“I thought his back was fine.” Tate crosses her arms, resting up against the wall.
“It healed well after his surgery the summer after freshman year, but Coach doesn’t want to risk it.”
“O’Connell knew what he was doing out there,” Fletcher says.
“Why would O’Connell go after Jere? And how would he know about his back? I didn’t,” I respond.
“O’Connell was on our team freshman year,” Declan replies. “After Jere got injured, he got more playing time. But once he got the all clear… let’s just say he wasn’t happy that he was back to sitting on the bench most of the game.”
“He transferred schools shortly after,” Cam adds.
“So why go after him now?” I question.
“O’Connell likes to hold a grudge,” Brooks says. “And he and Jere are constantly getting compared to each other. Especially now that they play for different schools and O’Connell actually gets ice time. And in his sick head, if Jere gets injured and can’t sign his NHL contract after he graduates, he’ll have a better chance as a free agent.”
That’s sick. I know hockey is a rough sport, but it is absolutely disgusting to go after someone just because they’re better than you.
“He’s going to be okay, though?” Brinley asks.
“He got lucky,” Jaxon says. “Which is what we’re gonna need if we’re gonna pull this win out of our asses.”
“You guys got this,” I smile, patting Cam on the back. “Pay more attention to your left side, seven of the nine goals were on that side. Also, keep an eye on fifteen. He’s gotten two goals and three assists.”
“I thought you guys just got here,” Declan says.
“I was keeping up on my phone.” I shrug.
“I thought you stopped coaching me in high school.” Cam smiles.
“Maybe if you didn’t let nine shots into the goal tonight, I wouldn’t have to coach you,” I argue.
“There she is.” He rolls his eyes. “Alright, coach, I’ll keep your notes in mind.”
“Good, because I can’t show my face on campus if my brother is why we lose this game tonight.”
“Message received.”
We won, ten to nine, and I don’t think anyone has ever felt as anxious as we did during that last period.
After the second period ended, I was sure we were done. I returned to my seat, hoping we could pull a win out of our asses, but I didn’t think it would happen.
“Are you guys going to Marcus’s?” Tate asks as we reach my car.
“No,” Brinley begins, “and neither should the guys. They have another game tomorrow.”
“And the last thing they need is to be hungover,” I say.
We’re playing the Mustangs again tomorrow, back-to-back nights with one of the most intense teams in our division.
“I tried to talk Fletch out of it, but I think after what happened to Jeremy, a drink might do them some good,” Tate continues.
“Well, we won’t be attending. Last time I was at a party with those losers, I cried myself to sleep, so.”
“Someday, Jaxon will realize what he’s missing out on.” She throws her arm around Brinley’s shoulder.
“And it’ll be too late,” I add.
“I hope so,” Brinley begins. “I’ve been talking to this guy—”
