Page 99 of Crease Collision

Finally, Holmer ends the misery. His expression is one of profound disappointment.

“Feeling okay, Kai?” he asks.

“Little slow this morning, Coach. That’s all.”

“You and everyone else.” He looks around and shakes his head. “Scrimmage is over, boys. Get your asses on the bikes and sweat it out before you leave.” He finds McKay and points at him. “If you ever miss a pass that easy again, you’re buying dinner for the team and coaching staff.”

McKay, who drank the most, races off the ice looking very green.

All the way home, I wonder why I talked everyone into going out. Then I remember Jace’s disappearing message: Has anyone else noticed how grouchy Kai is? I think he’s missing Olofsson.

Shit.

I’m up early the next morning, too wired to stay in, so I walk from Chelsea to Soho and back. My phone buzzes when I’m drying off after a hot shower. The bathroom clock reads 10:03.

NICO: Let’s play basketball today. Packy and I made reservations at the courts on 19th for 2:00. Afterward, you can come to our place and hang out. Dinner’s on us. Usual suspects are coming. Can we count on you?

As much as I’d like to work off some stress and chill with the boys, I’m not sure. If I go, it will be another week before I see Ozzy.

I could invite him along. The “usual suspects” are our friend group, and I’ve already told them Ozzy and I hang out. But if they’re suspicious we’re doing more, bringing him would only make things worse.

Better to think this through. I couldn’t sign him up without asking, anyway.

KAI: Can I let you know in a couple of hours? Need to check on something.

NICO: Sure. Can you tell us by 12?

KAI: Yes. Thanks.

I water the plants, clean the bathroom, and look at my phone. It’s 10:59, but Ozzy didn’t get home until the middle of the night. If I don’t hear from him by noon, I’ll call.

I sit down with my LEGO, but it’s tough to focus with so much going on in my head. My nerves have been frayed into live wires under my skin. Playing basketball would burn some of it off. After that, I’ll be able to think more clearly and get my thoughts together. That will be a lot better than ruining the day by acting weird around Ozzy.

Damn it.

I pick up my phone and send two messages. The first goes to Nico.

KAI: I’ll meet you at the courts at 2. Thanks for the invite.

The next one goes to Ozzy.

KAI: I’m so sorry, but the guys invited me to something this afternoon, and I said yes before I thought it through. Dinner’s involved, so I don’t know how long I’ll be tied up. I hate to do this, but could we put off getting together until next weekend? I’ll be back Saturday afternoon.

I have time to make a cup of chamomile tea before my phone buzzes.

OZZY: I was in the shower. Is everything okay with you guys?

KAI: Nothing’s wrong. Just them being them.

He starts typing, but then the bubbles disappear. Over the next couple of minutes, he starts and stops several times before a message finally comes through.

OZZY: That sucks. I’m sorry it has to eat up your free day. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you, so I’m really disappointed. But I understand team things are important.

Fuck.

I feel awful. Because he’s disappointed, and he’s trying not to make me feel worse. And because I’m so fucking confused.

But I can’t let him see me when my head is like this. I don’t want to ruin things, and if he starts asking what’s wrong, I might tell him.