Confusion swirls in my head as I try to register his words that don’t seem to make sense.
I fled, barely registering my own feet hitting the ground. And now, he’s calling me to talk hockey? As if that moment in the park never happened.
Why?
There’s no anger or frustration on his end. It doesn’t make sense why he’s being nice to me.
His cool voice filters through the speakers.
“There are five face-off circles on the ice.Only two players are allowed inside the circle for a face off. It can also be called a puck drop. It’s how a game starts.”
“Okay,” I say, attempting to focus on each of his words to help slow my frantic pulse.
“If a player crosses the blue line, which is called the offensive zone before the puck does, it’s considered to be offside. Sometimes when it happens, it’s not always deliberate, but it’s still a violation and can stop the play. A face off will take place from one of the nearest five circles.”
“Right,” I croak.
“When players break the rules, they usually end up getting penalties. I should know, I’ve had plenty. There are three categories for penalties: minor, major, and misconduct. Minorpenalty—two minutes in the box. If that player’s team scores, they can come out. Major penalty—five minutes. You have to serve the whole time, even if your team scores. Misconduct penalties vary. You can get ejected from the game, too.”
“That’s bad.” My voice wobbles.
His voice tightens. “Bookworm, if you carry on like that, I’m gonna turn Byrdie around and be outside your door in ten minutes. And I think that’s the last thing you want.”
I want you.
“Everything’s okay. We’re okay.”
He says it so easily, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“O-okay.”
“You’re killing me, sweetheart.”
Sweetheart.
No one’s called me that before.
Why do I like it so much?
“Tell me what you need, Erin.”
You, Eighty-Seven. I want you.
Mom’s voice slices through me again.
Don’t be stupid, Erin.
“I…”
When this beautiful man who is already broken sees you for who you truly are, you’re going to destroy him beyond repair.
Her words pierce my skin and part of me fears she’s right.
I should stay away.
But his smooth voice is a beacon drawing me closer to him.
“Talk to me, Erin.”
