Page 33 of Cheap Shot

“You hate dressing up, Becker.” Benjamin reached for his controller and selected a new game.

“Yeah, but they’re having fun. They’re socializing. They’re talking to women. I’m trapped in here with you guys.” He made a face and pushed his bowl away from him.

“You’re free to go,” I said.

His eyes widened. “Really?”

Matt sat up too.

“Yeah, and get kicked off the team. It’s a choice that no one is forcing you to make.” I collected the empty dishes and tossed them in the trash.

“I hate paying for bad decisions other people made.” Becker dropped his head against my bed.

“I know for a fact you have three other offers. Again, this was a choice no one forced you to make.” Benjamin tossed me the other controller near him.

I picked it up as the game loaded.

“I know, I just want to complain about it sometimes,” Becker grumbled and joined in the game.

“Yeah, just let us whine.” Matt flopped his legs like a child.

Hunter chuckled and shook his head before picking up his controller and adding his character.

“In a few years when we’re all playing in the NHL and you want to complain to me about missing out on the normal college experience, I won’t answer your call.” I smirked, and the level started, ending the conversation.

I played for several minutes before my phone buzzed again. I glanced at the screen, expecting more party pictures, but it was a call from Ethan.

“Becker, cover me.” I waited for him to confirm before answering the call.

“Hey, man.” I kept my eyes on the TV screen.

“Have you seen Haley lately?” Ethan’s voice came out in pants like he was running.

I sat up straighter. “No, I haven’t seen her in a few days.”

“Has she called or texted you?” His breathing was heavy, and it was starting to freak me out.

Was something wrong? Was she okay?

“No, what’s going on?”

“I haven’t been able to get a hold of her for two days. She never goes this long without checking in.” He mumbled something about a deal, but I couldn't understand.

“She mentioned she met some new friends. Maybe she’s been busy with them.”

“She did? Who are they?” His breathing was much calmer.

“Some girls that live in her hall, I think.”

He sighed. “She didn’t tell me that.”

“Where are you? Are you okay?”

There was some noise in the background I couldn’t make out. “It’s fine. Just let me know if you hear from her.”

He hung up before I could ask him again where he was. This wasn’t normal for him. Disappearing, then calling me, sounding like he was being chased? Something was going on. I wished he would just tell me. I couldn’t help when I didn’t know the problem.

“Everything okay?” Benjamin asked while pressing a series of buttons and cringing.