Page 20

CHAPTER 20

Tristan

I hoped that I’d have a chance to talk to Jordyn in English Lit, but she failed to show, which fucked me up in the worst way. I obsessively worried she changed to the 1:00 p.m. section Martin teaches, which conflicts with another class I’m enrolled in.

Alex rolled his eyes when he saw me logging into her schedule, repeatedly refreshing my screen throughout the class to ensure she hadn’t dropped it and switched to the other section.

I couldn’t focus on anything other than her.

When I skated onto the ice for the final practice before the first game of the season, my mood and concentration were shot. I’d be lucky if Coach Jenson didn’t bench me at tomorrow night’s game.

Coach Jensen blows his whistle. “Harrington. In my office. The rest of you hit the showers.” He gives me a long look before he spins on his heels and exits the rink.

Alex skates over to me, ice shavings flying when he stops beside me. “It’s cool. Don’t get anxious. Coach probably just wants to go over last-minute stuff for tomorrow’s game.” His tone is unconvincing, as is the look on his face, but I don’t call him out on it.

“Yeah, sure.” My tone drips with sarcasm. “Probably a pep talk.” I roll my eyes, heading toward the locker room and Coach Jensen’s office.

“Chin up, captain. Coach is a fair man.” Alex is looking at me with too much sympathy in his eyes for me to believe what he’s saying.

“I know.” But his patience with me may have run out after that shitty practice. “I’ll see you later.” With apprehension tingling inside my chest, I turn in the direction of Coach Jensen’s office, bracing myself for a verbal lashing.

I hesitate in the doorway, gauging Coach’s mood as his fingers move across his keyboard. He looks up, gray eyes meeting mine. “Ah, Harrington. Come in and shut the door.”

There’s a huge lump in my throat as my mind frantically races, but I have no good excuse to give him for my distraction but the truth. I brace myself for the disappointment I’ll see when I tell him I can’t get my head right because of a woman.

Coach gestures toward a chair, and I slide into it. I squirm in the chair, anxiety racing through my veins.

His intense gaze is on me as he leans back in his chair. “I couldn’t help but notice you were struggling during practice.” He leans forward, folding his hands on his desk. “It concerns me.”

Swallowing hard, I open my mouth, then shut it. I really admire Coach Jensen, and in the two years we’ve worked together, he’s really improved my game. My respect for him increased tenfold when he was supportive after my parents and sister’s deaths. If not for him, I would’ve given up hockey. Hell, I would’ve given up on life.

The silence stretches between us as he waits me out. My heart bangs like a drum as I search my non-functioning brain for something to say to excuse my behavior during practice .

But I’ve got nothing.

Finally, I say, “I’m fine, Coach. Just some personal stuff. I won’t let you down tomorrow night.” My leg bounces uncontrollably.

He stares at me, saying nothing.

“I’m just having an off day. I’ll be fully focused when we play the Bears tomorrow night.” Forcing a weak smile on my face, I give him a salute. “Scout’s honor.”

Coach Jensen doesn’t even crack a smile. My anxiety doubles as I glance at the clock. I need out of here before I pass out.

“Harrington.” Coach leans forward. “I’m gonna be frank. I already know your distraction has nothing to do with hockey. Before practice today, you’ve been focused as hell, playing better than ever.”

His words sink into my brain. The truth slaps me in the face. The reason I’ve been focused and played better than ever was because of Jordyn. She renewed my passion for hockey and improved my life.

And I threw it all away.

I’m pulled from my thoughts by Coach’s stern voice. “I don’t talk about personal stuff with you guys, but in your case, I will make an exception.”

Oh shit. This is gonna be bad.