Page 234 of Cross Check

GRANT

MARCH, ONE SEASON AGO

Me

I have a team dinner tonight. Can I see you after?

AG

Yes please!

Me

Use your key and come by whenever.

AG

Maybe I’ll send you a picture that will motivate you to get home faster.

Me

Don’t torture me, baby. It’s been a week since I last saw you, and I’m holding on by a thread.

AG

But teasing you is so fun.

Me

Fine. Send all the photos you want, but know I’m going to retaliate later.

AG

Can’t wait to see what tricks you have up your sleeve!

“I need to give you a trophy for knocking out Brady Williams.” Ethan scoops a serving of lasagna on his plate. “Best thing I’ve seen all year.”

“Why do you hate him?” I ask.

“The list is too long. He used to make fun of me. I was the punchline of all of his jokes. Some of the things he’s said about women—his ex-wife in particular—are disgusting as hell.”

“He do you mean he made fun of you? I didn’t realize you two knew each other off the ice.”

“We went to rival high schools in Canada, then he was at BU while I was at BU. I had to see his dumb ass more than I wanted to. I wasn’t a great student. It was hard for me to focus—still is—and I have—had—a hard time with numbers and things. He called me stupid because I needed extra time on tests.” Ethan’s cheeks turn red, and I’ve never seen my best friend blush before. “It sucked.”

“Stupid?” I drop the tongs. Fresh rage pounds in my blood, and I want to punch Williams all over again. “Ethan. What a fucking ableist thing for that asshole to say. You know that’s not true, right? You’re not stupid at all. You’re one of the smartest guys I know.”

“Thanks, G. I’m not, but it’s no big deal. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and school was never my jam. At least I have more Stanley Cups than him. His team sucks.” Ethan shrugs. “What did he say to you to get you fired up?”

“You’re right about the way he talks about women. It’s sick. He was chirping and saying shit that has no place on the ice.” I finish filling my plate and scowl. “I doubt I taught him a lesson, but it was fun to see him cry.”

“I’m going to turn you into a fighter so we can sit in the penalty box together.”

“No one needs to sit in the penalty box,” Hudson says.

“Okay, Dad. I know you’re taking over Mav’s captain spot next year, but a little leniency on the number of punches I’m allowed to throw would be nice.” Ethan rolls his eyes. “We can’t all be saints like you, Huddy Boy.”

“I’m not against punches. Some people deserve them.” Our alternate captain fills his glass and leads us to the dining room where the rest of the team is. “Brady Williams is one of those people.”