Page 61 of Nix
“Answer before he gives up.”
Nix’s finger shook as he slipped his digit over the phone screen. He hit the Speaker button. “Shawn?”
“Nix! I was worried you weren’t going to answer.”
Nix’s knees went weak. Was it that bad of news?
Evan grabbed his arm before lifting Nix up. He carried Nix to the bed and sat with Nix on his lap as Shawn continued to talk.
“Coach called your mom. I just got off the phone with Gem. So you’ll probably get a call from one of them. I just wanted to let you know that I just saw Aries and he’s going to be fine.”
“You saw him? He’s really alright?” Nix yelled into the phone.
“Swear! Doc was looking him over. Vin is with him now. Robbs, Zany, and I are making a plan to get them home.”
“He doesn’t need a hospital?” Nix demanded.
“No, trust me if Aries needed more attention, Vin would demand it.”
Yeah, Vin was protective over Nix’s little brother. “I can be there tonight,” Nix said. “I’ll catch a flight. I’ll…”
Evan’s arms tightened around him.
“He is going to be back on the ice in a few days. I’m not going to tell you what to do, not when it comes to you three. Gem wanted to fly in too, but Aries is going to be better before you even get here. You both have careers to think about.”
Nix still had the itch to see Aries for himself.
“I’m sure Aries will call you as soon as he can.”
“I should wait,” Nix said. He was talking to Shawn but looking at Evan.
Evan nodded then kissed his forehead.
“I think so. You know your brother. He’ll be pissed if he’s fine and you both show up. He’s been working hard at being independent. You know how important that is to him. He’s really happy here, man.”
Nix sighed.
“Look I get it,” Shawn said. “For the last four years you and I have protected Aries. That’s not our job anymore though.”
“Vin,” Nix said.
“If you stop thinking like an older brother, you would see that Vin and Aries are perfect for each other.”
That wasn’t really what Nix wanted to hear.
Evan kissed Nix’s cheek saying without words that he agreed with Shawn. “Fine! I won’t just show up but you better have my brother call me.”
“I will.”
“Thanks for calling, Shawn,” Nix said sincerely.
“I know you, Nix. You would have probably started a fight with me the next time we played against each other. And neither of us are fighters. But damn, that fight with Crowly. You go, boy!”
Nix laughed. “No one messes with my goalie.” He made sure to be looking at Evan when he said those words.
“Damn, man,” Shawn whistled. “I’ll remember that.”
“Tell my brother to call me,” Nix ordered.
