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The suit continues to talk. I pick up bits and pieces but am having a hard time tearing my attention away from Adam and the woman sitting next to him. They’re oblivious to the people in front of them and how we can see them holding hands under the table. Surely they must know everyone across from them can see when Adam slips his hand between her legs. Now, not only do I want to maim this motherfucker because he works for the company responsible for displacing my family, but this douche is cheating on Thea.
I do what the suit did and clear my throat loudly, until the man stops talking. “May I help you?” His tone has bite. It’s snarky and condescending. He thinks I’m beneath him because I’m on this side of the room and not his.
“Nah,” I say, shaking my head. “I’m just trying to make sure Adam there sees me.” I wink and nod toward his hand. Adam doesn’t flinch. The suit looks at his protégé, shrugs, and continues to babble on about new sewer pipes and water lines. And still, after being called out in front of a room full of people, this piece-of-crap douchebag continues to touch the woman next to him.
As soon as I lift my phone, he stops, ruining every bit of joy I was about to bring to myself. It’s probably a good thing because I don’t want to hurt Thea, but I’ll gladly tell her brother. There’s no way in hell Jude will allow this shit to go on.
I try to pay attention, but the monotonous dribble coming out of this guy’s mouth is boring me. I raise my hand and wait for acknowledgement. When it comes, I ask, “At what point in this packet are you going to get to the crux of the matter?”
“Which is?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” I say in disbelief. “Do you think all these people are here to listen to you talk about what kind of lighting you’re going to use in your parking lot? You’re displacing people. They’re losing their homes so you can build some strip mall full of nail salons.”
“And you’d rather, I what?” he asks. Before I can even form a response, he starts talking again. “Own a run down, filthy mobile home park, with dirt roads and dilapidated homes? This space is prime real estate and I fully intend to earn my money back. Now I’m sorry if you don’t agree with my business plan or if you think I’m going to put other people’s needs before those of my business. I made each person in the park a generous offer. Some took it, others didn’t. Maybe they thought they could call my bluff, but I assure you, I’m as straightforward as the next person,” he pauses and looks around the room. “If you’re here because you think you’re going to get another dime out of me with some sob story, think again. The offer I made months ago has an expiration date on it. The bulldozer breaks ground in a few months. I suggest you stop at the store on your way home and get some boxes.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from lashing out. Glancing at my mom, her head is down, and I know, without confirmation, she’s ignored this man’s offer. “I’m leaving,” I tell her through gritted teeth. “I have practice.”
There is zero satisfaction from standing up in the middle of this meeting and pushing my chair forward because the carpet muffles everything. I storm out of there, slamming doors as I go. And, as luck would have it, my car doesn’t start on the first or second try. I slam my hands against the steering wheel and scream out. I want a fucking redo on the family pool. I don’t deserve to have all of this shit put on my shoulders. I just want to play hockey and go pro. That’s the life I want.
Finally, my car starts. I put it into drive and start to pull my foot off the break, only to stop. It seems Adam followed me or decided to use my distraction to excuse himself from the meeting. He and his play toy are kissing their way to their car. I put my car in park and get out.
“Hey, you fucking piece of shit! What is Thea going to think when she finds out you’re cheating on her?”
Adam turns, puts his finger up to this plaything and walks over to my car. I get out, ready to beat the shit out of this punk. He keeps his hands in his pockets and looks ever-so smug. “It’s like this,” he says. “I have money.” Adam shrugs. “You don’t. Do you really think someone like Thea is going to believe you over me? Her boyfriend of four years?” He shakes his head. “Tell her, see what happens.” He’s so cocky, he winks before he turns around. I think about going after him—pounding him into the ground, until my future pops into my mind and I realize—he’s not worth my career.
thirteen
Thea
The roar from the crowd is deafening. If anyone passing the arena could hear the noise they would think the spectators were watching the Stanley Cup final. This is how passionate NU supporters are though. We get behind our team and we cheer and encourage them up until the final seconds. I’m sure it’s how all supporters cheer on their team, but somehow this feels special, like we’ve been invited into the inner sanctum for our players and are there to offer each and every one of them everything they need to win the game, win the league, and win the trophies.
We’re in the final period and Northport University is winning against University of Ashbridge. It’s been a close match, but NU is the more superior team and are currently up by three goals. We only have to hold out for another five minutes and we’ll have won. All in all, it’s been a clean game. I say this loosely because it’s not been without a few players being sent to the sin bin, but college hockey is relatively fight free. The rules don’t allow it. Devon and Nolan, together with Mike, Saul, and Brad have skated well, their passes have been on point, and the goals have gone in seamlessly. As for Kyler? He’s been aggressive, purposeful, and focused. Without him, I’m sure the scoreboard would be telling a different story. With the third-period horn sounding, the PA system blares the NU victory song. Whoever chose Irene Cara’s “What a Feeling” should definitely pat themselves on their back. The song is fitting for a win. The boys meet at center ice and congratulate each other before forming a line to shake hands with Ashbridge. All bar one, who has skated off the ice without any fanfare.
As I gather our bags, I feel my phone go off in my pocket and quickly take it out. To my delight, there’s a text message from Adam.
Adam
I’m outside. Can you meet me?
I admit to being a little shocked. It’s a weekday, so it’s unusual for Adam to have made the three-hour trip to Northport, but I can’t hide the fact I’m also giddy with excitement. The last time I saw him was when we had our housewarming party, and we didn’t exactly part on good terms. I tell Millie I’ll meet her outside and race to find Adam. It takes me a few minutes as he’s not standing by the doors—instead he’s by his car, parked at the far end of the car park and looking intently at his phone.
“Hey!” I call out as I approach. “This is a nice surprise.”
Adam quickly puts his phone away and looks up, but I’m not greeted with the usual wide smile I’m used to seeing. Instead, there’s a scowl on his face and he looks behind me before meeting my eyes again. When I reach him, I lean in for a kiss, but mistime the moment due to him turning slightly so get his cheek instead. Weird, but I go with it, because something is clearly bugging him. I also notice he’s dressed in pants and button-down shirt with a tie, so it’s obvious he’s come straight from work.
“Are you by yourself?” he asks by way of greeting, which throws me a little.
“I was watching the game with Millie, so I’m sure she’ll be out shortly?” I reply, but it comes out as a question because I’m really not sure how to take his demeanor.
“I need you to come with me,” Adam says quickly, while looking over my shoulder again. His tone is off, and he seems agitated and I’m instantly on guard with worry.
“What’s happened, is everything okay?” I ask and also look over my shoulder at the doors to the arena. People are starting to leave and I’m sure Millie will appear shortly.
“No. Everything is not okay. I need you to trust me and I need you to come with me. Now.”
“Okay, well, I need to wait for Millie; she’s got my things,” I tell him.
“Leave your things!” Adam replies, his voice rising. My worry turns into defensiveness as the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Something is clearly wrong.
