Page 93 of The Tryout
Novak nods.
“You know, I don’t think Finn has been missed by many people. You should probably tell him. It would…I think he would like to know.”
I purse my lips together, wondering if I’m imagining the subtext in this conversation. At the same time, even without subtext, Novak is right – I don’t think Finn’s had a lot of really good friends in his life. Finally, I nod.
“I might…go, if that’s okay? I’ve got a phone call I want to make.”
Novak gives me a small, crooked smile.
“I think that’s a good idea.”
When I get back to the apartment, it’s late, but not that late. The Lansing game had been an early one, and the girls’ bedtime had meant my time with the Novaks wasn’t that long, either. Still, I’m guessing an NHL schedule is brutal. I pull out my phone and send a text.
Avery Lawson 9:40 PM
You awake?
It feels cliché, but I’m not sure what else to say.
Finn Murphy 9:43 PM
Yes?
Biting the bullet, I pull up FaceTime and start a video call.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
FINN
I accept Avery’s call and feel a pang of loneliness when I see his face. He’s on the couch – our couch – and it makes my bed here feel even bigger and emptier.
“Hey. Nice game tonight.”
His eyebrows scrunch at my obvious lie.
“No it wasn’t.”
I press my lips together. He’s right – it wasn’t.
“I mean, it was better than the Rockport game.”
His eyes roll, although there’s a small smile at the corner of his mouth.
“You been watching my games, Murphy?”
I bite my bottom lip, worried I’ve given too much away. But Avery doesn’t seem to mind.
“I’ve been watching yours, too, you know. You look good, fitting right in on that third line.”
I blush, happy to hear that he watched.
“Zimmerman seems to be doing better. They’re giving him some ice time tomorrow, seeing how the muscle holds up. If he’s good, I’ll be coming home.”
His face looks conflicted.
“What?”
“I think they’re dumb to send you back so quick.”
