Page 31 of Beautifully Broken
“Hart!”
“Hey, Hoyer. How’s it going?” Maverick stops in the arena hall to wait for me.
“It’s going. Listen, man. I need a favor.” Anxiety was suddenly bubbling at the base of my throat.
“What can I do for you?”
“So, remember the girl I’ve been pursuing?”
“I do,” he nods thoughtfully.
“Her little brother is your biggest fan, and he will only give me permission to date her if he gets to meet you after a practice.”
“Consider it done. Just let me know which practice you’re bringing him to so I can let Ko know I’ll be a little late that day.” He claps a hand down on my shoulder as we speak.
“Thanks.”
“Anytime.” Maverick and I walk together the rest of the way to the parking garage, chatting about anything and everything.
The feeling of weight that’s been sitting on my chest is finally feeling lighter each day. While it’s not completely gone, I can feel myself loosening, feeling the happiness surrounding me, and the good that comes from each day.
Chapter 11
Conrad
1 month later
This past week has been horrible. I can feel myself withdrawing, the dread is slowly taking residence back in my chest, and I find I’m dragging myself out of bed just to go to practice and games so I don’t lose my job. My phone rings with calls and texts from the guys and Enid, but I can’t pull them down this well, into the darkness with me.
It’s a practice day, and I’m on autopilot. Running through plays, not chirping with the guys, going through the motions. Dominic has asked me no less than three times if I’m doing okay, and I can feel myself losing patience.
“Montez, ask me again if I’m alright and you’re getting a hockey stick up the ass,” I growl at him, just low enough that he’s the only one who can hear.
“Hoyer, get your head in the game or you’re getting benched.” Coach yells at me across the ice where I just missed another pass from McKee.
“Bench me then!” I throw my gear onto the ice and skate towards the player entrance.
“Hoyer!” Coach yells at my back.
“Hoyer, get your ass back here.” He’s getting closer, but I don’t stop.
“Come on, Conrad. Man, just stop for a second.” Maverick’s voice now follows with our coaches.
“What!”
“You can talk to us.” Hart placates.
“No, I can’t. No one here cares. No one understands. You guys just don’t want to lose a player.”
“That’s not true! My players' mental health is just as important as their physical.” Coach adds, “If you need a break, just talk to me. This life, it’s not easy.”
“You’re just saying that.”
“Whatever you want to believe, Hoyer. This team, though, we are here for you, dude. Whether that’s now or when you get your shit together.” Maverick tries to reassure me.
You know what? Fuck this. I’m out. I’m for sure getting fined and benched for this shit but I can’t be here any longer.I turn on my heel, walking towards the locker room, and not bothering to look back at the two people who I know deep down want to help me. I can’t bring myself to accept that right now, though.
“Hoyer!” Maverick tries again.
