Page 112 of The Substitute

“He’s my step-brother…” I don’t really have a reason. Hopefully that will sate him.

Teddy blinks. “You’re related to the enemy.”

Fuck.

“I hate Savage. He’s my step-brother.”

“No. His dad is married to my mom. We are not related.”

“Do you know how babies are made?”

“Yes, and our parents were married before…” I trail off not sure how to make this better.

“But how commune with the enemy?!” Teddy asks, seemingly hurt. “And my brother! It’s like a whole compound.”

“What are you talking about?” My head is too full of my own shit to jump into a Teddy thought process when it’s already in progress.

“Rhys told me things! He subliminal messaged me that you and Tobs live together, and if he’s with Savage, two plus you makes that add up to four.” He counts on his fingers but needs two hands somehow. “Which means you and the enemy.”

“He what—suggested—no—” I’m not going there. I just need to shut it down. I don’t want anyone, let alone Teddy who can’t even whisper, trying to keep a secret. “I told you, Tobi and I are roommates which is not my fault. And aren’t you fucking the enemy?”

“And I went through a lot of termite oil over it!”

“You what?”

“Termite oil! I talked to Coach about my orgasms and everything!”

“What the fuck—no, never mind, I don’t want to know.” I hold up my hands and shake my head. I can’t go down this rabbit hole right now.

I’m just digging myself a deeper hole here, so I shut my mouth and focus on my shower while Teddy rants.

When I’m out and dressed, one of the assistant coaches tells me Coach wants to see me in his office. Great. Can’t wait for this.

I knock on the door, and I’m told it’s open.

Once I’m inside, Coach looks at me with an expression somewhere between pissed off and concerned. It's a Dad look but not one I ever got from mine.

“What was that out there?” He sits back and studies me. “I’ve never seen you go after someone like that.”

“Savage is my step-brother. We’ve got some family shit going on.”

He purses his lips and waits before responding. “Do you need to talk to psych? Take a few days off to deal with it and get your head right?”

“Nah, Coach, I’m okay. I’m sorry I let it bleed into the game.” Is he going to bench me? Take my captain title? Kick me off the team?

“Keep your family shit off my ice. If it happens again, you’re going to psych. You understand me?”

“Yes, sir.”

THIRTY-FIVE

TOBI

In the light of the dorm room, I feel like a jackass. I got back to our room fairly early, but Ambrose wasn’t here. He must be avoiding me, and I can’t blame him. I spent the day in the room, but he didn’t come back. I finally remember to check his hockey schedule and realize he’s in the middle of a game. I knew he had a game today, but it totally slipped my mind.

Which means I stayed at Savage’s even after he apologized the night before a game. He’s going to hate me.

I allowed myself to get caught up in my head and my insecurities, and I let it control me. It was shitty, and I feel even worse after what Savage alluded to.