“Gethimhere,orI tell the Coach tonight what’s been going on—his contract could be toast.”Ryan’s words echoed as I dialed Troy again.
I’d lost track of time when I stopped in at Brooklyn Lines to see Harper after my last meeting. I’d been on back to backs all day, I’d forgotten to check on Troy to make sure he didn’t have another setback and was ready to show up tonight.
I checked my watch. How was it already five? With the game starting in one hour, I’d need a miracle if I could get to Troy’s apartmentandget him to the game. I didn’t typically drive to work but today I wish I had. There was no way I’d be able to get a taxi and two stops in Brooklyn in one hour.
I looked up at the traffic, not a single yellow cab with a light on. “I’m not going to make it,” I muttered.
“No limo to take you to your game?” Harper crossed her arms. “Come on, I’m across the street.”
I hesitated because I wasn’t heading to the arena. I needed to get to Troy. But I followed Harper crossing to the other side of the intersection. “You can sit in the front this time,” she called with a grin.
I don’t want to know.
I hopped in, confused at my lack of creativity. I could normally talk my way out of any situation, but this wasn’t my life I was dealing with.
If Troy lost his position with the Blades, it would take an army to bring him back.
“Take a left,” I called out sharply.
She swerved right—hard. Something told me she didn’t like my tone.
“I said left.”
“The onlyleftyou’re going to be is walking, now shut up and let me drive.”
I sighed. “Harper, I need you to take me to my apartment.”
She glanced at me in confusion. “Are you crazy? That’s on the other side of town. You’re going to be late. I’m taking you to the arena.”
I hesitated arguing. Because she was right. There was no way Troy was making the game. Heck, at this point if he went straight there, zero hesitation, he’d miss the pre-game routine.
Finally, I texted him Ryan’s warning. A moment later, I received a response that angered me.
Troy:Please bro. I’ll make the next one. Promise.
Anger boiled in me and I rubbed my face to keep from punching anything.
Another message came through when I didn’t respond.
Troy:Put on my uniform and sit it out for me.
“Fine. Let’s go.” I released a heavy breath.
Harper stole a glance at me and I hated and adored the fact that she was here with me. “You alright?”
“Fantastic,” I muttered.
She didn’t say anything but there were moments where it looked like she wanted to.
I should have told her right there and then that I wasn’t the center hockey player everyone was waiting on. I should have told her I was his levelheaded twin brother, but I was running on too much adrenaline to think straight at the moment. No one but Ryan knew about Troy’s breakdown and it was too soon to tell anyone else.
Especially someone who hated the man.
Or so I hoped she did.
Nervous tension shot through my veins when I considered that it would mean I’d have to talk to her asAugust. I was never able to talk to her the way I had these last few days. There was a freedom and safety knowing she thought I was my brother. The confident one.
And what the hell was that back on the sidewalk—was I flirting with her?
