Page 43 of O Goalie Night
Could he be any more obtuse?
“She doesn’t need to go home every time she’s lonely, man. Especially not when she has familyright here.”
I can see the actual moment my words sink into his thick skull. His eyes widen as he asks, “Am I the asshole?”
It’s hard to keep a straight face because, honestly? Sometimes. Ben is a good guy. He’s the first to step up when the team needs a volunteer for a children’s charity event, never hesitating to give his time or energy. Whether he’s signing autographs at a local school or helping a teammate move, he always shows up for those around him when asked. But sometimes people don’t come out and ask for help.
“Nah, you’ve just had a lot going on lately.” No need to hurt his feelings.
“I’m going to call her right now and invite her to the club,” he says, reaching for his phone. Looking at the screen, he pauses before saying. “Shit. Valentina is calling. Can you call Beth for me?”
One step forward, two steps back.
“Sure.”
“Thanks, Fozz,” he says, already walking away. “I really appreciate you looking out for her.”
Grabbing my coat from my locker, I slip out of the room without ceremony. It’s way too loud to make a phone call there and I can’t take two steps without someone congratulating me.
When I finally make it to my car I fish out my phone and bring up Beth’s number. She picks up on the second ring.
“...hello?” The tremble in her voice stabs me through the heart.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“I’m…fine…” she sobs on the other end.
I run my hand through my hair and grab my keys, ready to floor it all the way home. “Beth, you clearly aren’t. Please talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong.”
My mind races like a greyhound on speed as I come up with plausible scenarios, each more terrible than the last. Did she fall? Break something? Did someone hurt her? I’ll fucking kill them.
“This happens every time.” Her voice is so heartbreakingly sad, I feel like I’m being pulled apart.
“What happened, Beth? Tell me what’s happening?”
“He just signed to the little Deaf girl.”
What?
“I don’t know what that means.” Who the hell is she talking about?
“InMiracle On 34th Street,” she sniffs. Her breathing has slowed and she’s easier to understand. “Santa Claus signs to the little Deaf girl. It makes me ugly cry everytime.”
A movie. She’s crying over a Christmas movie. I’m so relieved that she’s okay, I can’t help but let out a laugh.
“Are you laughing at me?” She sounds offended, but I’d rather her mad than sad any day.
“I’m sorry,” I manage to get out between chuckles. “I just thought it was something serious. Why do you keep watching a movie that makes you cry?”
“Because it makes me happy,” she snaps back.
Clearly.
“Well, if you need a break from…being so happy, I have a proposition for you.”
CHAPTER 19
BETH
