Page 136 of The Substitute

But he doesn’t need me. He has my brother, and I won’t even blame him if he picks Ambrose.

“I don’t know either, Savage.”

I want to hope, but as I walk back to my place, I know there isn’t any.

FORTY-TWO

TOBI

Ihave spent years of my life in hockey arenas, forced to study in crowded stands among screaming fans and parents, while getting knocked into anytime something happened, so my stuff flew out of my lap. I’ve been shaken, had beer spilled on me, screamed at for not watching the game, and once someone even threw up on me when his team lost. There are no good memories here, only annoyance, pain, anger, and frustration, but I’m trying.

Being in here makes my skin crawl. It feels like I’m breaking out with hives just breathing the air.

Why did I agree to do this?

Because Ambrose asked you to come, and you want to make him happy, and what else were you going to do? Sit in the dorm and boo hoo over Savage?It’s been a week, but it’s felt like longer. With Ambrose filling my time, I shouldn’t miss Savage so much, but I do. They both feed a different part of me.

I find my seat on the second deck, where hopefully it won’t be packed, and Teddy won’t spot me. We’re talking more, but it’s still weird. I put my headphones on and sit back waiting for the game to start. Most people expect it to be cold in here since there’s a huge sheet of ice, but it’s not bad, especially up here,since heat rises. I decided to wear one of my brother’s jerseys so it won’t be suspicious.

My phone pings, and I’m both excited for something to do and nervous to see who it is.

Ambrose: Are you here?

Tobi: Yes. I told you I would be here!

Ambrose: Prove it.

Tobi: How should I do that?

Ambrose: Send me a picture.

I smile at my phone and shake my head, both at myself and at him.

Tobi: How would you know it’s from today and not a previous time?

Ambrose: Because you act like you’re going to go into anaphylaxis just walking past the building.

Tobi: I’ve spent plenty of time in arenas thank you very much.

Ambrose: Be a good boy and send the picture.

I have to wait for the flush on my face to calm before I lift my phone and force an unamused expression while flipping off the camera when I snap the picture. Damn, the way ‘good boy’ does things to me should be illegal.

Tobi: Happy now?

Ambrose: Wow. You look so excited to be here. Don’t hurt yourself.

Tobi: I was coerced.

I’m smiling, but I’m not telling him that.

Ambrose: Send me a picture that looks like you aren’t getting dental work done and I’ll send you one too.

Tobi: I know what you look like.

Ambrose: You are the worst at flirting.

I sit up straight and stare at my phone, confused. Flirting? Is he flirting with me? Scrolling back through the messages, I read over them again, but I don’t see the flirting. Isn’t this just normal shit?