Page 21 of Weak Side

“Do your homework earlier?” It wasn’t a statement but more so a question. Did he think I chose to do my homework late at night when I was utterly exhausted?

“I don’t have the luxury of that. I go to class all day, then I have to practice for my auditions, and soon after, depending if I get the role, rehearsals will start. Then, add in conditioning and stretching, and I can’t afford not to work with my mom—” I stopped talking the second I felt the pressure in my chest get tighter. I didn’t share my personal problems with anyone, let alone Theo. Chad only knew of my financial situation because my mother was employed by his parents, which was something he enjoyed hanging over my head.

Theo’s hand landed on mine as my breaths grew rapid. My gaze jerked to my burning skin, and one second later, he pulled his hand away, and I put mine in my lap. “Chill. I get it. But maybe use a dimmer light?” We both turned to Angie as she approached the table and smiled cheerfully.

“Take your time, but I just locked up. I still have to go through the register and prep for tomorrow.”

Theo and I both looked around the restaurant and saw that it was completely empty besides Angie and a few other waitresses going through their tips. Jamison caught my eye through the kitchen window and winked at me.

“Is it ten already?” I asked, glancing at the clock above the bar. The few flat-screen TVs were already turned off, and the large, glow light that read The Bex was next.

“Yes, but take your time, sweetie.” She turned toward Theo. “And good luck tomorrow! I’ll be there watching!”

He smiled after thanking her, and when she turned around and left, he gave me an apologetic look. “I’ve gotta go back to the room. This is not the norm for me on the night before a game.”

I wanted to laugh, but I didn’t. “You are such a grandpa, but fine. I just have one more rule.”

He groaned. “I have a feeling you’ll add more as time goes on, but by all means, write down the last rule, Bryant.”

“Actually, make thattworules.”

I quickly wrote down my last two rules, and he gaped when he read them.

“Stay out of your underwear drawer?! Really?”

I shrugged, sliding out the booth.

“I’m not a creep. Why would I go into your underwear drawer? Why would I even have the urge to do that?”

I shot him a look. “That goes for your friends too. Their crude comments and lingering stares are plenty to deal with.”

He rolled his eyes. “Okay, fine. But wait.”

The pen flew over the paper as he crossed out number six.

6.Stop calling me Bryant.

“I’m still calling you Bryant because you call me grandpa.” He popped up out of the booth a moment later and towered over me. “You going straight home? Do you need a ride?”

My tongue felt heavy in my mouth as I peered up at him. Did we just become…neutral? Were we on the same terms now?

I blinked. “Um, uh…no. I mean…” I cleared my throat. “I’m going to work on my audition for a few, so I’ll be late.” Why was I acting nervous? “But…I guess I’ll try to be quiet when I get in.”

He grinned, waving the piece of paper in between us. “This was a good idea, yeah?” Then he winked and headed toward the door where Angie met him to unlock it. They chatted for a few moments, and it wasn’t hard to see the appeal. Bexley U’s best hockey player was charming in a sense, but a charming guy was a red flag if I ever saw one. Unfortunately, most girls loved red flags.

Not me, though.

11

Theo

The buzzer sounded,and relief sunk down in my gut. We lifted our sticks in the air in celebration and all met at center ice for a team hug as the crowd roared with excitement.

The first game of the season was always like this. It was the intro of the season. The student section was high on adrenaline and booze, and the girls all tore off their jerseys with our names on the back, waving them above their heads. I saw a whole lotta “Brooks” in the crowd, which made sense with this being my last year playing for the Bexley Wolves—I had gaineda lotof fans over the last three years.

“That’s how you fuckin’ do it!” Aasher threw his stick on the ice and jumped on my back. I laughed as I skated forward. “You’re coming out with us tonight. Don’t even say no, Theo.”

“I always go to parties after games,” I shouted. “No need to beg me.”

---