Page 57 of Breakaway

The team didn’t argue, which spoke volumes to the tiredness they felt and seriousness of my statement—nothing like a little violence to bond a group.

Reed followed me in, his quiet presence a comfort. I didn’t want to discuss the game, but I appreciated his strength as I gathered everything for the team. The lobby was quiet as we entered, a lone TV playing the news in the corner. A couple of chairs had newspapers in front of them, but outside of the front desk there wasn’t anyone in sight.

Stepping up, I rested my arms against the counter. “Hello, we’ve got a block of rooms under Lux Brumalis,” I told the receptionist.

The man took his time before acknowledging me, finishing something on his computer before he slowly dragged his eyes up to meet mine. He looked at me like I was the scum of the earth, his nostrils flaring as he glared down at me. I knew instantly that this shit stain of a day wasn’t ending anytime soon.

“Lux Brumalis,” I tried again, hoping I’d just interrupted his porn, and that was what the face was about.

“No reservations under that name,” he said, not even checking his computer.

“Huh. Well, interestingly enough, I have the confirmation number right here.” I pulled up the email on my phone and turned it around to show him. He glanced down for a second before he looked back at me.

“Nothing under that name. Must be an online error.”

“What’s the problem?” Reed growled, my danger meter climbing by the second. Fuck. We didn’t need a fight.

“Nothing. It’s fine,” I said to Reed, returning to the man. “We need fifteen rooms. Do you have those available?” I asked, willing to play whatever game he wanted. If he charged us an astronomical fee, so be it.

“Nope. No vacancy.” Again he didn’t look in the database, just crossed his arms over his chest. “Now, please leave. If you don’t, I’ll have to report it to the police.”

Anger rose in me, his accusation that we were being aggressive hitting a sore spot. That or I realized I wouldn’t be getting my bubble bath anytime soon and the rage flared up. Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath.

“Ma’am. You need to leave. There’s no need to get upset.”

I hadn’t even said anything yet, and he was already giving me the “no need to get upset” shit. I could feel Reed vibrating behind me. He slammed his hand down on the counter.

“Listen, Jeff. I’m not sure what bullshit you’re pulling, but it won’t fly. Either type into your little computer there and give us our room keys, or get your manager on the phone.”

Jeff flinched, swallowing as he took in Reed. He picked up the phone and hit a button, turning his back as he mumbled something into the receiver and then hung it back up. He stepped further away and leaned against the wall like he was afraid we would hurt him.

I knew then that whatever he’d done, it wouldn’t be in our favor. The tell-tale red and blue lights flashing in the lobby a few minutes later only confirmed it.

“Do we have a problem here?” the officer asked as he stepped into the lobby. By this point, I could see the team watching from the windows and Fletcher and Dax walking down the steps. This wasn’t going to be resolved, so there was no need to fight. Sighing, I grabbed Reed’s arm. His muscles were corded tightly, and he barely budged as I pulled him.

“We need to leave, Reed. We won’t find help here, and getting arrested won’t be good for either of us. Let’s just go. We’ll find somewhere else to stay,” I pleaded.

He finally glanced down at me, clenching his jaw as he searched my eyes. Whatever he found there made him close his eyes and take a deep breath of his own. His body relaxed marginally, and he took my hand, letting me drag him out of the lobby.

“We’re just leaving, officer. Have a nice night,” I said as we passed. He didn’t respond; he just watched us as we returned to the bus. Shame and embarrassment coated me as I climbed the stairs. The bus driver looked at me, but I shook my head.

“We need to find another hotel. I’m guessing nowhere in town will take us, so we’ll have to go to the next town over. Do you know what it is? And I’ll take a look at what places have vacancies.”

He grimaced, understanding coating his face as he nodded. “You might be able to find something in Sumner. How about I head to a fast food place at the edge of town and give you time? That way, everyone can get some food?”

“Sounds perfect. Thank you.”

He nodded and shut the door as I took my seat. Fletcher and Dax both wore concerned looks, their brows drawn and lips thinned as they urged me with their eyes to fill them in.

“They lost our reservations and called the police when we asked to speak to someone,” I whispered. “Frank’s going to take us to a fast food place and then to the next town to find something there.”

Fletcher’s jaw ticked as he crushed his molars, his nostrils flaring slightly as he tightened his fist before letting out an exhale.

“Dax and I will call places. We’ll put it under HTC to avoid any prejudices. See if you can calm the team.”

Nodding, I sighed in relief that I didn’t have to solve it alone. Standing back up, I turned in my seat and leaned against the back as I faced the team. No one talked, watched their devices, or slept. Every pair of eyes were trained on me as they waited to hear what had happened.

“I’m going to be honest with you all because you deserve to know, especially if your goal is to play professionally. There are teams you travel to or play at that will have prejudices, and some cities are more accommodating than others. Well, it seems we’ve entered into a town that doesn’t want us here. Today’s game was rough, but you all stayed true to our values and goals. That’s true sportsmanship and what it means to be a great hockey player.”

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