Page 124 of The Substitute

None of them do, which I’m kind of happy about. It will give me a chance to catch up with Lovelace.

“Why don’t we go run around the park? It hasn’t snowed in a while, so the path should be clear.”

“Sounds good.”

We both take off in that direction, and it’s so early, there’s barely any traffic or people to dodge. Running in the city is always a little hazardous, though, with trucks leaving alleys and just the sheer number of people living in such a small footprint. We make it to the park and slow down some. Running isn’t required by Coach, but he’s always encouraged cross-training.

“How did you get it from the up in the air stage to the good stage?” Lovelace asks after a full lap.

I’d been zoned out in my head, deciding what to drag Tobi out to do later, and nearly miss what he said. “I decided I wasn’t going to let it slip. I don’t know what clicked, but I just knew I couldn’t let Tobi go, so I took every opportunity to see him and show him what he means to me.”

“Damn, you’re really deep into this.”

“Fuck, I am.” I wipe my face with my forearm. “I’m so deep, I need to make sure I get into a med school in the city.”

He blows out a breath. “Last year at this time, you said you’d just be happy to get in anywhere.”

“I’m feeling better after my MCAT scores and interviews,” I laugh, my side starting to burn. I don’t even know how far we’ve run. I wasn’t paying attention. “But shit, I don’t want to end up somewhere where it’s hard to get back here.” That would be the fastest way to tank this relationship, considering how well Tobi does alone. I know my brother isn’t going anywhere, and I don’t really want him to if Tobi needs him, too.

I hate the complicated feelings about all of this. It’s driving me fucking crazy.

“You sure you’re in the good spot?”

“Mostly. It’s complicated. There is some shit going on with my step-brother and his father.” I don’t want to out Ambrose, so I really can’t go into more detail. Most people know we are step-brothers, and after the fight on the ice, our faces have been all over hockey news and fucking YouTube. I’m honestly shocked Tobi hasn’t seen it yet. Only his commitment to hating hockey has saved me.

“Is that part of the whole Summerset fight?” He lifts a brow.

“You know it fucking is. Don’t play.” I nudge his shoulder playfully as we slow down to a walk.

“I figured there was something to it.”

“Yup. And things haven’t been good at home in a long time, so it’s been a whole mess with him.”

“Didn’t you two used to be close?”

I blow out a breath. I hate that the hockey world is so damn small, so there are no secrets. “Yes, but we haven’t been in a long time.”

“Shit, I’m sorry, man.” He bumps my shoulder back. “We should head over to the rink.”

“Not your fault. I don’t know what I expected it to be with him, but I don’t really blame him.” I did feel bad for my mother, but I can’t change anyone’s decision.

We turn out of the park, heading to our practice facility.

Savage: Good morning, baby girl. I hope you slept well.

Tobi: Too early to be happy about it.

Savage: I’ve been up and ran already. Make yourself a coffee. You need your brain on for class today. Plus, you get to see me later!

Tobi: I know I can’t wait.

Savage: Good. I’m making plans!

Tobi: For what?

Savage: I’m not telling you

Tobi: Mean!