Page 127 of Game Misconduct

“Jesse got a text from my ma this morning. You all remember Harper from the Make-A-Wish Day, yeah?”

Tanner called out a “yes” and so did the rest of the team. She was the sweetest little girl. Even if she did like Crawford best.

“Well, she was taken to the hospital last night.”

“Oh no,” Tanner muttered, other guys echoing that.

“She’s okay!” Connor assured them. “But she had to have her pacemaker replaced.”

“Oh shit. That’s scary,” Tanner said and a couple of guys around him, Luke included, nodded.

“There’s gonna be a meeting at O’Neill’s Pub this evening about it. The SAPs are organizing it.”

“I guess Brie and Krista were hanging out last night,” Jesse added. “They were having dinner when Brie got the call about Harper. Krista and Mandy, along with Mrs. O, are organizing something to help Brie and Harper out.”

“Is it like a fundraiser?” Graham asked. “Because I’d be happy to donate.”

Jesse shrugged. “Not sure yet. I think it’s also about getting them help with, like … meals after they’re home from the hospital and then babysitting and stuff.”

“I’ll be there!” Tanner promised and a bunch of other guys said the same.

Connor wandered over a few minutes later. “Think you can make it tonight?”

Tanner looked up, confused, wondering why Connor was asking him. He’d already said yes, hadn’t he? But he realized Connor was staring at Crawford.

“Yeah, of course,” Crawford said. He was down to base layers now too.

“Good.” Connor slapped his shoulder, then frowned. “Shit, I wonder if we should invite Sebastian too. I know you’re not a big fan, but …”

“He should be there,” Crawford agreed.

“Hopefully Krista can pass that message along to him.”

“I’ll tell him when I see him at the hospital later,” Crawford offered.

Connor’s frown deepened. “Oh, you’re going to go to see Harper? That’s nice of you. Do you need the info about where they are? I could probably get it from?—”

“I was at the hospital with them last night,” Crawford said, his voice all gruff.

“Wait, what?” Connor asked.

Tanner frowned too, confused.

“I was at the hospital with Sebastian and Harper and Brie last night. I was with Sebastian yesterday when Harper collapsed,” he explained.

Tanner gaped at his D-partner and the locker room went suspiciously quiet.

“Yeah, Luke and Sebastian are a thing,” Jesse said as he walked by. “Right?”

Tanner’s mind went on the fritz, the hamster in his head coming to a complete stop, and Connor made a weird sputtering noise. “I’m sorry.What?”

Jesse shrugged. “Maybe I’m wrong but …”

“Nah, you’re right.” Crawford reached up to rub his neck. “We’re, uh, dating.”

“What thefuck??” Tanner said.Because what the absolute fuck?“No fucking way. I thought you were dating Brie!”

“Nope.” Crawford smiled. “Her brother.”