Chapter 34- Tate
After playing the worst hockey of my life for the past few weeks, I’m finally showing New York why they paid such good money for me. The air is cold against my cheeks while I skate past the boards.
Matty and Hudson are cheering and screaming their little heads off behind the glass.
They’re next to the team bench today. My sister accompanied them.
She always chose to be babysat by Scotty rather than come to all my games growing up, but I still made sure she knew the basics.
Like not to wear the opposing team's jersey behind the home side bench.
All because she ‘liked the colours better’.
Ronan was on fire tonight. Well on the way to a shutout. Alli was rink side with her reporters and Emalyn tonight. She was a dream in her team colours and long blonde hair. I had a mild obsession with its silky length. My eyes found her on every break and line change.
I glanced at where the boys were. I did a double take when I saw the look of disdain on my sister's face. That’s when I noticed TJ tossing the pucks over the glass.
Hudson was avoiding eye contact and Matty stepping in front of him.
My feet were moving before my head even registered.
Presley threw the puck over the glass as hard as she could and flipped TJ the middle finger.
He hit a fist against the glass— hard— right as I drove my shoulder into his back.
Everything detonated.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I registered the chaos that immediately followed. Coach King was screaming. Linesmen swarmed. TJ spun on me and I didn’t wait. I dropped my gloves instantly. My hands were already on him, fist connecting before I could think better of it.
“Stop, dammit!” He snarled with gritted teeth. Blood sprayed the ice. It was nearly unheard for fights on the same team like this. It could be a contract killer. I didn’t give a fuck.
“Why? Cause it’s against the rules?” I threw his helmet off his head and landed another punch, holding him up by his sweater so he couldn’t fall.
“Didn’t”— hit— “Stop”—hit— “You.”
I caught movement in the corner of my eye. Ronan was on us, pads thundering as he barrelled between us and shoved me back hard enough to put me on my ass. The refs jumped in immediately after, arms everywhere and whistles blaring.
When I reached the bench, Coach King was purple with rage.
I couldn’t find it in me to care. My eyes scanned the crowd.
It was too active— rambunctious after the fight.
I glanced up to the jumbotron. There. My boys were on screen, their backs to the camera as they showed off their 24 Bridges jerseys.
Their little thumbs pointing at their backs as they grinned at each other. My grin mimicked theirs.
“Have you lost your damn mind?” He shoved a tattooed finger in my face. “Did you say anything to him before the game?”
“No, sir.” I kept my expression neutral in the face of his rage. Mine was only directed at one person alone.
“Good.” His glare was too intense to look away from. “I know why you lost it. But whatever shit you have going on outside of hockey, the league is involved now.”
He glanced behind him to Jessica, the assistant coach, “Get him out of here.”
TJ was ejected from the game as was I.
As I was washing the shampoo from my body, I played the night over in my head. I wouldn’t do a single thing differently.
Not for the game. Not for my career. Not for anything that mattered less than them.
I quickly dressed and headed home. Hudson and Matty were still wired, reenacting the fight for Presley in the living room. Hudson pretended to punch Matty in slow motion who acted out sound effects while falling to the ground. Presley stood with her hands on her hips.
“Not to be the uncool aunt, but y'all were supposed to be in bed two hours ago. If Tate comes home to y’all awake, I’m gonna get in trouble. And if I get in trouble, you guys owe me candy. A boatload of it.”
They leaned their heads back and groaned. Hudson caught sight of me and beelined it to me. I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t him throwing his arms around me. I hug him back, until he pulls away. He wipes his face quickly, puffing up his chest.
“Alright, off to bed, you two.” I ruffled Matty’s hair as he grinned at me with pride. My chest warmed.
“Goodnight, Dad.”
“Goodnight, boys.” I cleared my throat. Presley raised her brows at me.
“Cowboy goes to New York and turns all mushy. You need to get back to the ranch.”
“Oh, shut it.” I waved her laughter off. “Keep it up, I’ve got Momma on speed dial. I wouldn't wanna have to update her on my baby sister’s life.”
“You wouldn’t.” Her eyes narrowed. Momma was sweet, but she was always a little tougher on Presley and her education.
Didn’t want her going down the same route as Momma did, I guess.
Still, I always supported her decisions, because she knew if she ever found herself in that kind of situation, I’d be there.
“Hell or Highwater.” I held out my hand— half of the butterfly sign and she did the other half. Our silly handshake we made up when she was eight.
“Hell or Highwater.” She grinned. My phone dinged and I pulled it out finding a text there.
Frozen Five
Ryan
Hell of a fight, Tx. Glad to see old man can still throw down.
Ronan
Guy had it coming. Wish I could’ve gotten one in.
Jordan
Goalie, you got one in. Just on the wrong guy!
I chuckled knowing Cap meant when Ronan knocked me to my ass.
Tate
Pretty sure my ass is bruised from it.
Fitz
Randy is pissed. You’re going to have a lot of explaining to do.
Ronan
You just want an excuse to show off his little nickname to us. We get it!
Ryan
Bad boys are the new golden boys.
Jordan
Any news yet?
Tate
None yet, but game suspension is highly likely.
I rolled my eyes and pocketed my phone. Presley had gone upstairs to the guest room already.
I quietly slipped out of the sliding door, onto the back porch.
The mint gum had nothing on a cigarette, especially after a night like tonight, but it’d have to do.
I couldn’t help but glance over at Alli’s dark house.
I didn’t regret the fight, but I wish it hadn’t caused so much work for her.