Page 98 of Collide
“Is that where you found out?”
With a faraway look, he nods. “My grandparents showed up, and I knew something was wrong.” My heart feels like it’s disintegrating in the acid of my stomach when I imagine a scared little boy having to deal with that. “Sometimes it feels weird to continue playing hockey because I can’t shake that feeling of guilt.”
Confusion riddles me. “Guilt?”
“I was the reason they were even driving on that highway.”
“Aiden, that’s—”
“I know, it’s not healthy. Every therapist has told me that.”
I shake my head. “No, it’s simply not true. Someone made a stupid reckless decision, and it took two very important people from you. In no way is that your fault.” He stares at me for a long fragile minute. “What were they like?” I whisper, not wanting to shatter the glass of vulnerability.
Shadowed eyes flicker with an emotion I can’t place. “No one has ever asked me that.”
I blink in surprise. “Why not?”
“Eli and I grew up together, so he knew my parents well. The guys have heard stories, but I guess a fatal freak accident makes the topic unapproachable.”
He laughs, but I see his hesitation. “So tell me.”
“You don’t have to—”
“I do. I want to know,” I insist.
He lets me take his hand. “My dad did everything to get me to be the best player I could be. He wasn’t one of those overbearing fathers who would punish me if I didn’t become a pro athlete. He just wanted me to be passionate about something. If I’d quit hockey after ten years, he would have thrown out my skates for me.”
Knowing he had fond memories of his parents creates a deep warmth in my chest. I’m not surprised because Aiden is the most caring guy I’ve come across, but when you grow up in a place where that kind of love isn’t given freely, finding out others have it feels foreign. “He seems like a really great dad,” I say, softly. “And your mom?”
His smile is tender. “She was electric. Fun and so full of energy it was like she was one of the kids, and my dad loved her all the more for it. All the moms at practice would complain about our grueling schedule and the dangers of hockey, but Mom didn’t care. She trained me on being safe, but she’d say ‘You have one life Aiden. It’s okay if you get a few bruises. They’ll make for good stories.’ All while showing me the stitches she'd gotten from playing.”
“She played hockey too?”
He nods. “She’s the reason I got into it.”
“She seems badass.”
Green eyes lock with mine. “Yeah, she was.”
33 | AIDEN
INSPIRATIONAL SPEECHES TRAPPED in long-winded threats are Kilner’s pregame specialty. By the time he’s done talking so animatedly that spit covers most of the guys up front, everyone is on edge. That’s my cue to give them actual words of encouragement. But losing isn’t an option tonight, and I make sure everyone knows that.
Today is Dalton Royals versus Yale Bulldogs, and we’ve never been more prepared. We watched game tapes and corrected our failed strategies from our loss to Brown. I’m content with the plays we ran during practice, and although I still have that dark feeling in my stomach it dampens as game time approaches.
“All right, get your heads on straight before we get out there.” The collective agreement fills the locker room. Just when I’m starting my centering exercises there’s a tap on my shoulder.
“Summer’s here,” Dylan whispers. I'm out the door in an instant, hoping Coach doesn't catch me. With skate guards on, I head down the hall and spot her instantly. She’s like the beam from a lighthouse in a dark sea.
“You came.”
Summer turns, peach scent filling the air. She looks unimpressed with the atmosphere of the arena. “You owe me compensation.”
“My compensation is all yours.” When I gesture to my crotch, she glares like she’d like to knee me.
“You’re lucky I’m still here.”
She’s right. I’m a lucky bastard. “How about I score for you?”
