Page 47 of The Roommate Game

He stopped on a dime, his arms spread wide. “Okay, then teach me something, wise one. What d’ya got?”

I opened my mouth to impart a pearl of wisdom and blurted, “I have the yips.”

Gus recoiled in shock and horror. Well…not quite that dramatic, but he definitely registered the severity of my confession.

“What makes you think so?”

I blew a stream of air through my puffed-up cheeks. “The fact that I can’t get more than a few inches off the ice is a majorindicator of the early stages of disaster and utter failure. Now, are you ready to follow my advice on how to end your career with a bang?”

He frowned. “Usually I like that smartass mouth, but not when you put yourself down. Start from the top, and tell me what’s going on.”

So I did.

We skated side by side at a leisurely pace as if we were old friends who’d met by chance at the local park. I doubted that the custodian hosing the mats in the visitors’ section gave us a second look. Neither did the dad shooting pucks with his two kids at one end of the rink or the couple stealing smooches in between bursts of showing off their dubious skills. Free skating hours were few and far between at this time of year, and though I would have preferred to have the rink to ourselves, it was nice to see that others were taking advantage of the small window of opportunity…at nine o’clock p.m. on a weekday, no less.

“I know what I’m doing wrong,” I said. “I can feel my muscles tighten as I’m telling myself to relax. Mentally, I know how to correct the problem, but my body isn’t listening to my brain and if I don’t snap out of this funk, like tomorrow, I might be screwed.”

“Are you worried that you won’t qualify for the college thing in July?”

“Very worried.” I flipped to skate backward. “That event is my best shot at getting my career on track postcollege. I’d be able to get into any reputable club with a quality coaching staff and if the stars aligned, I could maybe, possibly…”

“Go to the Olympics,” Gus supplied.

I pulled a face. “That’s the ultimate dream, but World Championship or ISU Championship would be unbelievable too. I don’t know what I’m thinking anymore, because what I really need is a job that pays the bills, and?—”

“Watch where you’re going.” He yanked my arm, guiding me out of the way of the spinning girl gliding by us with one leg in the air.

I got out of her way and ended up sidling closer to Gus. I elbowed him in the stomach playfully and he overreacted, bending at the waist till I snorted at his antics.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe, but I know how to fix your problem.”

I came to an abrupt stop. “You do? How?”

“Easy. Let’s get out here.” Gus jetted to the exit, leaving me staring after him in confusion.

“What? Wh-Where are you going? We’re in the middle of a conversation, and I haven’t had a chance to give you advice.” I stepped onto the rubber mat, furrowing my brow as Gus untied his skates.

“Let’s get real, Rafey. I’ve got one to five games, tops, left in my college career. Would it be sweet to go out a legend? Fuck, yes. But Smithton is the end of my hockey journey as a player…unless I join a club team for fun. That’s life. And I think I’m finally over being bummed about it. Or I’m getting there.” He toed off his skates and straightened. “You probably have some sweet words of wisdom and I’m all for it, but I can help and you need results quick, so get your fuckin’ skates off and follow me.”

I had no clue what Gus was up to, but I didn’t argue.

Fifteen minutes later I found myself on the shore of Lake Ontario, skipping stones.

As one does.

Well, not me, but Gus insisted that conditions were perfect. The water was placid, the wind was minimal, and there was a nice supply of flat rocks on shore.

I flicked a pebble and watched it plop into the water. “What are we doing? And how is this supposed to help?”

“We’re skipping stones. It’s called having fun, and having fun is the cure.”

I should have known.

“Let me get this straight. You’re suggesting that throwing rocks into the lake will solve my very serious dilemma,” I drawled sarcastically.

“Yeah. But listen, we gotta loosen you up. Roll your shoulders. Good…now the other way.” Gus nodded in encouragement. “Bend your knees. A little more. Okay, cool. None of that’s gonna help you, ’cause the secret is all in the wrist.”