Page 29 of Wicked Truths
“Yeah, just peachy.” I mumble as I step onto the ice.
He shakes his head. “Well, whatever it is that’s bothering you needs to be shoved to the back of your mind for the next few hours. The press is here today to do a story on the team and how well they think we will do this season.”
“Probably horrible, just like last season.”
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Hell, it’d be a surprise if we end the year with a winning season.
I’d probably die if we actually made it to the playoffs.
“Don’t be like that, man. We have a lot of great talent on the team.”
The team files out of the tunnel, with half of them taking the benches. Glancing over, I see Rookie smirking about something he just said.
I raise my voice so the players on the benches can hear.
“We have our first game in just eight days and we aren’t playing like we’re ready. But then again, if the rookies would get their heads out of their asses and pay more attention to the game and not to the new employees, we could have a shot this year.”
Chase Williams shoots me a glare before turning to the guy next to him.
Gage chuckles and whispers, “You’re going to have to deal with that later. Much later though, not when cameras are around. And by that, I mean both Williams and Francesca.”
I shake my head. “Fuck the media. There isn’t anything they could say that I haven’t thought of already. Our team isn’t vibing like we once did and no amount of practice is going to fix that.”
He pulls me further away from the benches and lowers his voice so only I can hear him.
“Then what do you suggest? You, Reed, and Marino walk out of practice all the time with no explanation, like you’re all in on some shit. I’m one ofyour closest friends and I don’t even know what’s going on in your life anymore. The team can’t rely on you as our captain.”
He sighs and cracks his knuckles. “Look, I was there for you after Francesca left two years ago, and I’ll be here for you now that she’s back. But if you want the team to be better, then you’re going to have to take some responsibility for how they’re acting.”
I slowly nod as my gaze makes its way to Williams. “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I wish I could tell you more, but I can’t. I have some shit I have to take care of, but when and if I can talk about it, I’ll find you.”
That’s the downfall of being in the mafia. Sure, people might know and speculate about the Marinos, but if we don’t speak about it, then we can’t be charged with anything unless they have solid proof.
They never do, though, so it stays a mystery for most of the community. Only those that need to know about our operations, do.
Coach starts practice, but my mind is elsewhere. My heart just isn’t really in the game anymore. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind never playing another game again, except I love being on the ice.
I loved playing years ago, especially when Francesca would come to watch and support me, but over the past two years, it’s just become another reminder of the life I once wanted.
The life I was so close to having.
Rookie laughs like a hyena at something he justheard from his line mate before yelling out, “No way! Really?”
The other players know better than to encourage the gossip and drama, but they don’t correct him. They let him keep making jokes like we aren’t days away from our home opener.
Like I’m not Francesca’s ex.
That’s alright, let him dig his hole deeper and deeper.
He’ll get what is coming.
Coach slams his clipboard down on the railing and barks out, “Williams, shut the fuck up and get on the ice, or I’ll have you doing drills for the rest of today’s practice. Your choice.”
Rookie stakes by me in a blur before turning around and stopping a foot away. Cold ice sprays in my face, and I hear several teammates gasp.
“What do you want, asshole?” I growl out.
“So, I heard through the vine that the new Director of Public Relations is free meat for the choosing. You’re best friends with Marino. What’s his sister like?”