Page 75 of The Tape Job
“How long are you going to be an ass?”
He huffs. “I’m sorry that I told Bettsy.”
“That’s not why I’m pissed at you. Honestly, it was probably a favour to me because everything is out in the open now. The real reason I’m pissed is that I thought you were on my side. But I’m wondering if you’re just another version of Dad.”
“You don’t mean that,” he snaps. But after I scoff loudly, his tone changes. “Look, I’m going through some shit right now, and I’m not in the right headspace.”
“What shit?” I ask.
“Nothing. It doesn’t matter.”
“Does this have anything to do with your secret girlfriend?”
Johnny’s eyes widen. “I don’t have a secret girlfriend.”
I hear the double doors swing open, followed by the echo of talk from three familiar voices. Johnny sighs before grabbing his bag.
“Dad said you’re not accepting any help from him anymore.”
“Nope. Don’t need it,” I say, half lying to him because I really do need it. At least to put myself in a good position, anyway. Behind Johnny, I lock eyes with Liam for a second before he slips out of view, Danny and Pritch on his tail. “You better suit up,” I say, flicking my head towards the dressing room.
Johnny takes his leave, and I ready myself for the shots I have planned while I wait for them to come to the ice. Johnny is the first out. He does laps while he waits, saving me from any interaction.
Pritch and Danny are out next. They join Johnny, grouping together for a few rounds. Then Liam finally makes his way out and grabs his stick on the way past. I’ve redone his tape, and I can see him inspecting his blade as he twists the shaft of his stick in his hands.
“Let’s get this over with,” I call to the guys as I step gingerly onto the ice.
I round them up into position and get started, only having to pause a few times for Danny to compose himself.
Danny asks what everyone wants to know. “Are you going to tell us anymore about the defensive pairings, John?” All eyes are on Johnny.
“There’s nothing to tell,” he says, smiling. His expression drops to a frown after I’ve taken my shot.
“Well Bettsy said—”
“Leave it, please, Danny,” Johnny snaps. “Vic, are we done here?”
“Yes, but I need Lee’s jersey. I’ll come get it in fifteen minutes,” I say.
Johnny’s away before I can blink.
“I don’t know what’s gotten into him, but I hope he snaps out of it soon,” Danny says to Pritch and Liam as they head towards the bench.
I can’t say I disagree with him. If I was in a better mood, I’d be turning up at his place demanding answers. Johnny has never been this bad before.
I leave the ice and start packing up my things when I receive a phone call from an unknown number. My brain works overtime as I try and decipher who it could be. The bank? My credit card company? Fuck it. Time to grow up.
“Hello?”
My whole body relaxes when a familiar voice sounds through the earpiece. It’s Dean, the journalist. He makes small talk, complains about the weather—then tells me he’s got a proposition for me.
“How do you feel about rugby?”
“Rugby? The place or the sport?”
“Would my answer change your answer?”
It’s amusing since I’ve never been to the place or watched the sport. “What’re you getting at?” I ask.
