Page 95 of The Substitute
“Shamrock snacks.” Teddy finally let’s go of Ambrose.
“What?” Ambrose asks, clearly annoyed.
Rhys chuckles and stands, offering his hand. “Semantics.” They shake hands, and Ambrose nods. “I’m Rhys. Nice to officially meet you.”
“Ambrose. Nice to officially meet you, too.” He’s looking at my ex-best friend like he’s trying to figure something out.
“You met him before?” Teddy stands and looks between them.
Rhys chuckles and shakes his head like Teddy is the most amusing person in the world. “Of course we’ve crossed paths.”
“Wait,” Teddy says looking utterly confused. “How do you know my brother, Brosey?”
We all look at him like he’s lost the plot.
“Are you kidding?” I ask exacerbated.
“No. And why would he come with you to dinner? He’s my friend!” Teddy crosses his arms.
“One you don’t even recognize.” I sigh.
Ambrose snickers.
“Still mine more than yours. So how do you even know him? Do you secretly play hockey behind my back?” Teddy is acting like I’ve personally violated him.
“We’re roommates,” Ambrose says.
“I know, we cleared that up, Brosey. I’m asking how my brother knows you!”
Rhys pinches the bridge of his nose.
“He’s my roommate,” I say so he doesn’t try stalk me and figure out if I play hockey or something wild.
“No, I’m not,” Teddy says, getting all worked up. “Why are you trying to confuse me?”
“Ambrose and Tobi are roommates,” Rhys clarifies, patting Teddy’s shoulder and trying to calm him down.
I roll my eyes.This is going to be a very long evening.
Dad stands up and shakes Ambrose’s hand while he shoves his keys back in his pocket.
“What is that white bear thing?” I ask, pointing at his pocket.
Ambrose sighs, and Rhys snorts. “It’s a good luck charm from my goalie.”
I flick my gaze at Teddy, then back at Ambrose. “Uh-huh. But what is it?”
Rhys, Teddy, and Ambrose all speak at the same time so I’m not sure what I just heard but I have a sinking suspicion.
Holding up my hand I look at my brother. “What did you call it?”
“A cummy bear.”
“Cummy like cum or gummy like gum?” I enunciate the words so there is no mistaking what I’m asking.
Dad clears his throat and leaves the room, which means he knows which way this is going to go and I am not going to like it.
“Cum. All the boys have one. They have a sacred piece of me with them at every game. It gives us good luck.” The fact that he is proud of himself is terrifying.
