Jaz folded her arms and turned to him. “How can you tell if you don’t watch the game?”
“Because Parker got recruited to college earlier. Plus, his stats are off the charts. Did you know he’s on track to surpass Reed as the all-time leading goal scorer at Ransom High?”
“How doyouknow that?” she asked.
“Because I listen.” He glanced up at her and grinned.
“Yeah, well, he won’t be beating any records if the Devils play like this for the rest of the season,” Jaz replied.
“True,” Isaac agreed before returning to his book.
It was almost a mercy when the game came to an end. Anderson let in another two goals before the final siren meaning the Devils had lost 7–2. A massacre. Every player’s head was hung low as they made their way back to the locker room.
“They lost,” Jaz said, shaking her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe they lost. The Devils never lose.”
“I think that’s actually their biggest loss since we started high school,” Isaac added. “Might be one of the worst ever.”
Jaz huffed out a frustrated breath. “Seriously, are you hiding stat sheets in that book of yours?”
Isaac closed the massive novel and tucked it under his arm. “Sorry, I just mean that this is obviously a freak occurrence. I’m sure they’ll get back on track next game.” I could tell he was only trying to reassure Jaz.
“I hope so,” she replied. “Owen’s going to be devastated.”
“My dad too,” I agreed, although in truth he didn’t really do devastated. When it came to hockey, he only seemed capable of showing different shades of fury. He’d taken all the aggression he had as a player and used it to fuel his passion as a coach. Most of the guys who played for him were half terrified. He got results though. At least, he usually did.
We rose from our seats, and I went in search of my dad. Thanks to my stepmom leaving early, he was my ride home. It didn’t take me long to find the locker room, but with the game only just finished I knew he would be a while, so I leaned against the opposite wall to wait.
Eventually, Devils players began to filter out of the locker room. Most of them wore forlorn looks, like the game had broken something fundamental in their souls. Anderson looked especially devastated, and his eyes were red and puffy like he’d been crying. Poor kid.
Another five minutes passed. Then another. There was still no sign of my dad. I sent him a text but wasn’t at all surprised when he didn’t respond. He was probably already busy analyzing everything that went wrong.
When Seth emerged, I stepped away from the wall. “Hey, Seth.”
“Oh hey, Mackenzie.”
“Tough game. I saw you took a hard hit in the third. Are you okay?”
“Bit of a headache, but I’ll survive.” He gave me a tired smile. “I always thought brain cells were overrated anyway.”
I laughed, but I could see Seth had forced out the joke. Helooked as bummed as every other player who had shuffled past me.
“Have you seen my dad?”
“I think he’s still in the locker room,” Seth replied with a nod toward the door.
I sighed as I followed his gaze. Guessed that meant I’d have to keep waiting.
“I’m the last one out though,” he added. “It should be fine if you want to go inside.”
“Oh, really? Thanks.”
“No problem.” He smiled. “Have a good night, Mackenzie.”
“Yeah, you too. And don’t worry, I’m sure you guys will win the next one.” After what I’d just seen, I was far from sure, but it seemed like the best thing to say. It must have helped, somehow, because Seth was smiling more brightly as he set off down the corridor.
I took a deep breath and pushed through the door to the locker room. It was silent inside, but as I turned the corner and stepped into the wide-open room I froze. While there was no sign of my dad, the place certainly wasn’t empty.
Parker was sitting on one of the benches in nothing but a towel. He was facing away from me, with his hands gripping the bench on either side of him and his head bowed, like the weight of the world was pressing down on his shoulders. After that game, it probably was.
