Page 65 of Game Misconduct

“I figured.” He pulled out of the garage and headed toward the arena. “I’m assuming I don’t have to make the speech.”

“Which one?”

“The one where I make it clear that if you hurt her in any way, I’ll make you pay.”

I swallowed. “Got it.”

Mitch was one of the nicest guys on the team, once you got past the burly exterior, but I knew he could throw a punch as well, thanks to all the time he spent at the boxing gym. He’d live up to his words and make me regret ever meeting Vivi if I messed up.

We predicted correctly. Practice was grueling. Even though Coach Rust and Romney were on the ice with us, they let Hartman take the lead. He pushed us to go harder and faster and longer than any of us thought possible. We were exhausted after a long streak of away games, but he continued to punish us for the two points lost. Schultz and Letang, even Brassard, tried to get him to take it down a notch after an hour, but he wouldn’t listen.

It reminded me of my high school days when we’d run drills until we crumbled as a part of conditioning.

I refused to be the first to fall behind. Or second. Not even the third. Maybe after four or five others slowed down, I’d allow myself to show weakness. I was still proving myself, and while I didn’t feel the need to show off and come out at the head of the pack, I certainly wasn’t going to be the weakest link.

My hair was dripping sweat into my eyes, and my face itched under my beard. I wanted this torture to end.

We went another fifteen minutes before a whistle blew. Coach Rust stepped forward, calling it a day.

Hartman glared at him but didn’t argue.

“If we don’t stop now, none of you will be able to play tomorrow.” Rust addressed us but kept his eyes on our captain. “Hit the showers. You guys stink.”

A few of the guys laughed, but that would take up any remaining energy I had in my body, and I still had to make it down the hall to the locker room.

I sat on the closest bench and dropped my head into my hands.

“Here.” Brandon handed me a water bottle, and I downed it without taking a breath.

“Thanks, man.”

He fell into the spot next to me, and Murray strode toward us like he wasn’t feeling the pain at all. “Chloe saw how hard we were going and has dinner ready at our place.”

It wasn’t an invitation so much as a statement so I just sat there, staring up at him, still marveling at how normal he was acting.

“She tell Syd?” Brandon huffed out.

“Yeah, she sent out the text.” He shifted his attention to me. “Jess and Dani are picking Vivian up on their way over.”

I wasn’t sure what to do with that information. She was going to his house. For dinner.

“Do you need a ride?” Brandon asked, and I looked over to see him waiting for me.

“Oh, maybe. I came over with Mitch so I’ll check to see if he’s going.” Huh, not only was I invited, but I was expected to attend.

Murray turned. “Hey, Dory! You coming?”

Mitch stopped with his shirt halfway off. “To your house? Sure.”

“There you go.” Murray patted my shoulder and walked away.

I was too stunned to react for a moment.

“Is that normal?” I asked Brandon.

“What?”

“The dinner?”