Mack is on his same page. “Coach, it’s 8 p.m. now. If the curfew is at 9, there’s no way we can go out.”
The smile on Coach’s face widens. “That’s the idea. I want you all tucked into your beds after you shower. You have time for a snack if you make it quick.”
“Harsh,” Haller groans. “Especially after we played such a great game tonight.”
Coach levels him with a withering glare. “Let me set this straight, everyone. Since you reported to camp, you’ve enjoyed new, state-of-the-art training grounds. For the first time in the history of our team, we’ve been given brand new equipment, courtesy of our sponsors. And on top of that, the reality show means a hefty payout for everyone on the roster, whether you get to play during the preseason tournament and regardless of footage with your faces is shown to the viewers. But all of these perks come with expectations. And pressure to win this tournament and the championship once the season starts. I’m responsible for making sure that happens. I don’t have to remind you that all of this is part of our sponsors’ plan to bring a new NHL team to Star Cove. So you’re all going to do as you’re told and show me, our sponsors, the college athletic department, and the entire town that you’re Division One athletes and excellent NHL prospects. Am I being clear?”
The next “Yes sir” is way less enthusiastic than the one before the curfew was announced.
“Nite, ladies. Don’t let the bedbugs bite, and don’t be late tomorrow morning, or I’m gonna make you regret it.”
The locker room is silent again as Coach and his staff walk out.
The noise of a locker door being slammed shut soundslouder than ever in the forlorn mood the curfew announcement left behind.
“Belkin, wait.” Vaughn Heston quits tapping on his phone screen to stop Nash from walking to the showers with his caddy in his hands. “Before you go. Guys, this curfew is bullshit. Maybe Coach is too old to remember his college days, but he should know that morale is as important as training to keep up winning streaks.”
There are a few nods and murmurs of agreement from the team.
I don’t like the look on Heston’s face.
Vaughn Heston is a sophomore, a very talented center I’ve been mentoring when he started last year. He isn’t a bad guy, but he has a lot of growing up to do. Right now he’s always looking for the next party, and he’s already campaigning for Gamma president once the fall semester starts. He reminds me of the way Tucker was until a year ago, but with a fundamental difference. While Tucker attended Star Cove College on an athletic scholarship, Vaughn comes from money, and that sometimes translates into a sense of entitlement. He tends to act like the rules don’t apply to him because his family can buy his way out of trouble if needed.
“I don’t disagree.” I chime in. “But you heard Coach. I hope you aren’t planning to break curfew.”
His angelic smile promises nothing but trouble. “I wouldn’t dream of it. But staying home doesn’t mean we can’t get what we were looking for in town.”
“And what is that?”
“Pussy.” He chuckles. “Why else would we go to a bar?”
I guess. Before meeting Taryn, that would have been my number one priority too. “Ok. But how are we gonna getpussy without leaving our apartments? Please tell me you didn’t just hire an escort service or something.”
Ask stupid questions and you get stupid prizes. I should get that golden nugget of truth tattooed on my forehead.
“Absolutely not.” Vaughn grins. “That would be illegal, and Coach would have a coronary if he found out.”
“Then how?” I insist.
He shows me his phone screen. “Why go to town to sift through a ton of sixes when we have forty perfect tens in our building? Party at my place at ten. I just invited all the Shooting Stars.”
“Whoa,” I bite out. “I don’t even want to start discussing how much of a douchebag comment that is. But regardless, weren’t you there when they explained that the cheerleaders have a no fraternization clause in their contracts and if they’re caught with us they’ll get kicked off the team?”
“Do I come to practice in a tiny spandex sports bra and hot pants?” Vaughn laughs. “Their contracts are their own problem. Besides, I’m pre-law and technically they haven’t signed a contract yet; they’re still going through a selection process. So if they got cut for hanging out with us, they could sue.”
Nash backs me up. “That doesn’t mean that they won’t get into trouble if we get caught. Besides, did you forget that Coach threatened to bench us too if we’re caught fraternizing?”
Our objections don’t put a dent in Vaughn’s bravado. “Can Coach bench us all? He’d have no team left. And the same is true for the cheerleaders. They can’t send them all home. Safety in numbers, baby.”
I’m not sure I like his way of thinking, but I guessHeston isn’t totally wrong. I do still think that the no fraternization clause is a lot of bullshit.
As everyone starts heading to the showers with a new pep in their step, Tucker looks at me. “Maybe that’s a chance to hang out with Taryn. I hate defying Coach, but Heston is right that they can’t send us all home or bench us all.”
“Yeah, I guess.” I agree, excited at the idea of spending some time with my girl.
“Really?” Nash bites out. “I can understand that level of idiocy from Haston, since he’s a kid. But you two are seniors; you should know better. Sure, Coach can’t bench us all. But he can punish us for not following his rules and make our lives miserable. Or did you forget why I got this fucking bruise?” He touches the spot under his chin that’s turning from purple to a greenish yellow.
I meet his gaze and smile at him. “Oh, I haven’t forgotten. And act like a douche again with Taryn and I don’t care about Coach’s punishments. I’ll kick your ass on or off the ice.”
