Page 14 of Cheap Shot

I didn’t feel very strong. Most of the time I was barely keeping it together, but I was trying and, according to Angie, my therapist, that was the most I could ask of myself.

“How’s the insomnia?”

I shrugged. “Some nights are better than others.”

He nodded as if he understood. “And the panic attacks?”

I cringed. “Geez, Mom and Dad didn’t hold back, did they?”

“They wanted to make sure I knew what’s been happening and what to look for. I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s going on.”

I didn’t need his help, period, and he genuinely seemed to care, but I wasn’t ready to just let him in.

“I know most of my triggers now, and as long as I can avoid them, I do okay.”

He nodded. “That’s good.”

We walked together for a few seconds before he stopped again. “You know you can always call me if you need help, or if you want to talk. I haven’t been great in the past, but I promise I’ll do better.”

His eyes lacked the teasing I was used to from him. This was serious. He meant those words.

“Thanks, Ethan.”

Too bad I knew better. People’s intentions and actions didn’t always align.

Chapter 6

Reid

Coach Weston leisurely paced along the wall with his hands behind his back. “I’ve got to say, boys. I didn’t think I could ever be this disappointed in you.”

And just like that, every molecule of air was sucked out of the locker room. I flicked my eyes to Benjamin, but he was staring at the floor. What was this about?

Boys should have been my first clue that something was wrong. Coach called us men or team or guys if he was being less formal. Boys was supposed to hurt, and it did. Coach Payne and Hiller leaned against either side of the door, wearing matching expressions of neutrality, not giving away any hints of where this was going.

“You see, when each and every one of you was recruited and brought onto this team, there was a very specific rule I made sure you understood. I told you verbally. I told you in a letter. I asked you to confirm in writing that you not only knew the rule but that you agreed to obey it.” He exhaled and pivoted to face us. “One rule I knew would be difficult for the average college student to abide by. It was asking a lot of you as young men, but I trusted you to be mature enough to not only follow it for your time here, but really accept––no believe and trust it deep in your heart––that it was for the good of not only your future but your brothers.”

This was bad. So, so bad. Coach wasn’t one for long talks or fluffy language. He was direct and to the point. If he was drawing this all out, he was pissed. I kept my head down and glanced around the room, looking for hints of why we were in trouble, but no one stood out as the culprit.

Coach flicked a finger, and Coach Payne turned off the lights as the projector turned on and two images appeared side by side. My stomach dropped to the floor. Greco and Lee, two sophomores, were smiling and holding red cups up with their arms wrapped around girls. Nothing about it was directly incriminating, but it was enough.

“Shaw, please remind the room of the rule,” Coach said in a chilling tone.

Hunter, a fellow senior, cleared his throat. “Players on West Penn’s men’s hockey team will not participate in activities that may present the team in a negative light. Including, but not limited to: providing and/or consuming or using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Team members that find themselves in the presence of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and do not immediately remove themselves from the situation face sanctions from the coaching staff and/or athletic department.”

“Thank you.” Coach looked directly at Greco and Lee. “Cruz, does it appear that Mr. Greco and Mr. Lee immediately removed themselves from a potentially damaging situation?”

Benjamin’s face was blank as he looked up and scanned the room for the sophomores. Once he landed on them, his jaw ticked. “No, Coach.”

“Mr. Lee, are you aware of the reason this rule exists?” Coach’s calm was beginning to freak me out.

“Yes, Coach,” he answered.

“And what is that reason?”

Lee cleared his throat. “Five years ago, members of West Penn’s men’s hockey team attended a party off-campus and consumed alcohol and various drugs.”

“Yes, and then what happened?” Coach prodded.