Page 84 of Icing Hearts

The line rings four times before there’s an answer.

“Hello, Chief,” I say by way of greeting, after Coach said there’s something I need to tell the chief and that we’re both in trouble.

“Amato?”

“Yup.”

“Yes, sir,” he corrects.

I let out a sardonic laugh. “Not a chance. Actually, the fact that I’m not blasting you right now is pretty damn respectful so be grateful for what you get.”

“Is Clara there?”

“I’m here,” she says. Her voice is small and shaking, and I want to strangle him through the phone for breaking her so thoroughly.

The chief’s gruff voice barks out, “Amato. Take me off speaker.”

I comply.

“I’ll start by telling you nothing happened. I’m being honest about that. But Coach found Clara and I together.”

“I thought I was clear about you staying away from her.”

“You were. I didn’t listen.”

“You know what that means don’t you?” he growls menacingly, and I’m glad he’s not on speaker phone anymore.

“Look, when we get back, you and I are gonna have a chat to clear the air. I’m gonna hang up now, Chief. Don’t bother calling Clara. She’ll speak to you when she gets back.”

Clara leaves and in her absence, Coach attempts to lay down the law.

“You two are not to be alone for the duration of this trip.”

“I won’t agree to that.”

“It’s not up for debate, Amato. I’m your coach,” he seethes.

“Absolutely. And on the ice, I’ll defer to your authority. But to be honest, this is a complex situation, and she needs me right now.”

“What’s the situation?”

“I can’t tell you, Coach.”

“Oh, I’ve heard kids say crap like that before.”

“You don’t have to believe me. Doesn’t change a thing.”

“Just because your family paid for this tournament doesn’t me you can walk all over me.”

“I’m not. I’m setting a boundary. And I’m doing it respectfully.”

“You’re benched for the next game for violating curfew rules.”

“I understand.”

Concussion—missed games. This—missing games. For Clara? Worth it. So, I walk out with my head held high.

Chapter 52

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