Page 80 of The Game

“You can stay here until you get yourself together. I can call you a ride. You probably shouldn’t be driving like this.”

I shake my head. I’ll figure that out on my own, like everything else. And since I didn’t even drive, so there’s no danger of fucking that up. I’m not even allowed to stay here, at the arena that’s usually my safe place. I’m not allowed.

“Okay, then. Let me know when you’ve got anything we can use. I’m rooting for you, Cole. You’re one of the best on the team this year. I need you out there as much as you need to be there.”

I don’t even bother to reply. My mind is spinning out of control, and I still can’t see a way out. I can’t ask Jazz to vouch for me. Make her face him again. She didn’t want me to go to the police, and I never questioned it, but forcing her to drag her story out in front of everyone? No. I can’t do that to her. Because I know she would. Besides, I don’t even know if they’d believe her if she did. She’s my girlfriend. They’ll think she’s lying for me.

I don’t know how much time has passed when I finally haul myself up and out. I don’t even look down the hall that leads to the ice, just drag my heels toward the exit and start walking. Our house isn’t that far from campus. The brisk chill in the air should help clear my head.

I’m still lying face down on my bed when the guys come thundering into the house.

“Cole!” Beau’s shout doesn’t stir me. I can’t be bothered to get up. Not even to explain myself.

Of course, that will not cut it with him. I hear him stomping up the stairs, and he barges through the door. Fuck me. I was so upset I didn’t even lock it.

“Get up,” he says.

If I ignore him, maybe he’ll go away.

A heavy hand lands on my back with a thump. “Get the fuck up. I want an explanation and a solution.”

He shakes me until I finally push myself up onto my elbows.

“What happened and what are we going to do about it?”

“I’ve been benched.”

“No fucking shit, Sherlock. Why? What happened?” There’s a surprising lack of accusation in his tone. I was expecting him to ask me what I did wrong. How I fucked up this time, but it’s not there.

That’s what finally has me spilling the entire sordid story to him. Jazz. How it’s become something real. How her ex showed up the night of the Halloween party. I can’t believe that was weeks ago. Feels like a year has passed.

“What a fucking weasel. He’s dead. What’s the plan? What are we going to do?”

I shrug, confused. “I have to prove he did something wrong. It’s my word against his. I don’t know what to do.”

“You’re not the only one who was there that night, Cole. Jazz can back you up. I’m sure she’s got a spotless record. They might not believe you, but they have to believe her.”

“I can’t ask her to do that. She didn’t want to get the police involved that night. This will open up so many cans of worms. I can’t do that to her.”

“If you explain to her what’s going on, I’m sure she’ll step in. She won’t want this for you. Just tell her. Let her decide what she wants to do. Don’t just give up. If you’re not willing to do it for yourself, do it for the team. Not to mention any other girls that asshole harasses in the future.”

When he puts it like that... “Okay. I’ll talk to her.” Whether she still wants to see me after this is another matter. Even if I can’t have her, hopefully, I can still have my future. Feels a littlehollow if she’s not there with me by my side, but at least I’d still be there for everyone else in my life that’s relying on me.

My hand’s trembling again as I pick up the phone. This feels like an actual phone call type situation, not a text, so I dial her number.

“Hey, Cole, what’s up?” The sound of her voice is soothing on my jangled nerves.

“Jazz. I’m glad you picked up.” I stand up and start pacing the small room.

“Are you ready for your date? You should head out soon, right? Wait, you’re not backing out, are you? Cold feet.” There’s a teasing tone in her voice.

Fuck. I forgot about the stupid auction date with everything that’s happened since I woke up. “Nah. I was just about to head out.” I can’t let her down. Not her. Not like I’m letting everyone else down. This auction and the charity mean so much to her. What would it look like if I bailed out on my date? And if I know Charlene, she’d make a ton of noise about it.

“Good, good. Where are you taking her? Never mind. Don’t tell me. No, I need to know. Where are you going?”

“We’re going to Bolt’s. I figure it’s crowded and noisy enough. She won’t get any ideas.”

“Good call. Maybe I’ll show up there in a couple of hours. Rescue you if you need it.”

---