Page 103 of Crossing Lines

“So, I guess when we were traveling, Owen was able to get letters to the whole coaching staff. They didn’t want the team hearing about it before the Frozen Four, so they kept it quiet.” I shifted my stance. There was so much to tell. “Ryan’s mom’s cancer came back, so the official reason for his resignation will be that he needs to go home to help her.” I pursed my lips. “And it’s true, but he had to resign to get Owen off his back.”

“That fucker.” Myles huffed. “The guy just couldn’t leave it alone.”

“No, but I think Ryan would have had to go home for his mom anyway.” I shrugged. “Plus, I’m not going to let this opportunity with the Leafs pass me by.”

“I know you’ll make it, Jonah.” Archer reached out and squeezed my hand. “Have a seat with us.”

“Okay.” I didn’t know why I was still standing anyway. I dropped into my chair. “There’s a lot of shit to think about. Ryan needs to move his stuff back, but he has a lease on his place.”

“I’ll take it.” Mason lifted his hand. “I’m staying here for the Coyotes, so I might as well take over his lease.”

“And we can help with the move.” Ace held up his arm and bent it, showing off his thick bicep under his T-shirt.

“Damn, okay.” I nodded. I should have known the guys would all stand behind us and help. “Archer, you’re staying here for the summer with Leo, right?”

“That’s the plan.” Archer smirked. “Until I get my contract with the Coyotes, then we’ll find a nicer place.”

“You and me, man.” Mason patted Archer’s forearm, resting over the table.

Shit, I was going to lose all of them. There was no coming back here next year. My gaze swung around the table, stopping on each of them. “Fuck, I’m going to miss you guys.”

“You’ll see us.” Jumping up from his chair, Archer stepped to me and wrapped me up in a tight hug, then kissed my head. “I can’t wait for our first game against the Leafs.” He smirked.

“We’re going to kick your Canadian ass, Boehm.” Mason cackled.

“Shit, one more year for me, Ty, and Myles.” Ace shook his head. “We have to make a pact. Every time any of you are in town, we go to The Club on Mill and have a Fuck U of A shot for old times’ sake.” He held his hand over the table.

“Hell yeah.” I set my hand on his and the others did the same, all our hands piling up. “Promise.”

A week later,I strolled down a palm tree-lined sidewalk across campus with a light step. My last final was over, and Iwas pretty sure I’d aced it. All the preparations were made for my week at the Maple Leafs’ development camp and Ryan’s resignation had gone off without a hitch. Everyone understood him going home to help his mother.

As I rounded a clay-colored brick building, the sunshine warming my head, and onto Mill Avenue, my phone buzzed. I slid it out of my pocket and held it up.

Rhonda

I have news. Are you done with your test? How far are you from Mill?

It was like he read my mind. I’d wanted to see if we could get together today. I tapped my phone.

Jonah

I’m standing on Mill Avenue right now.

Rhonda

Meet me at 414 Pizza?

“Fuck yeah.” We were going to hang out together like a real couple, right here next to the campus. With a smile, I texted him.

Jonah

Be there in a few minutes.

I strode down the street with a purpose, passing people by, then walked through the outdoor patio of the restaurant and bar, passing tables with red umbrellas and students. As I stepped through the sliding doors into the dark establishment, my eyes adjusted and my gaze landed on Ryan, sitting in a corner booth with a pitcher of beer. Shit, how long had he been here? Had he been waiting for me to finish my test?

As I strolled to him, he stood.

“Jonah.” He hooked his arms around me and planted a hard kiss on my mouth, then freed me and held on to my shoulders, looking me over. “How’d you do on the final?”

---