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“I want to thank everyone for being here today. After careful reflection and discussions with my family, I’ve made a decision about my future in the sport I love. I am pleased to announce that I’ve committed to playing professional hockey with the New Jersey Devils.”
“Yay!” Kennedy gives a quick hurray. “It isn’t the Flyers, but it’s damn close.”
My breath catches in my throat.
It’s done.
He’s going to play for the New Jersey Devils.
He’s leaving.
“But,” he continues, and I lean in closer, “I’ve decided to stay at Valencia City University for another year, to complete my degree and play another season with my team. We have a championship to win for the school, our fans, and for Coach Mike and Coach Dixon. Go Suns!”
“Woo hoo!” Kennedy cheers loudly at the screen this time. “Okay, Cap!”
I gasp, my eyes widening. I don’t understand. He’s staying another year. He’s actually staying. But how?
“How can he play for The Devils and stay in school?” I ask Kennedy. “I’m confused.”
“The Devils will hold his place on the team while he finishes college, kind of like when you commit to an early decision for a university.”
“Oh, okay.”
“It’s a really sweet deal, Violet. The Devils must really want him.”
“I wonder why he picked New Jersey? He had other offers, you know.”
“I have my theories.”
“Like what? Is Jersey a good team?”
Kennedy turns to me, her expression serious. “Violet, there’s something you should know.”
I tear my eyes away from the screen. “What?”
“I may have misjudged our hockey captain a little.”
“What makes you say that?”
“His best friend basically ripped me a new asshole, and I had to accept that perhaps I’ve made some incorrect assumptions.”
Shane.
“So, what did you learn?”
“His brother’s death was a tragic accident that Neo’s parents made him lie about. The shit is pretty twisted.”
“I already know about that, Kennedy,” I say, not wanting to discuss the sensitive details about Jake’s death.
“Right, but did you know that his father has been pressuring him to take a pro deal and using the details around Jake’s death to justify it?”
“I don’t follow.”
“Neo’s jerk of a dad blames him for the accident, even though I read the police report and know the truth. It’s right there in black and white. The cops tested the blood of both brothers. Jake was legally impaired, and Neo’s blood alcohol was well below the legal limit. He wasn’t drunk. It was bad weather, and the car hydroplaned on a dark highway. He didn’t have to lie. He could have just told the truth and then his father wouldn’t have this toxic hold on him.”
“Holy crap, I didn’t know any of this.”
“Can you imagine the pressure he was under, having a parent blame him for the death of his brother and using it to basically run his life?”
