Look what you made me do.
The message shows it's been read, but the speech bubble doesn't start. The post-nut clarity hits like a brick wall.
Ohfuck. What have I done?
...and why do I want to do it again?
The next morning,I make sure to board the bus to the arena first, grabbing just a danish from the breakfast bar on my way. I pick a different seat than usual, giving Tremblay the easyout I know he's looking for. He'll sit by himself, I'll sit by myself, and we'll pretend last night didn't happen.
Ethan does not get the memo. Instead, he sits down right next to me, a confused look on his face.
“Why the new seat, dude? You can have the window on the bus, but I really need it on the plane. Helps with motion sickness.”
I stare at him, unable to manufacture a response.
He looks around the bus, and in a low voice says, “You're not gonna be weird about last night, are you?”
“I...no. Not if you're not.”
“Good.”
And with that, we settle back into our usual rhythm. We pull out an overtime win during our matinee game against Vancouver and board the plane for a short ride to Seattle. Before we take off, one of the team's PR assistants gets up to make an announcement.
“Alright, guys, let this serve as your reminder that our annual charity gala is coming up next month. Black tie attire required, plus ones encouraged. It should be on your calendars already, butpleaseput some thought into this. The Children's Hospital counts on us each year. Mac, anything you want to add?”
I look at Ethan questioningly as Johnny MacKenzie steps toward the front of the plane.
“Johnny's kind of our point guy for charity work. Well, honestly, I think it's mostly Hailey who does the work, but he makes sure we're all on board.”
“Alright, everyone. You heard what Emily said – black tie, so get out the credit cards for the wives and girlfriends – they need to look sharp. We're keeping drinking to a minimum until the auction is over – make sure your plus ones know that. And Ethan, I want to be clear – black tie doesnotmean your tie is black. You need a tuxedo, Cap.”
Next to me, Tremblay blushes brighter than I've seen so far. “I'm sure I can find something.”
From the back of the plane, Alexei speaks up. “Will it be tuxedo made of sweats?”
Sutter runs with the chirp. “Nah, it'll be the suit my dad wore to chaperone my prom!”
The plane fills with laughter as we begin to taxi. Johnny pauses on his way back to his seat.
“Seriously, Cap. I need you looking sharp for the kids, okay? And if you need a plus one, let me know – I'm sure Hailey can turn up a friend for you.”
Still red, Ethan thanks him and assures him it will be fine.
“So, uh, got something of a reputation, huh?”
“Look, I am an athlete, not a model. I dressjust fine.”
“Cap, I don't know who told you that, but I can tell you they arewrong. Or lying.”
It seems like hewantsto be mad at me, but instead, he chuckles a bit. Still, he seems defensive.
“My game day suit is Hugo Boss!”
It's hard to believe what I'm hearing.
“Ethan, how much did you make last year?”
“Why, you need a loan?” He rolls his eyes at me.
