Page 79 of Power Pucking Play

"I'm fine," I snap, harsher than I intended. "Just...leave it, okay?"

"Sure, shithead." He nudges me with his padded shoulder, blue eyes smiling before turning serious. "But you know you can talk to me, right? I'm not just the dude that saves your ass from on-the-ice rumbles. We've been down since second grade, man."

I grip my water bottle tighter, heart aching at his words. Jacob's right. We've been through everything together. He knows me better than anyone.

Except maybe Lexi now.

But that's not an option anymore.

"Yeah," I finally say, clearing my throat. "Thanks, Jake."

"Anytime." He claps me on the back before standing up and skating back to the ice.

I follow shortly after, knowing that talking is the last thing I want to do right now.

Practice drags on, each drill feeling more pointless than the last. I go through the motions, but my heart's not in it.

My fire, the passion that's driven me since I first laced up a pair of skates, feels...extinguished.

As we file into the locker room after practice, the guys are buzzing with excitement about the upcoming playoff game. But their chatter washes over me like white noise. I peel off my sweaty gear, barely registering the jokes and laughter around me.

"Hey man," Jacob says, pulling me aside as we head to the showers. "I know you're not feeling it today, but we need you out there on the ice tomorrow."

"I'll be ready," I say automatically, but we both know it's a lie.

He gives me a knowing look before clapping me on the shoulder. "I believe in you, dude."

"All right, listen up!" Coach's voice cuts through the chaos. "I want everyone rested and ready for tomorrow. No late nights, no partying. Got it?"

There's a chorus of agreement, and then everyone's dispersing, heading home to their families, their lives.

I linger, taking my time changing. The thought of going back to my empty apartment, surrounded by memories of Lexi, makes teeth grind in my mouth.

"Hey," Jacob says, appearing at my side. "A bunch of us are grabbing dinner. You in?"

"Nah, I'm good," I say, forcing a smile. "Think I'll just head home, get some rest."

Jacob sets his bag down on the bench beside me. "All right, that's enough." He points. "Outside. Now. We're talking."

Jacob—the asshole that he is—doesn't give me a choice, just waits for me to grab my bag and follows me out of the locker room.

The chilly evening air hits us as we step outside.

But Jacob just stands there, hands in his pockets, staring up at the stars.

"You gonna tell me what's going on? Or do I have to drag it out of you?" he finally asks.

I chew on my bottom lip, trying to come up with something that won't sound pathetic. "Just...having a tough time lately," I admit.

"About Lexi?"

"Yeah."

"What the hell happened?"

I laugh, but there's no humor in it. "What didn't happen? Career conflicts, ethical dilemmas, fear...take your pick."

"And you're just...accepting that?" Jacob asks, incredulity coloring his tone.

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