Page 62 of Breaking the Pucking Rules

Throwing myself back on the couch, I keep my eyes on the screen, or more specifically, our number fifty-five.

The camera doesn’t pan that close as he skates toward the exit and steps off the ice, but it’s close enough to see the hard set of his jaw. Anger and frustration roll off him in waves.

Linc rushes up behind him, clamps his hand on Kodie’s shoulder, and says something.

Kodie isn’t having any of it, though, and shrugs him off.

My heart sinks.

I don’t move from my spot as I watch Fletch and Dad do post-game press before highlights from the other games tonight are shown.

“Onwards and upwards,” I mutter, walking to my kitchen to get a glass of water.

Adrenaline still races through my veins, and that’s from just watching the game. I can only imagine what it must be like to be a part of it.

My phone pings on my coffee table, and it lights up, showing a picture of Parker and me last season in our jerseys. We traveled to Las Vegas for a game. It was incredible. Not only did the Vipers win, but we had an epic weekend.

We’ve already booked our tickets for when we play Vegas later in the season, and I can’t wait.

Parker: That was rough.

Parker: Thought your man was gonna start throwing punches there.

Parker: Do you think he’s sexually frustrated? Maybe he needs a hand with that…

Casey: Knew I shouldn’t have told you.

Parker:

Casey: You’re a nightmare.

When she doesn’t reply immediately, I find my conversation with Dad.

Casey: Onwards and upwards x

It’s the words he used to say to me after a loss.

I remember vividly walking out of the dressing room after a hard game, choked up and fighting back tears and falling straight into his arms.

“Losing is a part of the game,” he used to whisper to me. “You can’t be a winner if you can’t handle the losses.”

Dad: You can’t be a winner if you can’t handle the losses. Love you, Care Bear.

I smile.

Casey: Love you too. See you soon x

As I stare at our thread, I can’t help but wonder if Kodie has anyone messaging him, letting him know that they were watching, that they care and that a loss is okay.

Sadness seeps through my veins. Everyone deserves to have someone on their side.

16

KODIE

“Ugh,” I grunt, throwing my bag onto my bed in the hotel room I’m sharing with Linc before watching it bounce off and land on the floor with a thud.

Pretty much sums up everything about tonight.