I felt my ears burn.“You know he helps me study, Javy.And I help him understand hockey.”
“You text him a lot for ‘studying,’” Ryan said, a grin spreading across his face.“Bro, you lit up like a Christmas tree when you saw him.”
“I did not.”
“You absolutely did,” Ryan confirmed.“But here’s the logistical issue, Carter.You drew the single with the king-sized bed.”Ryan was enjoying this way too much.
My brain stalled.
“I’ll take the floor,” I said, keeping my voice flat.“Or the chair.It’s one night.”
Ryan hummed, a sound that showed he believed zero percent of that statement.
“Right.The floor.Excellent for the bad shoulder.Coach will love that.”
“I’ll manage.Drop it.”
“Dropped,” Ryan said, patting my good shoulder.“Just… do us a favor.If you guys decide to do any late-night ‘geometry,’ put the Do Not Disturb sign up.We have an early skate.”
“Go to hell, Ryan.”
“Love you too, buddy.Just… put a sock on the door if you’re ‘tutoring,’ okay?”
I ignored him and marched toward Conference Room B.
The conference room was airless and hot.
Harper killed the lights.The projector whirred to life, throwing grainy footage of Northeastern’s last game against Boston University onto the screen.
“Watch the cycle,” Harper said, laser pointer circling a blur of movement.“They overload the half-wall.Carter, look at this entry.”
I stared at the screen trying to focus.I analyzed the skater’s hips, the release point, the traffic in front.
But my phone vibrated in my pocket.
I checked it under the table.
Austen:Room 412 secured.It is… excessively large.There is a robe.
Me:Put it on.I’m trapped in a dark room watching power plays.
Austen:I ordered a burger.And a salad.And something called ‘Truffle Fries’ which cost $35.
Me:Worth it.Eat.I’ll be there soon.
“Carter!”Harper snapped.“Eyes up.”
I shoved the phone away.“Sorry, Coach.”
“What did I say about their point man?”
“He fakes the slap shot and slides it to the bumper,” I recited automatically.
“Good.Don’t bite on the fake.”
The meeting dragged on.Thirty minutes.Forty-five.
I felt like I was vibrating out of my skin.Austen was upstairs.In a robe.Waiting for me.
