“Oh, shit,” Jess mumbles.
The referee waves his hand, sending everyone to their benches. He skates to the center of the rink to confer with the others, and finally announce that the Hawks will be penalized. A two-minute power play for the Knights.
There are screams and chants from the crowd—except our section. Even I’m outraged enough to know that we didn’t start that fight. We’re just being penalized for finishing it.
Greyson skates by the glass, his gaze searching the crowd. I don’t know if he finds me, if he’s even looking for me, before he’s back at the center line.
Knox and a Knight square off. Jacob is noticeably absent, stuck in the penalty box for the duration of the power play—or until the Knights score.
I suck my lower lip between my teeth. I suck at watching hockey, mainly because the rules are foggy. It’s exciting, sure, and I like activelywatchingit. But understanding it is the main struggle.
I’m stuck wondering if Greyson was involved. Did he land a hit? Did hegethit?
The ref drops the puck and skates out of the way as the Knight center takes control. His team quickly sweeps forward, taking advantage of the shortened defense. Steele covers the best he can, shooting it out of range before another Knight wing brings it back.
Within a minute, they score.
The crowd erupts.
The white-and-red players do a mini victory lap, clapping each other on the backs and smiling broadly behind their masks. Greyson skates to the bench and takes a seat. I watch him across the rink as he picks up a water bottle and sends a stream of liquid into his open mouth.
He swallows, his head tilted back, then refocuses on the game.
They need to win. Jess explained on the bus, before Greyson dragged me away like a Neanderthal, that they had to win this one and their last game of the season if they want to advance.
It’s stressful.
My phone vibrates, and I yank it out of my pocket.
Greyson
You seem worried. Don’t be.
I’m not worried about you.
Whatever helps you sleep at night…
Egomaniac.
Me
Why aren’t you on the ice?
Because I’ve been playing straight through since the game started. Why did you miss half of the first period?
Damn him for noticing—and for bringing up memories I’m trying to leave behind right now.
Me
Tell you what…
Winning is a team effort. If you want my secrets, I need you to prove you deserve them.
His little typing bubble pops up, then disappears. Again. I watch it, ignoring the rest of the game. Hell, ignoring the rest of the world. Then it comes through.
Greyson
Do you have something in mind?