Page 70 of Taking Sides

“Nobody besides you and Dad, and maybe Coach Carson, gives a shit about me or my career.”

“That isn’t true! Everywhere I go, people ask me about you and how you’re doing.”

Funny, they didn’t bother asking me anything when I lived there.

Mom’s sigh is loud, even over the noise of the arena around me. “I know school wasn’t always easy for you, but you deserve to have your achievements recognized.”

I glance around at the small rink, at the kids on the ice, their classmates watching, and Whitney nervously biting on the corner of her lip as she stares at her clipboard. High school was hell. The only bright spot was hockey. I don’t need to go back to have them pretend like they suddenly care.

“Think about it, okay?” she asks, voice soft. “For Coach Carson. He was good to you.”

He was the best. He’s probably the reason I’m where I am today. “Yeah, Mom, I’ll think about it.”

“Hi!” Whitney meets up with me and D-Low after the second game. “You two didn’t have to wait.”

The arena is cleared except for parents and friends waiting for the players to emerge from the locker room.

I step to her and wrap both arms around her back loosely. “I wanted to see you before we left.”

The team heads out on another road trip tomorrow and it’ll be a few days until I can see her again. There was no way I was going to leave without talking to her.

She rests her head on my chest for a moment. “Thanks for coming. Sorry we didn’t give you more reasons to cheer. Varsity pulled off a win though.”

“I know how frustrating it is to lose, but it makes the wins all the more sweet.”

Her lips quirk up in a small, not all that convincing smile.

“Not that it helps right now,” I add.

“No, it does. Just seeing you helps.” She steps back, grin pulling a little higher before she glances to D-Low. “Nothing better to do tonight?”

“I love supporting local hockey,” he says.

“Erin is busy, and the rest of the team is spending time with family before we leave,” I tell her.

“And that.” D-Low nods.

“Well, we’re honored to be your last choice.” Whitney laughs a little, sounding more like herself. “The boys were excited. Though disappointed you saw such a terrible game.”

“Can we buy you a drink?” D-Low asks.

As usual, I’m slow with my words, but it’s what I was thinking too. Well, exactly what I was thinking was I’d like to spend all night with her, but I’ll settle for a couple hours.

“Yeah, that sounds good, but I have to hang here a bit. Grady had to leave early so I promised to stay and lock up after everyone is gone.”

“We can wait,” I say, looking to D-Low to make sure he’s cool with that too.

“Absolutely.” He stares out at the ice. “Any chance I could borrow a pair of skates before the Zamboni clears the ice?”

“They won’t do that until tomorrow morning,” she says. “And you’re welcome to anything in the supply closet. But if you get hurt on my ice⁠—”

He holds his hands up in understanding. “We’ll tell the media it was our idea.”

“I’m not worried about the media.” She tips her head toward the locker room. “The boys would be devastated.”

A rough chuckle leaves my lips.

D-Low and I are shooting around while Whitney sees to things around the rink. Movement near the bench catches my eye. I pause and lift a hand to one of the JV players, then skate over to him.