Jesus Christ. So, Rafael and Hank blamed themselves, and guilt prevented them from speaking to each other about it. I almost started crying. It was all just so sad.
“Hank, it’s nobody’s fault. Not really. It was an accident.”
A tear slid down his cheek, which he wiped away quickly. “No. I wasn’t looking out for them. I was the man of the house, and I let my son die.”
“How can you say you let him die? You’d never have wanted that to happen.”
“It was on my watch. Rita never let me forget that—”
The door opened, and Rafael hopped into the car. Hank and I shared a look. He nodded, and I smiled. It felt like Hank got it. He needed to talk to Rafael. I hoped he’d do it soon.
Chapter 41
Rafael
“I’m sorry, Rafael. I tried to argue it down, but the league wouldn’t listen.”
My body shook as I paced about my bedroom. A cold chill washed over me, but the blood that rushed to my face was as hot as lava. The collision of temperatures made my body unsteady, so I collapsed onto the bed.
I needed water. My throat was so dry.
“Three games? I’m not the first person to do something like this, right? I mean, I know I went off the rails a bit, but it was a fist-fight for fuck’s sake. Sorry! Sorry. I didn’t mean to swear.”
God-fucking-damnit.Three games felt like an eternity. I’d miss almost every game leading up to the fall classic.
“I know; I thought it was steep, too. The league seems to think your outburst caused the larger fight. I think they’re trying to make an example out of you.”
I couldn’t suppress my scoff. Naturally, I’d be the example for the rest of the league. That seemed pretty par for the course for my life.
“I told them that wasn’t fair,” Coach continued, “But they were adamant.”
If I missed the Fall Classic, what the hell did that mean for my future? The Fall Classic was one of the key opportunities for college and NHL scouts to suss out new talent. It was a player’s chance to show their skill, hockey IQ, and physicality. The pressure was intense, and they’d get to see which players could handle it.
“Is there anything I can do? That’s so much time. I’d miss every game in September. Would I have enough time on the ice to justify playing in the Fall Classic?”
Coach released a long sigh.
Not a good sign.
“I can’t make any promises, Rafael. It’s a lot of time to miss, but you can keep up with your training. There will be a couple of games leading up to the Fall Classic in mid-October that you can play. That’ll help me understand where you’re at.”
It wasn’t great, but it was something. I pinched the bridge of my nose; the throbbing pain in my head was starting to become unbearable.
“Did you tell them about the fist-bump? Did that do anything?” I asked.
“It certainly got him in a world of trouble, too. I’m not sure how long, but I was told he’d also be getting a suspension.”
Good.At least there was some justice in this equation.
“I appreciate you trying, Coach.” I couldn’t mask the defeat in my voice. It felt like I’d destroyed everything I’d worked for in a thirty-second fist-fight. I was so angry at myself.
“I know this isn’t great, Rafael, but it’s not hopeless. You and Cody can do some additional training together when you’re off the ice. I know he’ll help. You guys seem to be close.”
Coach and the rest of the team still didn’t know about us. Well, they may have started suspecting after I nearly killed a dude who hit Cody. I was giving major overprotective boyfriend vibes.
“Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Coach.”
“See you at practice.”
