Page 30 of Breakaway Hearts

“But we both know he should.”

“Perhaps.”

People are looking at us, listening, which doesn’t really bother me, unless someone figures out that Jason keeps turning the team down. Sports fans are intense, and while, deep down, I want Jason to play if that’s what he wants, I don’t want him pressured into it.

So I move closer.

“You gonna try to dunk me?” Owen asks.

“Looks like you’ve got enough people trying to get you wet.”

“Getting wet, huh?” he asks, and I’m sure my cheeks are red, but I make sure my face stays unimpressed. No need for him to know that I feel his words deep in my core, or that I still think about that stupid kiss.

“Have fun at the carnival, Brooks.”

“You too, Madison.”

I stay quiet while Jason interacts with most of the team. One on one…they seem fine. Jason is vibing with all of them, none of which try to convince him, they just geek out over hockey, until we get to number 14, who is running the bumper cars.

“Jason Hargraves, you fucking asshole,” he says with a smile.

“Jeremy Holden. I think my rib is still cracked.”

“Wouldn’t hurt at all if you’d let them go in.”

“I did, once,” Jason assures him, but they both look like it didn’t count. Which doesn’t make sense, because Jason always gives props where props are due, and I know very few people who wouldn’t take any win against Jason. Then it hits me.

“Loyola High.” Jason was recovering from a tonsillectomy and shouldn’t have played.

“My reputation precedes me?” Jeremy’s focus turns to me.

“She’s been to all my games,” Jason explains. “Not sure you’ve met Maddie?”

“Nope, never had the pleasure.” He shakes my hand, then focuses right back on Jason. “Heard you’re considering joining the team?” he asks cautiously.

“I was asked and said no…”

“But Owen’s being Owen?”

I cringe, not that Jeremy notices what he just implied.

“It’s just not really my thing anymore.” Jay shrugs, not as oblivious to my discomfort, or the implication, but he doesn’t have to worry Owen will force him to play against his will. Or take what he wants if Jay won’t give it.

“Hey, no complaints from me. I never would have made it on the team if you’d been in nets when the scouts came.”

“You’re welcome,” Jay teases. “But you’re a great player. Even if I stopped them, any scout worth their money could see you deserve to be here.”

“Fuck, you make it hard to hate you.” Jeremy shakes his head, smiling like he’s someone who doesn’t easily get ruffled, much like Jay.

“Didn’t know that was the goal.”

“It isn’t. Honestly, it would be nice to see how it feels to play with instead of against you for once.”

“I haven’t played in years,” Jay argues, but I can feel it. He’s not reinforcing his no so much as hoping Jeremy will poke holes into it.

“So only most of our games would be shutouts?”

“I’m sure you’ll find a goalie.”