Page 77 of Taking Sides

“You know, if she stays at Moonshot High a few more years, Aidan might have her as a coach,” Galaxy says.

“They could use the help on offense,” D-Low says.

“They’re having a tough run this season, but they’re a good team.” I struggle to tamp back my defensiveness. I know how hard Whitney works and how badly she wants for her team to succeed.

“So how will it work if you two keep hanging out?” Hannah speaks up. She smiles at me while she waits for my answer.

“What do you mean?” I call by tossing a chip into the middle.

“Are you going to pretend her brother doesn’t exist forever? What if things get serious?”

Again, everyone is looking at me expectantly.

“I liked it better when you were all grilling Trav and Nick,” I mutter. My face grows warm.

They all laugh and the tightness in my chest loosens.

I don’t know what is going to happen, but I hope I get to spend a lot more time with Whitney before her brother ever becomes an issue.

TWENTY

I’m fried by the end of school on Wednesday. I have extensive notes for the teacher subbing for my classes the next two days, but I’m still anxious about leaving. I give my classroom one last look, then head out and lock the door behind me.

Is it weird I’m going to miss this place? I’ve never felt such a strong purpose as waking up every day to come here to teach and coach.

Grady’s heading toward the ice as I get to the rink.

“There are a couple of big boxes for you in the office. They were delivered today.” He wears a quizzical look. “Did we order something and I already forgot?”

“No. I don’t think so. Are you sure they’re addressed to me?”

“Positive.”

I think back, racking my brain for what it could be. “Maybe the custodial staff has started sending the disinfectant and air freshener directly to the rink.”

Grady chuckles softly. “It’s a big box but maybe still not quite enough to do the job.”

I head to the office to find out for myself. I come up short in the doorway. Grady said the boxes were big, but these are comically large. For one, they’re as tall as I am and two . . . I can barely budge them.

Through the wall I can hear a few of the boys in the locker room still getting ready for practice. I yell out to whoever is there, “Can I get a hand in the office?”

It takes all my strength to pull one of the boxes out into the hallway.

“Whoa.” Landon comes up short when he sees the giant box.

“Can you help me lay this flat so I can open it?”

“Yeah.” He jumps to action, moving to the other side. Together, we drop it onto its side. The box is now blocking my path to the office.

“I forgot to grab scissors,” I say.

Landon gives me a half grin, then climbs over the box.

“Middle drawer,” I say to him as I scan the label. The return address says it’s from Moonshot Hockey. I’m more confused than ever. Did Conrad send me a giant bouquet of sunflowers? I smile at the prospect. I wouldn’t put it past him.

“Here you go.” Landon holds out the scissors to me.

“Thanks.” Anticipation and excitement bubble to the surface as I cut the shipping tape on both sides, then move the blade down the center of the long box. I glance once more at Landon before I open it. I can’t picture Conrad sending me something inappropriate to the school, but I suddenly wish I didn’t have an audience.