Page 96 of Twisted Needs

Parker’s never done this before. But the part that's really getting to me is that he didn't just think about me. He thought about Aviva, too. He probably found out about the jackets and figured she'd want pictures. Made sure she got credentials, too…

I suddenly grow suspicious of Aviva, who still has her phone up in the air and is taking selfies.

“Aves,” I mutter. “Is there a specific reason why you begged me to come to this game?”

She shrugs to evade the question, but she literally has the world’s worst poker face.

“Oh my God.”

He didn’t.

“Okay.” Her mouth curls. “Let me explain⁠—”

He fucking did!

“Aviva.”

She holds her hands up in surrender. “Calvin just said it was really important you came to the game. Isn’t your brother’s team playing against them tonight?”

“My brother plays for Minnesota,” I sigh.

“Oh,” she murmurs, shrugging it off immediately after. “Whatevs. Let’s go get some soft pretzels.”

The game is tied three to three. Ottawa’s been having a fantastic season. Better than the Sents for sure.

Malloy’s gotten a lot of time on the ice, which I know Bish is probably loving. There’s nothing better than passing the torch to your little protege. It looks like Parker’s little buddy is doing just fine out there as well. He’s a beast as center, and I can tell Parker has a lot more fun playing on a wing.

We’re finally down to the last minute on the board. Where we’re standing, it looks like Ottawa will be going home very happy tonight.

Against reason, my eye has been glued to Parker the entire night. He isn’t playing as confidently as he usually does, even without the stress of playing center.

And then it happens. Spencer Leery, Ottawa’s center charges right at Parker. Both players hit the ice hard, but the part that makes me stand straight up is the fact that Parker hits his head on the ice.

Everything happens so fast.

Parker stands up and shakes it off. They finish playing. Ottawa scores. Game ends.

But Parker hit his head. Why the hell isn’t he being checked out? Did the spotters not see him?

I saw him. I saw it happen.

Before I know it, I’m pulling my phone out of my pocket and texting him.

Me

please tell me ur getting your head checked out

Aviva and I are already on our way back to the hall outside the locker room. She needs more Instagram pictures with her sweaty goon of a boyfriend, so it works out I guess.

My phone buzzes and I check it immediately.

Pet’ka

It was a light tap

I’m okay sweetheart. Promise

I huff.