Page 157 of Puck Me Back to Life

Noah simply nods once before skating away.

I watch him disappear toward the opposite line. His shoulders look tight. His expression unreadable. For a second, I wonder if he's frustrated.

Then I immediately scold myself.

Maybe I'm imagining it.

Maybe he's just having an ordinary practice.

Not everything has to be about me.

The thought settles some of my nerves.

As the morning continues, the guys somehow circle back to Ash. Again. We finish a conditioning drill and coast toward the benches while Coach explains the next exercise.

Dante skates up beside Ash. “So.”

Ash sighs dramatically. “I don't like that tone.”

“You've gone soft.”

“I have not.”

“You smile every time somebody says Hayes.”

Ash immediately looks offended. “I do not.”

“You absolutely do.”

“I think you're imagining things.”

Tyler joins in. “No, he's right.”

Another teammate laughs. “It's honestly kind of disgusting.”

Ash shakes his head. “You people spend way too much time watching me.”

“We’re literally on a team together,” Tyler says. “Watching you is part of the job.”

Dante points at me as I try not to look like I'm paying attention. “Say Hayes.”

Ash rolls his eyes. “No.”

“Say it.”

“I'm not participating.”

“Grant, Come on. Prove me wrong.”

Ash sighs theatrically. “Hayes.”

Dante immediately throws both hands into the air. “There! You smiled.”

“I did not.”

“You absolutely smiled.”

“I was already smiling.”