Page 20 of Suck My Puck

Despite that, tension and anxiety riddle my body. I’m still in a rut, and my career is still in limbo.

“Braden, how’s the shoulder holding up?” a reporter asks during post-game press.

“It’s fine.” I tug at my shirt while I stand in front of my locker.

I knew I’d be up for post-game press, even though I didn’t last the whole game. Ritchie was up last time, so now it’s my turn.

Usually, I don’t have a problem answering reporters’ questions after the game. It’s part of the job of being a pro athlete. But since I’ve been playing like shit, that’s all they want to talk about. And it’s why I’ve been dreading post-game press ever since this season started.

“Is that why you’ve been having so many issues so far this season? Because of your shoulder?” a different reporter asks.

I shake my head and hope that I don’t look as bothered by the question as I feel. “Nah, my shoulder’s been fine.”

“Why do you think you’ve been struggling so much these first few games?” that same reporter asks. “Is it because of how you lost the game for your team against Boston during the playoffs last season?”

I grit my teeth in frustration. I look him in the eye. “No.”

I don’t elaborate. I just hold his gaze and let the awkward silence fill the room. Sometimes the discomfort of a pissed-off “no” and a glare is all it takes to get reporters to back off with their bullshit questions. But sometimes it eggs them on.

This reporter starts to smirk and opens his mouth to say something more, but someone else cuts him off.

“Are you afraid you’re going to lose your spot as starting goalie and be replaced with Ritchie Fox?” she asks. “He was a backup goalie all last season, but he had a strong showing tonight and last game.”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes. They’re trying to get a rise out of me so they can get some juicy soundbite for all the sports news outlets.

“I don’t think about things that way,” I say, relieved of how even my tone is, despite how annoyed I feel. “All I can do is focus on improving my performance. I think Ritchie is an excellent goalie, and I’m happy he’s playing well.”

I can tell the reporters are annoyed at my answer, but I don’t care. I just want to be done with these questions and leave.

Post-game press wraps up, and the reporters leave the locker room. Xander walks over and pats my shoulder.

“Way to go for not telling those reporters to fuck off,” he says.

“Thanks.” I look up at him as I start to put on my sneakers. “You kicked ass tonight.”

Xander scored two goals in the third period, securing the win for us. He grins. “Thanks, dude. Wanna go to Spanky’s and get fucked up?”

“God, yes.”

Chapter 8

Braden

When I walk into Spanky’s, it’s more crowded than usual. Every table and booth is full.

Luckily, Maya, Ingrid, and Dakota are already at our table with a couple pitchers of beer and shots.

Xander, Theo, Del, and I walk over. Theo and Del greet their ladies with kisses, and we all sit down.

“Sophie’s not here?” Theo asks.

Xander shakes his head. “She’s speaking at a women in STEM conference tomorrow morning and wanted to get a good night’s sleep for it.”

“That’s cool,” Theo says.

Xander beams. “It is. I wish I could go watch her speak, but I’ve got conditioning in the morning.”

“If you ever have kids, they’re going to be geniuses,” Ingrid says as she pours a glass of beer for her and Del to share.

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