"Just telling the truth, Stone."
"And don't call my brother 'sir.' It's weird."
The boy lifted a brow. "It's a sign of respect. Not that you'd know anything about that."
"Yeah okay, butt kisser."
"You're just mad because I stole the puck."
"By illegally checking me."
"Thenyouillegally slammed me into the boards," he retorted.
"You deserved it," she said.
"Not saying I didn't."
He shot her a wink, and Elle scoffed.
"I kind of enjoyed it."
"Hey!"
Another voice rang out, this time from the stands, and I realized it was from the previously sleeping, now apparently wide-awake spectator. My lips tipped up in recognition as she threw back her hood, revealing long, raven black hair.
"Nice hit!" Hazel said. I knew her from our writers group at school. Hazel's favorite stories were murder mysteries, though she also had a deep love for mafia romances. She had three piercings on each ear. I'd never seen her without makeup. And her own writing always involved a little bloodshed. "Way to play, Elle."
Tolliver sighed. "Don't encourage her, Haze."
"Why not? It was an awesome hit."
"They're supposed to be assisting with the day camp, not"—Tolliver threw out a hand—"whatever this is."
The boy on the ice frowned at Hazel in the stands. "In case you forgot, you're my sister."
Her charcoal-lined eyes were unapologetic as she shrugged. "And?"
"You should be cheering for me."
"I call it like I see it, Kayden." Hazel sniffed then threw Elle another grin. "Good job. He never saw it coming."
"Thanks," Elle said, beaming while Kayden shook his head.
Hands on his hips, Tolliver looked like he was fighting back a grin. "Let's keep the comments from the crowd to a minimum."
Hazel waved him off. "Whatever."
"You play goalie," Tolliver said to Elle. "You don't get to hit people."
"Whatever. I'm keeping my options open," she replied.
"No contact. One more incident, and you're benched."
Elle looked and sounded sullen as she said, "Fine."
Tolliver sighed then looked around. "And where the heck is Eli? Is he still in the bathroom?"
"No." Elle pointed to the stands right where we were sitting. "He's over there talking to some girl."
