Page 19 of Defensive Zone

I suck in a breath when the phone connects and instantly relax at the sound of his familiar voice.

“Hey,” he says.

“Hey.” I clear my throat, then let out a strained laugh. “I… It’s weird, I kinda don’t know what to do with myself not being able to see you.” I pick at a loose thread on my sweatpants. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in years, and I’m kinda going out of my mind.”

I’m expecting laughter or a joke about how I saw his face on FaceTime only the other day, but none of that comes. There’s silence, and after a beat, nausea sets in.

“Yeah, I’m sorry. It was the only time Joe could see me, and I need to get myself strapped up for the game tonight. I just got out of the ice bath.”

“No, no, I understand.”I wanted to see you. Ineededto see you. “How do you feel about facing Ottawa tonight?”

“Eh, I’m not too concerned. We’re prepared. They won’t shake us.”

I chuckle nervously under my breath. Ottawa has been known to try and ruffle feathers, trying to get under the players’ skin, but the Thunder boys have been cool as cucumbers this season. They have the lowest penalty minutes served. Even Blaine Olsen has managed to keep his visits to the penalty box to a minimum, which is a record in itself.

“Will you call me later after your game?”

Another long pause. “I’ll try, depends what time we get out.”

“I’ll be awake.” I hate how the panic is evident in my voice.

He sighs. “If I can’t call you tonight, I’ll call you in the morning.”

Fuck. Why is it so difficult? It’s never been like this before. We always had so much to say to each other, often getting into trouble because we didn’t want to hang up and say goodbye even as the plane was about to take off.

“I better go,” he announces, and I have to fight the urge to beg him to stay on the phone a little longer.

“Okay.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’m on the plane now. I hope you have a good game.”

“Thanks.” Another pause. “Have a safe flight.”

“Thanks.”

The line goes dead. My stomach twists and curls as I drop my phone into my lap and close my eyes, hitting my head back against the seat.

Between my career being at its lowest and my best friend drifting away, I don’t know who I am anymore.

It feels like my world is falling apart, and I don’t know what to do to make it right.

Chapter Seven

December

Zach

If someone asked me if there’s a city I love playing in other than Chicago, I would have to say Vancouver. The energy here is magnetic. Elliot played here three seasons ago, and if you thought they would hate him for moving to a different team, you would be wrong.

Vancouver still loves Elliot Olsen, which makes every visit enjoyable.

More so tonight, as we hit the ice for the start of the third period, and we’re currently in the lead, 3-1. I take my position near the blue line as Ethan lines up for the face-off. The ref drops the puck into play, and Ethan slaps it to Blaine, who passes to Jackson. Vancouver must have received a pep talk during intermission as they are hungry for another goal to try and close the gap.

Kendrick and I stay close to the blue line, ready to block any advances. Luckily, the puck remains in the offensive zone, and when there’s a stop in play, I skate to the bench for a line change. I squirt some water into my mouth before squirting it down the back of my jersey to cool down my heated skin.

We’re on a mini-Canadian road trip. Tomorrow morning we’ll head to Edmonton, where we’ve got a day off before our game the following day. Then it’s back-to-back games in Edmonton and Winnipeg before we head home. Normally, I’m eager to get back, but this time I’ve been grateful for this four-day road trip, as it’s given me the distraction I needed.

Carter’s not having a good time right now. With Raegan breaking up with him a couple of months ago, the unfortunate football season he’s having, and the fact that I couldn’t see him when he visited Chicago, it’s taking every ounce of willpower not to give in and fall back on old habits because I hate that he’s hurting.

But I have to push all thoughts to the back of my mind when I take to the ice again. Vancouver’s forwards are all up in Elliot’s space, but he’s keeping it cool. Kendrick and I make ourselves as big as possible, deflecting and battling tight in the corners. We’re exhausting them, but when one of the wingers steals the puck from Blaine, I’m watching it with eagle eyes.

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