Page 194 of Wrong Pucking Player

“Okay.” I don’t like the idea of having to depend on someone to get from A to B, but if this has been happening more often, it’s best to be safe than sorry.

“You can just call me or even Armani if he’s not practicing,” Wyatt suggests. “I rather you be safe than risk it. Maybe we’ll talk to Mr. Champion about increasing security rounds once we get closer to the finals. The more popular the Vipers and Pincers get, the higher the chance of individuals with bad mindsets lurking around or causing harm. Same with the residences.”

“Alright.” Sadly, this is how real life is. “I’ll pass the message to Mikayla and Katherine.”

“I’m not worried about Katherine,” Leo admits. “That girl can disarm people double her size.”

“Even so, you never know,” I admit. “I win deadlift championships and still would struggle against someone who has the upper advantage against me. Most people with bad intentions don’t play fair.”

“She has a point, Leo,” Wyatt agrees.

He darts his gaze from left to right, taking us in.

“Did you guys make up?” The twinkle in his eyes makes me roll my eyes and turn away.

“I’m going to go check on Mikayla and the two teams fighting against one another in the gym,” I announce.

“Ah. I’ll come,” Wyatt suggests.

“Wait, Cyrus. You good?”

I pause to glance over my shoulder to see Wyatt nod to Leo.

“Yeah, I’m alright. I’ll… um, explain things to you in detail a little later,” Wyatt offers.

“How about tonight?” Leo suggests and leans over to glance my way. “Mack. Can you make time tonight with Armani?”

“Uh, sure.” I’m pretty positive the guys don’t have practice tonight because they want to watch how the Vipers do with their first game. “I doubt the guys are going to celebrate tonight with the news about the contracts and advances, so…”

“Huh? What’s wrong with that? Did the Pincers get lowballed?”

“Not necessarily lowballed. Not really sure since we haven’t heard how the Vipers did in terms of their advances, but Winchester got the highest advance and a three-year deal that secures his position and future career with the Toronto Maple Leafs,” I explain.

“Wait. He didn’t vouch for the entire team?” Wyatt sounds baffled.

“Nope. Worried only about himself. The team isn’t very pleased about it, but they’re trying to act like it isn’t hurting them,” I reveal from my observation from earlier.

“Of course, it’s hurting them,” Leo scoffs. “Most of the Pincers are poor, man. Literally one or two exceptions. They may act like they’re well off, but most grew up in the poorest areas of Strattonville and were sponsored into playing hockey as a government initiative. The fact they got into such an opportunity is a privilege I think many of them are grateful for, even if they don’t show it. The fact Winchester would ignore that and save himself is rather insulting, if you ask me. He’s the captain of the team. He should know better.”

“That’s just Winchester for you,” I conclude. If we waste our time trying to figure him out, we’d stand here all day. “Thanks for your help, Leo. Greatly appreciate it.”

“Anytime, Mack. I got you.”

“Thanks, man,” Wyatt states and bows his head in gratitude. “I owe you one.”

“It’s all good. Get going. We’ll see each other tonight if plans go well.”

With an exchange of goodbyes, Wyatt and I are about to enter the gym.

“You sure you’re okay?” I ask for clarification.

“I’m fine, Xandra,” he assures me and reaches out to give my left hand a squeeze. “Thanks for caring.”

I pout my lips while giving him a side eye, my eyes lowering to our joined hands.

“You forgot to ask,” I mutter and lightly tug my hand away. I catch onto the way the corner edges of his lips curl upward.

“Sorry,” he apologizes, but I know he’s thrilled by my assertiveness.

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