Page 126 of Staying Selfless

“I was just asking if you feel as unprepared for this exam as I do.”

“Sorry. I’m distracted. But actually, I feel pretty good about our test. Right now, I think I’m more nervous about Eli than anything else.” I nod towards Marc’s brother.

Eli swiftly stands from the bench before stepping onto the ice. He bounces a bit to remember the feeling of the blades beneath him before he takes off in cautiously long strides. He’s not going as fast as his normal tempo but instead, easing into it. He keeps his expression neutral as he takes his first lap, but shoots me a confident wink when he passes by my seat.

His second time around, he gains speed, pushing off his blades with force, and when he makes an abrupt change in direction, putting pressure on his left ankle, I see his face wince in pain, though he keeps his expression hidden from his coaches, facing me instead.

The coaches run him through a few agility drills, stopping on a dime and alternating directions. I notice the pain it’s causing him from here, but there’s no way he’ll let the staff see.

Eli is going to play in the first round of the playoffs. Regardless of whether he needs more time to rest, he’s not going to sit out. That’s just the kind of determination Eli has. If this were a regular season, maybe he’d wait a game or two to come back. Minnesota is a high seed, so their odds to win are already pretty good. He’s not necessarily needed for the first game.

But this season is different. Eli’s entire career is riding on the next few weeks. And as much as I don’t want him to rush and come back too soon, the truth is, this might be his last chance. And as a former athlete myself, I understand and respect his determination.

“He looks good.”

“He’s in pain,” I tell Marc, both of our gazes locked on number thirteen.

“He doesn’t give a shit. He’s playing regardless.”

Eli’s coaching staff continues to run him through drills, testing his ankle’s strength and mobility. He’s skating well, despite the pain he’s experiencing. His movements are swift and fluid, and frankly, he looks like the guy who was playing two weeks ago, pre-injury.

I attempt to keep my focus on my computer, but it’s no use. My eyes flicker up above the screen every few seconds as I watch Eli on the ice. Thankfully, I already feel fully prepared for this test because there’s not much studying happening tonight.

“Have you heard from Ali?” Marc asks, pulling my attention back to my best friend, his voice laced with sadness. “Do you think she’s okay? I know this is her way of ending things, but I’m still worried about her. It’s not like her to avoid you too.”

I love this guy. Marc has the biggest heart, and even though Ali is breaking it, he’s still concerned about her.

“I’ve tried to check in, but I think she’s just in her head at the moment. I know she cares about you, Marc, and even though she’s not going about this the right way, I think she’s hurting because she’s hurting you. Ali isn’t very good at communicating, but she has a good heart. You know that.”

“I know. I just don’t want her to beat herself up because she doesn’t want to be with me. And I would appreciate it if she said that to my face instead of making me come to my own conclusion. I would like us to be friends. I mean, there’s no reason that we shouldn’t be.”

I offer my friend an apologetic smile before resting my head against his shoulder, trying to make him feel better somehow. When I look back up towards the ice, I spot Eli skating towards us.

He rests his elbows on the boards in front of us, leaning over. “They cleared me.” Eli’s voice drips with excitement as a massive smile slides across his lips, his brown eyes bright and clear.

“Nice, man!” Marc says, quickly shifting his tone to encourage his brother.

“That’s awesome, baby. How do you feel?”

“I’m pumped. I mean, they’re giving me barely any ice time in the first game, but still, I’ll be playing.”

“How does your ankle feel?” I ask directly.

“Fine. Good.”

I give him a pointed glance, knowing the truth.

“Okay, it’s not great. But it’s not unbearable. I’ll be fine.” He finishes the conversation by giving me the most convincing boyish charm smile he can muster.

“How’s the studying going?” Eli asks as Marc very clearly shakes his head, telling him how unprepared he is for our test tomorrow. “Why don’t you guys go back to the dorms and study. I’m going to spend a little more time out here. Get some reps in. I’ll come over when I’m done.”

“Do you really think you should keep skating tonight?” I ask with concern. “Maybe you should go easy. It’s your first time on the ice since the injury.”

“Logan, I’m fine. I need to play catch up. The first round is only a few days away. Now kiss me and take the pain away.”

“Gross,” Marc chimes in.

I playfully roll my eyes before leaning over the boards and meeting Eli’s lips with mine.

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