Page 59 of Any Second Now
“Don’t lash out at me,” he says, but some of the humor has fallen from his face.
“Well.” Coach Jackson looks back and forth between us. “I don’t want to know anything about any of that, but it sounds like you two have some things to work out. Atticus, I think you could be a good role model for Barrett. He’s young and could use some guidance. He reminds me of you a few years ago. Lachlan, you too.” He raises his eyebrows. “I’m texting you both his number now. Do your thing, okay?”
And with that, Coach turns and disappears through the arena doors leading to the locker room, where his office is.
“This is going to be fun,” Lachlan says as we follow him.
I just shake my head. This is not happening. No way. I am not being friends—or even friendly—with Barrett fucking Steele.
By the time we’re out of the showers, I have a text from Coach with Steele’s contact details.
I flash back to that moment when I fell during that last game and felt the sharp twinge in my groin. What I really wanted to do was go after Steele and pound him, but instead, I limped off the ice, knowing the season was over for me and picking a fight would only hurt the Blizzard’s chance of winning.
After he’s dressed, Lachlan picks up his phone and chuckles.
“Does he really think we’re going to hang out with that guy?” I say as we walk back into the arena.
Raleigh sees us and stands, sliding her cross-stitch stuff in her canvas bag and heading our way.
“That must have been so boring to watch,” I say, smiling at her as she approaches us with her bag slung over her shoulder.
“No way, it was fun.”
“You are clearly lying, but it’s okay,” Lachlan glances down at his phone. “Up for a drink? Melissa’s out of town again this weekend, back tomorrow morning.”
I look at Raleigh, who shrugs. “Sure. My fingers are killing me anyway.” She wiggles her red digits at us.
“I’m in.” More time with Raleigh is only a good thing, even if I have to share her with Lachlan.
“Let’s do Horsetooth Brewing.” Lachlan types into his phone. “Now?”
I nod, and so does Raleigh.
“Great, because Barrett Steele is going to meet us there.” Lachlan holds up his phone for us. “He responded yes instantly.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” I groan. That was a trap. He had me—and Raleigh—agree before revealing he’d invited my nemesis.
What a smart, conniving asshole.
“Who’s Barrett Steele?” Raleigh asks, looking between us with raised eyebrows.
“He’s the guy who flipped Atticus over during the last game and hurt his—” Lachlan looks pointedly at my groin.
“Ohhhh, no.” Raleigh covers her mouth with her hand.
“Also the player who the Blizzard just acquired.” Lachlan practically giggles with glee.
“No!” Raleigh’s eyes widen.
“And why are we going to get a drink with him?” My voice is tight. Can I bail? Shit. But Raleigh would probably still go and I’d be leaving her alone with Lachlan and Barrett.
“Because we’re supposed to be nice to him. Coach Jackson asked. Also, Kellen already texted us saying we should take him out.”
“Fuck that.”
Raleigh laughs. “How bad can he be?”
I give her a look.
