“I think you’re all sick,” Abel said. “Talking like this. Listen to you all.”
We all looked at Abel.
“Are you sick?” Remi asked.
“I’m a family man now,” Abel said. “I don’t have time for this nonsense. Listen to this debauchery.”
“More women for me then!” Lay called out.
He started to clap and cheer again.
But nobody else joined him.
The moment had kind of passed.
On top of that, I noticed Coach standing near the hallway that connected to the locker room.
I elbowed Remi and gave a head nod.
Remi nodded to me.
“Come on, guys!” Lay called out. “Let’s fucking party!”
“Lay, sit down and shut up,” Remi bellowed.
Lay plopped right down on his ass.
I walked toward Coach.
When he saw me, he pushed from the wall he leaned on.
“Good game,” he said.
“That was a shit game,” I said. “That first goal was shit. Then we let it go into overtime.”
“Not every game is perfect, Mav,” Coach said.
“What’s going on with you?” Riff asked.
“What the hell is your problem talking to him like that?” Remi growled at Riff.
Those two looked at each other. They were always two seconds from a fight that would destroy the arena, the team, their careers, and some lives.
Abel was smart to get between Remi and Riff.
“Coach,” Abel said.
Coach waved a hand. “Enjoy this win. You all did great during this run. Not a single loss at home.”
“Forget that,” I said. “Talk to us, Coach.”
“We’re flying out tomorrow,” Coach said. “I want to be with Carrie.”
“So stay back,” Remi said. “Let-”
“I’m not leaving my team,” Coach said. “Plus, Carrie would kill me if I stayed. I’m driving her nuts.”
“You love her,” I said.