“What? You never think things like that?”
“Fine, think them, but don’t say them out loud.”
Anker rolled his eyes. “Whatever. So what are you doing here? Want me to absolve you of your guilt?”
“I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry. I’m glad to hear you’re doing well and you’ll be back next season.”
“Really?” he scoffed. “Well, you shouldn’t be. Because I’m going to kick your ass. You better win that trophy this season, because it’ll be your last. And while we’re on the subject, cut the crap already. I don’t want to hear that it’s my fault you fucked up your chance at that trophy.”
“How could it be your fault?”
“Trust me” he sneered, “between Sir Perfect Clarke and Wanker Anker, who do you think people are going to blame? Don’t play the martyr. You’ve got a real talent for turning something you did wrong into something that makes you look noble.”
“I do?”
“You do.” Anker huffed as he folded his arms. “We all make mistakes. If we can look them in the face and deal with them and make amends—good, we’re a better person for it. At least that’s what Ceci’s always telling me. But don’t hold onto your guilt like it’s some badge of honor. You make even the people you wronged feel bad for you. It’s like they feel they need to say they’re sorry you’re sorry.”
“I didn’t know I did that.”
“Well now you know.”
Philosophical wisdom from Ian Anker? Is there some sort of cosmic force turning the world upside down?
“And by the way, whatever that shit is you’ve got going on with Tilney, don’t dump that on Ceci. It ain’t her fault she hired the dude. Hell, she didn’t. The owners did.”
“I know. I hope she goes back to driving like she’s been talking about.”
Clarke bit his lip, suddenly realizing who he was talking to.
Fuck. Shouldn’t have said that.
If there was anyone who wouldn’t want Ceci to leave Blue Jet, it was Anker.
To his surprise, he saw Anker nodding his head.
“I hope she does too,” he said.
“Really?”
“Yes, really.” His tone was mocking. “She’s good. I also happen to like her. She’s like a sister to me. She has to take a lot of shit and not just from me. I’ve never seen a chick who can take it on the chin and throw it back at you the way she does. She deserves to be happy. So don’t be a douche and make her unhappy.”
Clarke smiled.
“Why do you have that stupid look on your face?”
“You surprise me.”
“What can I say? I’m deep.”
Clarke shook his head. “I never thought I’d hear myself say this, but you’re okay, Anker.”
Anker made a face like he was about to be sick. “You’re not going to come over here and give me a hug, are you?”
Clarke chuckled. “Wouldn’t think of it.”
Suddenly Anker flashed a grin and Clarke surmised the nurse Anker had been talking about had entered the room and was now standing behind him.
“Why hello, Nurse, um—don’t tell me, come closer so I can see your name tag.”
