Page 88 of The Game

Holy crap. I lean back in my seat. I got through it with almost steady hands, but now that it’s over, my vision is going a little fuzzy around the edges and I’m really glad I’m sitting down, because I don’t think my legs would hold me up right now.

Chapter 32

Here For You

Cole

“Get your sorry assup and come with us.”

A few sharp raps on my door accompany the command as JJ’s obnoxious voice cuts through my wallowing. I’m lying on my bed, reading a book. If you can call it that. I think I just read the same page ten times or so. Not a single word soaked in through the muddy haze of despair. The guys let me wallow on Monday, but they dragged me out of bed to go to class yesterday, but that’s it. I guess if I don’t have my future as a hockey player, I’m going to have to study extra hard so I can pursue my back up career.

“I mean it. If you don’t get your ass up, I’m coming in.”

“It’s locked, asshole,” I tell him, smugly.

“Then I’ll break the door down, and I’m pretty sure Beau will be pissed if you break your door.”

I heave out a sigh, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. I wouldn’t put anything past JJ.

Beau will no doubt blame me.

He pounds on the door again, increasing both the frequency and strength until it’s rattling under his fist.

“Fuck. I’m coming. Ease up.” Maniac.

He’s all smiles, stumbling through the door right into my arms when I open it. I shove him off.

“I didn’t need a hug. Get the fuck off me.”

“Awww, I think you need a hug, Coco. Coco’s sad, Gigi. Come, give him a hug.”

“Nah. We’re going to be late, and Beau will make us do suicides if we don’t show up on time.”

Well, at least that’s not something I have to worry about.

“Right.” JJ jumps to attention, saluting Grant. “Come on, Coco. Time to go.”

“Go where exactly? I don’t have class right now.”

“I dunno. The captain didn’t trust us with the information, but he told me where to take you, or else.”

Grant slaps his friend on the shoulder. “He didn’t trust you. I know where we’re going and why, but I’m not allowed to tell. It’s a surprise.”

JJ’s lower lip pushes out in a pout. “Come on. I’m the only one who doesn’t get to know? Not fair. Whisper it to me. I won’t tell, I promise.” He slings an arm around Grant’s neck, bringing his mouth down to his ear.

Grant shoves at him. “Fuck off. Everyone knows you can’t keep a secret. And if we’re late, I’m telling Beau it’s all your fault.”

“Fine.” JJ huffs, stomping toward the stairs. He turns around to look at me. “You coming?”

“Um no. I don’t have any part in this. You two go on ahead.”

Grant’s hand lands on my shoulder when I go to turn around and disappear back into my misery. “No, you don’t. You’re coming with us if we have to tie you up and carry you out to the car.”

“You’re not going to tie me up.” They wouldn’t, would they? JJ’s eyes are shining with delight at the idea. “Fine, fine. I’ll come. Let me just go grab my bag.”

“Nope. Now.”

“Will you at least tell me where we’re going?”

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