“I read up on the hockey craze in this town. You’re Wind…cuz you skate like the wind, huh?” she asked in a sarcastic tone. “So what are you, Preach? The pastor of the team?”
I pretended I didn’t hear her, because what I would have said definitely wouldn’t suit my nickname. It wasn’t like I held church service with the team or anything, but yeah, I had a little bit of the faith thing going on.
“You like hockey?” Brodie asked.
“That’d be a no.”
“I’m not sure you’re gonna make it here, then,” Wind said with a laugh.
“I’ll survive. I’m a professional new student,” she said. “Nothing fazes me anymore, except cars ramming into me, maybe.”
“You play sports?” Wind asked.
“I run track.”
“What events?”
“Open 100, 4x100, sprint medley, and long jump. But the 4x100 is my jam.”
My ears perked up at the mention of those events, and I glanced at Wind.
“Thought that might get your attention.” Wind gave me a crooked grin. “Those are Becca’s events, right, Preach?”
I nodded. Becca Scott was the senior on the team, class valedictorian, and a wicked-fast runner. No way was Grace going to come take over.
“Meaning…” Grace said.
“The 4x100 is Becca’s team. They took sectionals last year,” I said.
“Wait, though. Aanya’s sister, Maira, graduated. There’s an opening,” Brodie said.
“Sweet,” Grace said. “Well, if I can run with this stupid thing on.”
“Did they say how long you have to wear it?” Wind asked. “You’re right handed?”
“Yep. Right handed. Taking notes at school is going to be awesome.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she mimed typing one letter at a time with her left hand. “As for how long, they just gave me ‘doctor speak’ and ‘best-case scenario’ garble. I’m leaving for basic training as soon as school gets out.” She held up her splinted arm. “That is, if this doesn’t screw up my leave date.”
“Sweet. Army?”
“Air Force. Third generation,” she said.
“Very cool.” He elbowed me. “Preach and his 4x100 team kicked ass last year, too. Can’t wait to see what they do this year.”
I wasn’t sure I was going out for track yet, but I hadn’t told anyone that. I kind of just wanted to stay home and eat Oreos, but Mom wasn’t having any of that. She’d kicked my butt out the door for school this morning without any qualms.
“Great… Not only have I had the joy of getting hit by you, but I’ll also get to run track with you?” This girl was like the queen of sarcasm.
Wind chuckled.
“It’s not like Itriedto hit you!” I said it a little louder than I’d planned.
“Shit,” she said.
“What?” I checked over my seat, and she was leaning forward.
“Dropped my phone again!”
The sight of her injured hand resting against the seat as her good hand patted the floor sent a wave of guilt slicing through my chest. Seeing the brace on her hand…I’d done that to her. I’d hit her. I’d put her in pain.