Page 83 of Penalty Zone
The buzzer rings, and I leap over the back of the couch. The grocery delivery arrives with all the food I ordered for Caleb—no processed sugar and organic.
Caleb
On the long and frigid walk home, the only thing that keeps me from curling up in a doorway to die is the headlines my parents wouldn’t be able to explain.Pro Hockey Player Dies of Hypothermia Like a Homeless Person.From the Ice Rink to an Ice Cube.Benz Went Off the Bend.
When I call Coach, he hears my thick snot and hoarse voice. He tells me to rest and isolate for twenty-four hours to ensure I don’t infect any of the team, which includes tomorrow’s practice.
It makes the plan I came up with so much easier.
As predicted, Mason’s gone by the time my numb legs enter our apartment. I never thought my friendship with Mason would end. Maybe someday we’ll work it out, but I won’t force myself on him.
I pull out the ridiculous purple suitcase my mom got me when the Enforcers drafted me. It’s oversized and not fit for travel, but great for moving. Checking my hotel app, I find a room with a small kitchen and book it for two weeks. I debate longer, but our season is so long and who knows what will happen.
My bed calls to me, but if I don’t get out now, I’ll be making things worse later on.
I grab handfuls of clothes and toss them into the purple monstrosity without care: suits, underwear, sweats, and shirts.
My leaving will make it easier for Leo and Mason to work things out.
While I’m waiting for my rideshare, I check my messages.
Leo: I love you
My thumb strokes the words on the screen. It’s crazy how he can say that to me when all of this is my fault. My only consolation is that telling Mason sooner would have ended Leo and me, and New Year’s Eve in Vegas means everything. It’s a memory to last me a lifetime. Leo Griffin told me he loves me.
I close the message and see Mason’s texts.
Mason: Lying to Coach?
Mason: Fucking coward
Mason: You deserve each other
There’s no doubt finding another place to live is the right choice, but I’ll never have another best friend like Mason.
Chapter 37
Leo
The only thing holding me together is seeing Caleb at practice. I tossed and turned all night, missing him and afraid he’s alone and hurting. My texts to him turn green instead of blue. That’s a terrible sign, and I refuse to google what it means. I’ll talk to him face to face, and we’ll figure out how to get through to Mason.
They might have worked it out last night after practice, and Caleb turned his phone off. I’m fully aware I’m clinging to denial like it’s a life raft.
Mason’s ignoring me, but I can handle that.
I had to drag myself out of bed but couldn’t eat, so I’m earlier than the players. Without a purpose, I lace up skates and get on the ice. I take deep breaths and let the familiar smells of cold and sweat calm my racing pulse. Caleb will be here, and I’ll feel better as soon as I have eyes on him.
The last time I skated the circumference of the rink was with Caleb, and he raced me. I pick up speed, but it’s not fun without him.
The team filters out on the ice, including Mason.
Coach slaps me on the back. “You brave enough to get your pads and step in goal for a scrimmage?” He chuckles, and I’m confused when he takes an exaggerated step back. “You might be the carrier. First Griff Jr., now Benz. Maybe you should isolate too.”
“You don’t call him Griff Jr., do you?” I snap in frustration.
“Nah. He’s not actually a Junior.”
Then I process his words. “Caleb’s isolating?” I picture Caleb feverish and needing me.
