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“Gather around, boys!” the coach roared and we all circled around him.
Brian stood close to him while I was opposite them. He didn’t even spare me a glance as soon as he came in.
“Just as discussed last week, we’re gonna play according to our strategy. Put your all into it as if it’s a real game,” he instructed and we shouted out our response. “Get to it then,” he clapped his hands and went outside to stand by the railing, watching us under his eager eye.
The game soon began and the sound of sticks hitting the ice resonated throughout the stadium. Just as the coach had instructed, the boys were putting their all into it. Honestly, if I ever had to play against them, it would prove to be a difficult match because these men were fucking ruthless.
I skated toward Andy who was beelining for the goal post, and as I was about to hit the puck away, I was the one that was pushed away instead and I looked at Brian, shocked as he hit the puck toward Jake’s direction.
What the fuck just happened?
Andy gave me a surprised look and shrugged as he looked at Brian.
“More energy, boys! Come on!” the coach yelled and I mentally rolled my eyes.
Where are we supposed to find energy when we’re obviously playing with emotions today?
I decided to focus on the mock game and stop trying to figure out where Brian’s head was at as I moved toward Tom, skating faster than I did with Andy. I managed to get the puck from Tom and hit it sending it sliding between his legs.
I turned around him and caught the puck again, skating to the forward man.He andBrianskated away, leaving me to make the shot.
I wasn’t as good as they were when it came to scoring, I was great at defending and that was my job, so why would he move away? The team was confused as they watched Brian skate away to our side of the goal.
I thought I could ignore it, but it was obvious that Brian was either trying to play alone or he just didn’t want me around him.
Whichever it wasfuckingpissed me off.
Practice ended hours after Brian and I moved uncoordinated, which felt so fucking foreign and also made me a bit anxious.Isthis how it will be during our final match?Brian and I had to work out our differences because this was fucking stupid.
Once again, I waited for him to come into the changing room after he was done with his shower. I sat against my locker with one leg crossed over the other, tapping my arm with my fingers.
“Good luck, man,” Andy said as he carried his bag and Jake saluted as he followed Andy out of the locker room. I was sure Brian was stalling in the shower, hoping that I would leave as well, but I wouldn’t be going anywhere until I got my two cents in.
He came out with his towel wrapped around his waist, his eyes looking at me for a brief second before he opened his locker.
“Brian,” I said and he ignored me.Alright, I’ll talk and you listen.“Look, I’m sorry for not telling you that me and your sister were a thing. We were wrong for keeping it from you, but that doesn’t mean that you need to be a dick toward us or anything? She’s still your sister and I’m still your friend, or at least I still see myself as your friend.”
He kept quiet as he slid his shirt on and pulled his sweatpants up.
“How long are you going to be mad? I’m not going to leave Avery or my son because you’re angry. You’re going to have to accept the fact that I’m in their lives to stay and we’re going to be a family.” I raised my hand and he closed his locker, shaking his head.
“Always been the selfish prick, Nate. I don’t have to accept anything just because thestar defenderdemands so. Fuck off,” he said softly but I could hear the emotion that hung on every word.
He walked away and I sighed as I sat back down on the bench, clutching my head.
What a fucked up mess.
Chapter 29
Avery
“Are they still fighting?” my mother asked as we sat down in the lower bowl seats.
“Apparently, things got heated between them during practice,” I whispered as I bit on my nail staring at the empty ice rink. The stadium was filled to the brim and the people were already loud with energy and excitement while I was here feeling dread.
I exhaled a long breath, as I tried to calm myself down.It’s okay, they’re professionals.This was probably not the first time they had a fight, they would play well together.
“Will they be okay?” I asked my mother and she looked at me with cautious eyes and smiled.
