Page 86 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

“Thanks.” I take it from him and swallow both pills at the same time.

“Breakfast will help you. I got some bacon frying.”

My grumbling stomach appreciates his efforts. “I’ll go shower.”

He nods. “Towels are in the cabinet,” he calls after me.

The stream of hot water feels glorious on my achy body. I get washed up and get out feeling a little more human. When I go to check my phone, I see multiple missed calls and text messages from Ruby and Macklin. When my cell rings and Abuela’s name pops up, I know I have to answer.

“Hello.”

“Mijo, where are you?” She sounds worried.

“I came to Toronto to stay with Shane,” I say to her.

“Luc went back to Riverside and said you weren’t there. I was so worried,” she says. I feel terrible to make her worry, especially after hearing the truth about her daughter Carmen.

“I’m sorry.”

“I know, mijo, but you need to listen to me. You’ve always been a stubborn boy and you like to stand your ground, but not everything is black and white. There are gray areas in life. I don’t want to speak for Ruby or Mack, but you know how your sister is,” she explains.

“And I know how Mack is,” I add.

“That isn’t fair, mijo. Mack is a good boy, and you know it. He deserves a listening ear,” she advises.

“I don’t want to hear what he has to say,” I retort. “I’m sorry.”

She exhales a sigh. “Okay, at least I know you’re safe. Love you.”

“Love you too,” I reply.

We end the call, and I get dressed. When I trudge to the main room, Shane has breakfast ready.

“Dig in,” he says, moving a plate across the counter toward me.

“Thanks.” I take a seat at his breakfast bar. I dig into the scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast which is lathered with butter. It all hits the spot.

“Did I hear you say this has to do with Mack?” he asks.

I sigh and nod. What is the point of hiding it now?

“He’s your brother,” he reminds.

“Was,” I correct.

“Bruh, look, I think I know what this may be about,” Shane says, and I watch my friend carefully. “A while back he asked if he could stay on my boat in Saugatuck.”

“What the fuck?” I mutter, feeling pissed.

“You knew he was taking my sister to your fucking boat?” I fly off the stool feeling enraged.

“Bro, sit down and fucking listen,” Shane says.

“Mack said it wasn’t like that and he wanted to do something romantic for her. He really likes her, bro. Did you ever consider that his intentions were pure? She isn’t some puck bunny. She isn’t after him because he’s going to be making millions. They grew up together. They’re close in a different way than you and him.”

I consider Shane’s words and feel my anger subsiding to the point I blow out a long breath of air. Those are things I hadn’t considered when I flew into a rage.

“They were lying and sneaking around,” I say to him.

---