Body Check

“This is it? The place where all my thoughts will become clear?” Hayden couldn’t help but laugh as she followed Brody into the dark hockey rink twenty minutes later.

She’d let Brody drive her car, but hadn’t thought to ask where he was taking her. She’d been content to sit in silence, trying to make sense of everything her father said to her tonight. Now she kind of wished she’d been more curious about their destination.

The night guard, who Brody addressed as Bob, had let them in. He’d seemed surprised at the sight of Brody Croft showing up at the practice arena way after hours, but didn’t object to Brody’s request. After digging up an old pair of boys’ skates for Hayden from the equipment room, Bob the guard had unlocked the doors leading out to the rink, flicked on the lights and disappeared with a smile.

“Trust me,” Brody said. “There’s nothing like the feel of ice under your skates to clear your head.”