“I don’t want your fucking help.”
I’m shocked at his tone, dripping with disdain. Before I can think of a response, he shoves his things into a duffel and storms from the room, slamming the door behind him. Everyone’s eyes turn to the door, astonished by his reaction.
Everyone but Jamie, who is looking at me, concern on his face. I bite my lip, trying not to show how much his words have hurt me.
Across the room, Zach snorts, the sound more sarcastic than joyful.
“Maybe he’s afraid itiscontagious.”
He follows Koski out the door, and it feels like a line has been drawn. Us vs. them.
Alexei is the first to speak up.
“I will talk to them.”
“No, don’t. Not now. Koski’s pissed about getting shown up. He’s not going to listen. And Price is still half-drunk and fully up his own ass. Let them go.”
Thinking about his texts while I was in Vegas, I add, “And don’t call the Russian mob.”
His pout makes me think Price should be thanking me for the continued health of his kneecaps.
“I must dosomething, Ethan. They arewrong.”
I roll my eyes.
“Them and about six hundred other NHL players. We’re not going to fix it today. You want to do something?”
He nods.
“Then come over for dinner tonight, yeah? I missed you guys.”
I can tell he still wants to domore, to march after them and give them a piece of his mind. But I’m only asking for this – his friendship and no more.
“I will get food. Pizza?”
“How much pizza did you eat over the Break?”
He rolls his eyes at me.
“What, are you part of the nutrition team now? Fine, I’ll go to the Mediterranean place. Does that work?”
I nod my assent. Jamie is still monitoring me, and I’m sure he’s thinking about how I’ll deal with this rejection. Am I mad? Sure. I’ve spent hours -days- helping Koski with his game, making sure that every time he came up from Des Moines I was there to welcome him.
If he wants to be a dickhead, I guess that’s his choice. But there are plenty of people whoaren’t.
Sutter and Matty are in the corner, and I remember how well they took care of Jamie while we were apart. I also remember him telling me how much he’d wished he could tell them everything, that he really thought they’d get it. I decide to trust his instincts.
“Sutts, Matty, Mac, you wanna come?”
Matthews looks surprised, but a smile spreads over Sutter’s face.
“Yeah Cap, I’m in.”
Mac fishes out his phone.
“Let me just give Hailey a heads up, yeah?”
Matty jumps in a second later.
