Page 15 of Breakaway

“Do you mind me asking which team it was?” I asked, trying to keep my voice even.

“It’s Royal Hill Academy. They just hired a new coach, and he’s holding open tryouts much like Lux is,” Mrs. Gregor answered.

It didn’t ring a bell, but I jotted down the name, knowing I needed to look into it later. After a few more basic questions, I happily welcomed them to the Blizzards. Then directed them to see Linda in the admin building to discuss the scholarship package and housing. When Mrs. Gregor learned they’d get to come to games as part of the package, she practically wept.

It was the type of news I liked to give parents who’d done everything they could for their child and now could rest, enjoying the fruits of their labor.

The rest of the afternoon flew by; my headache had eased after meeting with the Gregors. There were a few more difficult parents, but by the end of the interviews, I’d welcomed four more players, rounding out to five total newbies.

As Reed and I headed home, my fingers itched to look up this school and coach that thought they could spread things about me. Hadn’t they heard?

I was Henley Henshaw, and I no longer let bullies get away with shit.

CHAPTER SIX

Reed

I rubbed my eyes and noticed how long I’d been staring at the computer screen. Three hours had passed, and I had nothing to show for it. Sighing, I closed the lid and pushed it off my lap onto the bed as I rested my head against the headboard. I’d wanted to help Henley by discovering who the new coach at Royal Hill Academy was, but there hadn’t been anything online or in the news.

In every direction I turned, I found roadblocks. There was no doubt the Society was behind this. There was no other explanation that fit all the boxes.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, startling me out of my thoughts. Reaching out, I frowned at the caller ID. I hadn’t talked to him since the summer.

“Coach?” I asked, even though he technically was no longer my coach.

“Cole. It’s good to hear your voice, son. How are you doing?”

My forehead creased as I tried to understand the words he asked. It wasn’t the question that confused me, but the fact he’d called to ask it. We weren’t the call and check on one another type of people. I scratched the back of my head, my hair rough against my hand.

“Did you really call to ask me how I was? Or is there another reason you phoned me out of the blue?”

Coach sighed, and I tensed, wondering if this was about to go south. I’d always respected the man, but if he were in league with the Society, then I’d have to sever all ties. How had this organization been able to spread so far and go unchecked for so long?

“You got me. I always appreciate how you’re a straight shooter, Reed. Have you seen the latest news?”

I rolled my eyes as my hand tightened on the phone. He was still being cagey and digging for information. But I had to give him one chance to prove he was the man I always believed him to be.

“There’s lots of news in the world, Coach. Something specific you want to clue me into?” My tone was clipped, my patience running thin.

“Gates is out for the rest of the season.”

The hand gripping the back of my head fell to my side as I tried to process his words. “That sucks for Gates. How is the team taking it?” I asked, my heart picking up speed.

“Not well. The season starts next week, and we’re scrambling. We had a real chance this season to make it to the playoffs.”

I glanced at the calendar on my wall, amazed the season was starting soon. Time had a different feel here—both slow and fast in the same minute. It felt like I’d been here longer, my feelings for Henley already so strong and solid. Yet, it felt like no time had passed since I’d first stepped foot onto the ice at Lux.

“Any prospects?” I asked hesitantly, not sure I wanted the answer.

“That’s the real reason behind my call, son. We want you back. New contract and new deal.”

And there it was—an offer to return to the league early.

My contract had ended when I took a step back for my mom; for all my years of playing the owner had released me early without penalty. Though I think it was more that I hadn’t gone to another team, I didn’t question it since it leaned in my favor.

The offer sat heavy in the air, a weight pressing on me from two directions. It wasn’t a simple decision, and I had no idea where I stood. Thinking of leaving Henley made me want to shout, “No!” But I also didn’t expect us to coach at Lux for the rest of our lives. I’d always intended to go back to the league, only using this year to grieve my mother.

“I don’t know what to say.”

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