41. Grayson
Grayson
Iwipe the sweat from my face as soon as I get back to the bench after line change. We’re getting our asses handed to us this game. The end of a road trip isn’t always the easiest because everyone is antsy to get home, we’re sick of jumping from hotel to hotel and traveling so much.
Sometimes this increases team morale to end with a bang, but there’s something off with us this game and I think it’s mostly because of one team member in particular.
Collins has been on everyone for several weeks, but this game is the worst. It’s like he’s forgotten he’s even on a team.
He’s checking his own team, along with our opponent.
He’s spent more time in the penalty box than he has on the ice.
I’m shocked Coach Mitchell hasn’t pulled him yet, but I think he’s focused on the fact that we’re down three points in the third period than whatever Collin’s deal is.
Another penalty is called by the refs, but this time instead of Collins skating right over to the penalty box he doubles down.
He shoves his stick in the other guy’s face, catching him in the mouth.
The whistle blows again and the arena erupts.
Collins tosses his stick down and starts throwing punches at the other guy.
Sometimes when there’s a fight the rest of the team will join in, but not a single Dragon jumps in to defend him because I think we’re all done.
The refs try to break them apart, but neither is letting up. Coach Mitchell throws something down behind me, and I feel like he’s a second away from jumping onto the ice to break them up himself.
“For fucks sake!” he yells out.
The refs finally get them apart, but instead of taking the guys to the penalty box they’re led to the benches.
The other guy clearly needs medical attention from the blood pouring from his nose and mouth.
At least it looks like he got some good hits in because Collins is also bleeding, but as soon as he gets to the boards Coach Mitchell grabs his collar and guides him toward the tunnel.
I can’t hear what he’s saying, but it’s clear he just got ejected.
“Think he’s going to be suspended for that?” my teammate, Williams, asks.
“No question.” I nod. He’s going to get fined and a several game suspensions. I can only hope that whenever he comes back, whatever has been his issue is resolved and we all can go back to being a team again.
Calgary ends up scoring another point on us before the end of the game, and we have to go back home with our tails tucked between our legs.
It sucks, but I also know what’s waiting for me back home.
Even though losing sucks I’m ready to be back home with Rae.
She has an award show she invited Asher and me to, so we aren’t going to be home for long before making a quick trip to Los Angeles.
I’m quick to jump in the shower to rinse off and change before getting on the bus.
As I’m shaking out my hair there’s yelling in the locker room.
I’m quick to grab a towel, wrapping it around my waist and rushing out.
There’s always press afterwards, but they’re being kicked out because Collins is screaming at everyone.
“Fuck off! Let them see, let them all see what the fuck it’s really like on this fucking team!” he screams.
The team’s publicist rushes in, trying to calm him down. “We can talk about this, just let it go right now.”
“No, fuck that.” He shakes her arm off his.
“Collins, seriously now is not the time,” our Captain, Dawson, snaps.
“Oh, now you want to act like a Captain? A little late for that, don’t you think?”
“Dude, seriously, what the fuck is your problem?” Williams asks.
Collins scoffs, ignoring him and then his eyes land on me and narrow. “You have something to say, Wheeler? Dragons nepo baby and golden boy want to tell me to shut up too?”
“Yeah, only because whatever you’re trying to do right now isn’t helping anyone. Mostly yourself.”
“Tell me more about your wisdom. Did you get that from your daddy? Or your uncle? Your girlfriend? Tell me, Wheeler, who from your perfect fucking life sucks your dick the most?”
“Enough!” Coach Mitchell yells. “Collins, out. I don’t want to see your fucking face for another second.”
The room is quiet; all eyes swing between him and Collins.
Collins steps up to me, and I half expect him to throw a punch into my face, but instead he just smirks. “Yeah, I’ll leave, but I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other.”
He storms away, and even though his words weren’t inherently a threat, the undertone of them was obvious. I just hope it’s because he’s mad and is going to get help for whatever is actually going on.
But there’s something in the back of my mind that has me feeling like it’s going to get worse before anything has the chance of getting better.
“Finish up, here. We don’t need to give the press anything more to talk about,” Coach Mitchell tells us, calmly, and we all get back to cleaning up to leave.
None of us say much, but there’s a tension in the air that I’m sure we’re all feeling. There’s only one thing I want, and that’s to get back to the hotel and call Rae. Because it’s the next best thing to being with her. Just one more day.
Once I’m back in my hotel room, I want to call Rae instantly but see a text from my brother that has me shaking my head.
Easton
Heard your teammate lost his shit.
Grayson
Word travels fast.
Easton
Journalists move fast.
Grayson
True. Do you ever get shit because of who our dad is?
Easton
Eh, a little, but I’m sure you get more playing the same sport. Should’ve joined me in football. You’d be in better shape too.
Grayson
You’re a dick.
Easton
That’s not nice.
Grayson
You going to cry to Mom?
Easton
Maybe, I am her favorite.
Grayson
You wish.
I’m chuckling at my screen but am done with the back and forth with Easton. This has been our entire lives, but right now I want to talk to Rae.
She answers on the first ring, her smiling face filling my screen.
“Hey Sunshine.” I smile back instantly at the sight of her.
“Hey, I saw your game,” she cringes.
“And?”
“And saw some rumors about afterwards.”
“Yeah, I think it’s safe to say he’s going to be suspended.”
“Sounds like it’s for the best. How are you doing?”
“I’m talking to you, I’m great.”
Rae shakes her head with a smile, trying to hide her blush. “Stop it.”
“Never.”
Fuck, I love her. I love the way she blushes, the way she smiles. How she has the ability to calm me as soon as I see her blue eyes looking at me.
I’m about to tell her, but the first time can’t be through Facetime; that’s not what she deserves. “Are you excited for the award show?” I ask instead.
“I’m excited to be going with you and Asher.”
“If you change your mind and want to just go with him you can.”
“No. I want this.”
I nod, knowing she means it. There’s no hint of nervousness in her voice.
“Plus, you both can meet Noah and not be so weirdly protective about me working with him,” she jokes.
I shake my head. “Asher is more worried about Noah than I am.”
“You have a protective side too, and I like it.” Her teeth sink into her bottom lip.
“Anything for you, Sunshine.”
Rae groans jokingly, throwing her head back. “Stop being so perfect.”
I laugh. “I’m not perfect.”
“I disagree.” She smiles. “You seem tired, though.”
“I’m not that tired,” I deny weakly.
“Yes, you are. Go to sleep. The good news is you’ll see me when you get back.”
I smile, my eyes feeling heavier and I hum as they start to close. “Sing me something.”
“What do you want me to sing?” she asks, my eyes already struggling to stay open much longer.
“Anything.”
My eyes fall closed as Rae starts to sing an unfamiliar song quietly. A mix of humming and her perfect voice lulls me to sleep, and I don’t even get to hear the end of the song before I’m fully asleep.