Page 98 of The Alternate Captain
I hand her back her phone. “No one. We’re seeing how things go. But you can’t mention it to anyone. My brother—”
“Oh, shit. Yeah, Kelly’s brother said that she needs to stay single forever,” Tom tells Marie.
“That’s not entirely true,” I say.
“Well, anyway, you’re coming right, Kel? Even more reason to now—wait, what’s your boyfriend’s name? I’ll Google him.”
“Do not tell her!” I warn Tom.
Marie rolls her eyes at me. “I’ll find out eventually. Don’t worry. Anyway, it says doors open at six, so get your asses ready,” she says, flicking her hair.
“I’m not going.” I shrug. “I don’t like hockey.”
“Here we go again.” Tom rolls his eyes at me. “Free tickets though, Kel.”
“I can get free tickets anytime,” I say.
“Why have I never been told this?” Marie says, dropping her jaw.
“Well, regardless. I’m not going. But you guys have fun.”
“But you have to come,” Marie says. “Who’s going to explain the rules and stuff?”
“You’ll have your phones,” I say. “Google is your friend.”
“What else could you possibly be doing tonight that’s more important?” Tom says.
I don’t tell him about my own plans with Google. I’m determined to find something I can offer in the way of support or advice to help Johnny become more at ease. To get Johnny a happy ending.
“I don’t want to go,” I say.
“Look, I know you’re probably feeling anxious about it, but, I mean, it’s what your brother loves to do. And you’ll get to see Johnny.” Tom wiggles his eyebrows at me.
“I swore to myself that I’d never set foot inside the rink again,” I say.
“Okay, so how about you come, just this once, and see how it goes? It was a bad hit before and Mike is probably being more careful about his play style now.”
“It’s a no,” I say. “Please respect that.”
I resign myself to my bedroom, keen to get researching.
I’m deep into reading an article when my phone vibrates on the bed and a message from Johnny comes through.
Johnny
Beyond stressed today. Without meaning to sound needy as fuck, when can I see you again?
Kelly
When did you want to see me again?
I consider the article I just read, and I use the opportunity to check something with Johnny.
Kelly
Also, do you have any boundaries?
Johnny
