Page 37 of Scoring Chance

Derrek nodded once, but Josh cut in. “Rough? He’s the team dunce. I swear every time he opens his mouth he pisses off at least one person.”

I looked to Nikolay hoping he would back Derrek up, but no one said anything. I watched Derrek’s fist tighten on the table as my annoyance turned to frustration. Why wasn’t he standing up for himself? Why weren’t any of the guys calling Josh out for being rude?

My eyes met Elena’s and I willed her to say something. I was the outsider of the group. I wasn’t on the team or really in the Pride. This wasn’t my place, but I wasn’t going to sit here and let Josh rag on Derrek. Not after everything he told me about how hard it was for him on the team. I knew he was making a conscious effort to do better, but how could he do that if people wouldn’t forgive and forget.

Josh was oblivious to the tense silence. “I mean, it’s a good thing you’re goalie. The guys would have slammed you into every wall if they could.”

“I know the feeling.” I glared across the table, and Josh looked shocked.

“Oh yeah. He piss you off too?”

I narrowed my eyes. “No, actually. Derrek’s been kind and genuine since I met him. He made me feel welcome here and made sure I was included.”

Josh didn’t look convinced. “Well, that’s the difference between being a hot girl and one of his team mates. He doesn’t need to impress us.”

I swallowed, taking a moment to calm down, but his words sparked a fire in me. “Would you please stop and think about what you’re saying? Now you’re not just insulting him, but you’re insulting me.”

He looked around the table, as if I was crazy and he needed confirmation. Nikolay’s eyes held a fire that warned him to keep quiet. I waited for him to say something, anything, but he remained silent.

I’d never been so disappointed in him.

Derrek’s fist was still clenched and I waited to see how he’d react. I didn’t want to overstep. I knew fighting someone else’s battles wasn’t a good idea. I hated when people did that to me, but I couldn’t sit back and let him take it either. He might be making an effort to think before he spoke, but I wasn’t.

“Look, I’m sorry. I didn't mean to insult you,” Josh said looking somewhat admonished.

“What about Derrek?”

He looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“Are you going to apologize to Derrek?”

Derrek’s hand dropped under the table and he grabbed my knee. He was telling me to stop but I couldn’t.

Josh looked uncomfortable. “I guess.”

“No, you need to. Derrek’s made mistakes, we all have, but he’s working on doing better. Can you say the same?”

Zach whistled low. “She’s got a point. Aston’s been making an effort lately. I haven’t heard him say anything that wasn’t supportive or complementary in a week or so. I think it’s time we let go of the past.”

I shot a look to Nikolay. He might be the strong and silent type, but he was also a leader on the team. He needed to set an example.

His eyes held mine and his shoulders dropped. “Jones is right. Derrek, I can tell you’ve been trying lately, and we all appreciate it.”

Josh looked between Nikolay and Derrek several times before shaking his head. “You’re right.” His eyes locked on mine for a moment before moving onto Derrek. “I shouldn’t hold onto the past. You’ve never said anything wrong to me, but I went along with everyone else. That isn’t what being a good teammate is.” He sighed. “I’m sorry.”

I peered over at Derrek’s shocked expression. He recovered quickly and nodded. “Thanks man.”

The conversation moved on to safer topics and eventually Derrek moved his hand from my knee. I couldn’t tell if he was upset with me or not, but I sat there counting down the seconds for the meal to end so I could talk to him. As soon as everyone started clearing their plates and moving into the living room, I grabbed his hand and tugged him into my room.

As soon as the door shut, I spun around. “I’m so sorry.”

His eyebrows pulled together. “For what?”

“Overstepping. I knew I shouldn’t have said anything. You don’t need me or anyone to fight your battles, but I couldn’t just sit there and let him go off on you like that.”

His eyes softened and he pulled my hands into his. “I’m not mad, Amelia.”

“You’re not?” The words were barely a whisper.