Page 92 of Rule Breaker

I’d been ignoring any calls I didn’t recognize. Four in the last two weeks alone.

Maddox: Shit, not this again. What does he want?

Daniel: They’ve finalized the paperwork

Maddox: I don’t want anything of his. Nothing.

Daniel: You’re the sole beneficiary

Maddox: It makes me sick to even think about it

Daniel: You can donate most of it, but you have to deal with it

Maddox: Most of it? All of it.

Daniel: You can do whatever you want with it. But you need to deal with the lawyer. Email him back if you don’t want to talk on the phone… On a lighter note, how’s school? hockey? I read about your latest win. You guys are on fire.

Maddox: It’s really good. Things are better.

Daniel: And the teammate you were rooming with on the road, Kayden? How’s that going?

If only Daniel knew.

Maddox: He and I are good

I paused, unsure if I should tell Daniel all of it. Fuck it.

Maddox: More than good

Daniel: You mean…

Maddox: I’ve learned a lot in the past few months. And I’m not talking about school. Turns out, I’m gay.

Daniel: So, you and Kayden are dating?

Maddox: Yeah. But we’re keeping it a secret. And don’t even start. Nothing you say is gonna change my mind.

Daniel: I know that. But be careful.

Maddox: Careful is for middle age

Daniel: Ouch. Well, you know where to find me if the shit hits the fan. Or the ice.

Maddox: Thanks

Daniel: Are you coming home for your next break? We always have a place for you.

Maddox: I’m not sure yet. But I’ll let you know.

Daniel: Okay, take care. TTYL

I threw my phone aside, stretched out on my bed, and stared up at the ceiling.

Go upstairs and see if he’s in his room.

I hated waiting around, so I got up and reached for my black hoodie when there was a knock at my door. When I wrenched it open, there was Kayden, backpack clutched tightly to his chest, looking fidgety as hell.

“You okay?” I asked, concerned.