Page 21

Ruben

Both of us left my house at the same time but in separate cars. As I shifted in my seat, I was reminded of just how hard he had fucked me and how I gave back again as good as I got. I slammed on the brakes as the light turned red. I’d been so lost in thought I’d nearly run it. “Get your head back in the game,” I said to myself and the rest of the drive to work I forced myself to concentrate on driving instead of fucking Max.

His car was already parked when I pulled into the parking lot. Apparently, he didn’t have any trouble concentrating, or he got lucky and hit all the green lights. I hurried inside and the locker room was like it was every morning. Full of players that would have preferred to get a later start, and a few who were already suited up and ready to play.

“Listen up,” Coach said as he walked into the room. “This weekend we play the Terrors at home. It should be a good clean game with none of the bullshit we’ve had so far. We’re going to stick with the same roster that we’ve used so far and rotate second strings in as needed. I’m meeting with a possible third-string goalie today. You know I like to be prepared, and this kid has promise. Any questions? Good, now get to work,” he said without letting anyone actually ask a question.

Max was pulling his jersey on and still needed to strap on his leg pads, but he was here and pretty much ready to go. He glanced at me as I hurried to my office to get ready for the players I knew would need to be taped up and those who would need physical therapy after practice.

“Hey, Doc.”

“Stanton, come in, how’s the ankle?” Thankfully it was a strain and not a more serious injury.

“Call me Dave,” he said before sitting on the exam table while I grabbed the tray.

“Dave, how’s your ankle?” I asked again.

“It’s fine, not painful or anything.” He moved it around in a circle to show me while I pressed on the area he’d strained, and he didn’t react.

“You should be good to go for the game, but keep it wrapped until then,” I said, and wrapped it for him. I was just cleaning up the area when Griffin walked in.

“Can I speak to you?” he asked and sat down.

“Sure, what’s going on?”

“So, you and Max?” he said, shocking me.

“What?” For a moment that was all I could manage to say.

“He’s a good friend,” he said and folded his arms.

“We’re just friends,” I said not really sure what Max would want me to say.

“Friends who hook up,” he said and waited for me to answer.

“Jason, what the fuck?” Max said as he walked into the room in full pads, holding his stick with his helmet shoved on the top of his head.

“You’re my bro, and I’m looking out for you. I’m not letting him do what Joel did,” Griffin said while I looked between the two of them, not really knowing what was going on.

“Oh my god,” Max mumbled before grabbing Griffin’s jersey. “We will talk about this after practice. Sorry, Ru—Doc.”

I waved the two of them off and tried to forget about what had happened and was thankfully busy enough that I did just that. “Ready?” Brian asked as he stood at the door.

“Yes, just organizing what I’ll need later.” He and I spoke about who was injured and what course we’d be taking on their care as we walked out to the arena. Even in practice injuries happened and we were there when it occurred to hopefully make sure those players were able to compete in the next game.

After setting up in the players’ box I walked over where Coach stood and watched everyone doing drills. I glanced at everyone but noticed Griffin staring at me which I promptly ignored. Max was busy with Vanel as Dexter had them stretching before they’d take turns guarding the net as Dexter took shots at them.

“How’s everything going, Doc?” Coach asked.

“Good, so far no major injuries.”

“Let’s keep it that way. I saw Griffin talking to you in your office. What was that all about.”

“He was looking out for his friend. Nothing to worry about,” I said, and hoped it was true because I really had no clue if it was nor not.

“I hope so. I mean I just talked to you yesterday about not creating any drama,” he said and turned to look at me.

“Well technically it’s not my drama,” I said knowing it was weak.

“You’re kidding right?”

“Sorry,” I said and rubbed the back of my neck. “I’ll speak to Griffin and see what’s going on.”

“That would be good, and make sure it’s before this week’s game. Hey, get to work,” he yelled at a couple of guys who were standing on the ice talking instead of working. They both flinched at his voice and immediately started stretching like everyone else was.

I glanced at Griffin again, who was still looking at me like he was ready to take my head off and forced myself not to look at Max. Coach was right; this was the kind of drama we didn’t need here. Even if I still wasn’t sure what the drama was.