Page 20 of So This Is War
She pauses and lifts away from me to look me in the eyes. “That’s your question?”
“Yes,” I groan. “Someone is eating it, and I didn’t get to have my pre-game sandwich today and I think it made me sluggish. I rely on that sandwich.”
“Bologna is terrible for you. How many times have we gone over this?”
“Bologna is my savior. Wait . . .” I look at her. “Is it you? Are you taking my bologna away because you think it’s bad for me, therefore you’re eliminating it from my diet? That’s really something we should discuss, Grace, before you start taking my bologna. Don’t you think?”
“I’m not taking your freaking bologna, Posey. I might think it’s terrible for you, but I understand the importance of rituals. I wouldn’t mess with that.”
“So then who is taking my bologna?”
“You just got a gash in the head, and that’s what you’re worried about?” she asks.
“Yes, because I don’t get hurt. But I didn’t have a bologna sandwich today, so maybe that’s the reason.”
Grace shakes her head as she finishes. “That’s not the reason, but nice try. Okay, you’re all set. Do not touch the tape, as you know, and wash your face with a washcloth. See me tomorrow so I can look at it.”
I hop off the bench and grab my jersey. “Thanks, Grace.”
“Not a problem,” she says. “And hey, if you ever need to talk, I’m here.”
I offer her a smile and then head into the locker room just as the guys start filtering in, smiles on their faces. We secured the win.
“How’s the head?” Eli asks as he walks by me.
“Fine,” I answer. “All bandaged up.”
“You looked stunned out there on the ice. Everything okay?” he asks.
“Yup. Everything is fine,” I answer. “Just have a headache.”
“Posey,” Coach calls out from the entry of the locker room. “Ten minutes, my office.”
Jesus, can’t give a guy a goddamn second?
I nod, but he’s gone before he even sees me agreeing.
“What’s that about?” Eli asks.
“Meeting his daughter, who is going to be my assistant.”
“Wood’s daughter is going to be your assistant?” Eli asks. “Dude, how did that happen?”
“Wait, you knew he had a daughter?”
“Everyone knows he has a daughter.”
“Not everyone,” I mumble. “But anyway, he knew I didn’t have an assistant, and his daughter was looking for some experience.” It’s not a total lie. “Could be nice.”
“So clearly, you’ve never met her,” he says.
“No.” I take off my skates and pads, being careful of my head. “Have you?”
“Yeah. Penny introduced me once.” Eli smirks. “Dude, you have your work cut out for you.”
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“You’ll see.” He chuckles, then nods toward the showers. “Better wash up. Wood doesn’t like it when you’re late.”
