Page 84 of Taking Sides
Me
Yes.
I leave out that I spent most of the past two days curled up on the couch with my brother’s dog, a pile of blankets, and enough junk food for a cross-country road trip.
Me
Plans tonight?
Conrad
Not sure yet. What time is your dinner?
Me
Seven. Assuming my dad doesn’t cancel again. He hasn’t shown up at the game.
Conrad
Sorry.
Me
If he does, I’m ordering myself a pizza and eating it in bed with Bella.
Conrad
Jealous.
For the next two periods, I bounce between watching the action on the ice while cheering on my brother and texting Conrad. We’re trying to make plans for next week when I’m back in Moonshot, but so far one or both of us has a conflict Monday through Wednesday.
Me
What about Thursday?
My text goes unanswered through the third period. Houston loses by two and Victor skates off the ice with a frustrated grimace. Dad didn’t show up, but he hasn’t sent any dinner cancellation messages either.
I head down to the family waiting area for Victor. He’s the first one out, wearing the same dress pants and button-up shirt from earlier, but the collar is loose.
“Hey,” I say. “Tough game.”
He grunts. “Is Dad here?”
I shake my head.
“Well, at least he didn’t see that in person.” A muscle in his cheek flexes as he tightens his jaw.
“Want me to drive to the restaurant?”
He tosses me his keys.
“Wow. Really?”
He hates letting anyone else drive his precious Aston Martin.
“I’m too tired to care if you crash it.”
I snort. “I’m not going to crash.”
