Page 173 of Waiting Game

Annoyed at the damage, especially when one of my pictures falls to the floor and smashes, I shout, “You asshole,” but he’s already slamming the front door.

Lewis scratches his nose. “That could have gone better.”

Liam, ignoring him, studies Greco. “You didn’t have to bring that up this way.”

“Fucker needs to know he’s useless. His ego is bigger than his brain and I’m tired of dealing with him. You’ll speak with Ellison?”

Slowly, Liam nods.

“If heisinjured,” I point out, “it’s not like Davies can go anywhere yet, which means we made the locker room situation hella awkward.”

Greco shrugs. “Probably but it’s worth it. At least he knows his shit doesn’t stink of roses to anyone whose last name isn’t Bradley.” He gets to his feet. “Keep us updated, okay?”

When Liam nods, everyone takes that as their cue to head out too.

I’m not the most gracious of hosts, but I know to wait for them to leave by the door which means I’m well aware that Liam stayed behind.

Finding him in the living room, collecting the glass from the broken bottle, I tell him, “You didn’t have to clean that, man.”

“I should have handled that better.”

He didn’t handle it at all, but I don’t need to kick him when he’s down.

“The C doesn’t sit easily on you,” I say simply. “Greco could have gone about this better. He’s the one to blame.”

Liam grunts but thanks me when I pass him a wastepaper basket. “Do you think Mattisinjured?”

“Only one way to find out.”

“Agreed.”

Snatching his phone, he sends a message that has my cell buzzing to life.

Opening the conversation, I read:

Liam: Dude

Matt: Sup?

Liam: You got an injury that you’re keeping under your vest?

Matt: No.

Cole: Then why did you get switched out last night after the first period? You’re better than Reeves. He let in three goals after that switch.

Matt: Coach knows best.

Cole: Don’t tell Gracie that lol.

Matt: Fuck off.

Liam: Nowhere I want to fuck off to.

Matt: How about outer Antarctica?

Liam: God, I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

Cole: Is Liam really that?! :O

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