Page 88 of Rising Heat

“Jesus, Mack! Guy’s got kids.”

“He should skate faster.”

Half the bench loses it as Ryan hops over the boards on the change and skates backward for a few strides, looking over at Mack.

“That the same guy you hit last period?”

“Yep.”

“You know penalties carry over into adulthood, right?”

“I’ll risk it.”

Marco glides past us shaking his head. “One of these days you’re gonna remember we’re all technically on the same side.”

“Nah,” Ryan says. “That’s what makes beer league fun.”

The whistle cuts the conversation short before anybody can keep arguing, and by second intermission everyone’s breathing harder than they’re talking. It lasts maybe thirty seconds.

Marco rips off one of his glove and looks down the bench at Trick and Coop.

“So, how’s domestic bliss?”

Ryan snorts immediately.

“Oh yeah. I forgot you two are playing house now.”

Trick shrugs.

“Better than being homeless.”

Coop wraps his arm around Trick’s padded shoulders enthusiastically while Trick attempts to shove him off.

“We’ve really made it our own.”

Ryan looks between them.

“You’ve lived together for, what… six days?”

“Seven,” Trick presses his lips together.

“Come on,” Coop protests. “I thought we’re having fun.”

“I found a thong in the couch cushions looking for the remote.”

Coop shrugs.

“Coulda been one of yours.”

“I haven’t even brought anyone home since I moved in.”

“Exactly.”

The bench busts out laughing.

I point at Trick.

“A whole week? That’s gotta be a personal best.”