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Get in here,” he growls, jabbing a finger toward the chair in front of his desk. I swallow hard and step inside, closing the door behind me. Every nerve in my body is on high alert, but I remind myself that I’m doing this for Emma, JD, and Luka.
“Sit down,” Coach barks, and I obey, sinking into the worn-out plastic chair. He leans forward, his hands clasped tightly together as he glares at me. “I can’t believe you’d do this, Alec,” he says, disappointment lacing his words. “After I specifically told you that you were on thin ice with the team.”
I take a deep breath, trying to quell the fear that’s bubbling up inside me. I know I need to stand up for our relationship, even if it means going head-to-head with Coach.
“I love her, Coach,” I say quietly, my resolve growing stronger. “And so do JD and Luka. We’re not hurting anyone.”
“You think this isn’t hurting the team?” he snaps, his eyes blazing with anger. “You’re a distraction, Campbell! And I won’t have it. You’re suspended, effective immediately.”
My heart plummets at his words, but my determination doesn’t waver. I look him straight in the eye, refusing to back down.
“This isn’t fair, Coach,” I say, my voice trembling just a little. “We’re not doing anything wrong.”
“Fair or not, my decision is final,” he retorts coldly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Now get out of my office.”
I stand up, my legs feeling strangely shaky beneath me.
“Fine,” I say quietly, opening the door and stepping out into the cold air. But deep inside, I’m silently promising myself that this isn’t the end.
