Page 76 of Penalty Shots

"Oh," I say. "Wait, aren't you coming back next semester?"

She shrugs, "I don't know. I guess we'll see."

I drop down on the step next to her. The both of us now blocking the stairwell.

"What do you mean? Where are you going?"

"There's something I need to tell Keelan," she says.

"Okay…"

"But I can't bring myself to do it."

Her eyes are a little puffy, like she's been crying all morning and her nose is flushed.

"Well, is it important to you?" I ask her.

She nods.

"Then, it'll be important to Keelan."

She takes a deep breath and lets it go through her mouth.

"Come on," I extend my hand, and she stares at it. "I'll go with you."

She takes it, and I help her up. And as we make our way back to our dorm, she hesitates at the door.

If I'm being totally honest, I'm not looking forward to this either. Whatever it is has her distraught which means Keelan's already bad day could be getting worse. But I guess that's what I'm here for.

I push the door open and he's blasting Britney Spears from the radio and dancing around as he tosses clothes from his drawers into his luggage.

He doesn't even notice us when we come in. But when he does his smile spreads wide, eyes bright at the sight of Rina.

"Well, if it isn't my two favorite people!"

Okay… not the mood I expected to find him in.

He grabs her by the hand and spins her around, dancing to the music.

"Kee," I try to get his attention. "Rina has something she needs to tell you."

He reaches for the knob on the stereo and turns to her. "You do?"

She swallows and nods.

"That's awesome! Because I have some news too. You guys might want to sit down for this," he pats the empty mattress.

"Uh… okay?" Rina gives me a look, and we both sit down on the beds across from each other.

"Okay," Keelan breathes. "Dallas is picking me up."

My eyes go wide. "Dallas? As in…"

"Pro hockey. The NHL baby!" Keelan pumps his fist in the air. "Can you believe it? They had a scout at the last game, and I just got the call and check this out… it gets even better."

Rina looks panicked, but she puts on a brave face. "What?"

"They want Ryker, too!" Keelan comes up to me and gives my stomach some punches. "Can you freaking believe it, man?"

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