Patch shrugged and explained the real story in curt sentences.
“What a damn mess,” Tor said.
“A public relations nightmare,” Neve chimed in.
“I’m sorry,” Patch said.
“No.” If Neve was nuclear before over Stefan, two hydrogen bombs exploded in her eyes now.
Patch half expected that if he glanced up, a mushroom cloud would be towering overhead.
“You aren’t giving that lying liar a single cent,” she said. “I believe you. And for what it’s worth, you have the full weight of the Hellions behind you for support.”
“For real?” Patch glanced at Coach.
“If that guy did what you said? I want you to fight,” Tor said.
“Thank you. For believing me.”
“You’re a pain in the ass,” Neve said. “But you’re not the predator;heis. I’m going to issue a statement.” She leaned down and planted a kiss on Tor’s cheek before walking away.
“I came to tell you about Margot because I didn’t want you to think I wasn’t taking the opportunity to work with her seriously,” Patch said. “You’ve given me chances. More than anyone. And if you want Reed to start for a few games while this goes down... I want you to know... I understand.”
“What’s your job on the team?”
“Is this one of your rhetorical questions?”
A ghost of a smile. “Sure is.”
“Fine. I’ll bite. I’m the goalie.”
“And I’m the coach. Are you responsible for the lineup?”
“No, I’m not. I was just saying—”
“I don’t care who you love or don’t love, as long as when you show up on the rink, you are playing with your head. And if you can have your head in the game on Saturday night, you’re starting. Can you have your head in the game?”
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “Yes. Yes, I can.”
“Good. Then we’re on the same page. Now get outta here. Get some rest. You’re going to need it for tomorrow.”
Patch moved to walk out. “Oh and one more thing,” Tor called right as he reached the door. “Tell me, have I ever said that I’m glad you’re here? That it’s a god damn privilege watching you play?”
Stunned, Patch shook his head. “Can’t say you have.”
“Ah. I see.” Tor picked up a pair of black-frame glasses and shoved them on his face. “Then that’s an oversight on my part.”
Coach didn’t say more. That wasn’t his way. And Patch was glad because shit, he could handle only so much. But as he walked out, knowing his team was behind him, that Coach believed in him, was proud of him, then combined with the presence of Margot in his life he had courage.
His walk turned into a jog and into a run.
He wasn’t going to back down. And he wasn’t going to accept the bad stuff life threw his way as his deserved punishment.
He didn’t have to live haunted by ghosts.
Not anymore.
Chapter Nineteen
