Page 82 of The Switched-Up Playbook
I open my mouth to object then close it again. He’s actually right.
“Aw, so cute,” Marisol coos, settling on the armrest of the couch. “But I still have a lot of questions about hockey. First: Why does your warm-up routine consist of humping the ice?”
***
Congratulations
That last goal looked incredible
But I would’ve made that shot
I’m lying on my bed, stuffed with pizza. My eyes scan Xander’s old messages for the third time in a row. Until now, I didn’t even look at his texts from before Christmas. The corners of my mouth twitch with amusement when I go through the DMs he sent me directly after the swap. They read in his typical smart-aleck fashion—he even took a screenshot from the NCAA rule book.
But I don’t see anything about twins and doppelgängers there, so I delete it.
What are you talking about
Your assist to Zollweg in third period?
I would’ve made that goal
I snort at his answer, turning to my side. Three tiny pieces of damp confetti fall from my hair. I pinch one of them between my index and thumb, absent-mindedly turning it over while thinking of a good comeback.
Bold of you to say since you couldn’t even make your own goals
You didn’t give the assists for them
So you are saying you wouldn’t miss on my assists?
Didn’t miss a single one so far
I laugh at first, then break off the moment I realize he’s right. During both games I played as Nate, Xander didn’t miss even one of my passes.
So you watched my game?
It was on NESN
Very good background noise
Almost fell asleep
I snort at that answer, rolling my eyes.
Oh I’m sure you did! So you could dream about a hatty like that!
It takes a while for Xander to reply, and I almost worry I took it too far. Or maybe he started one of his boring history essays. The kind that put me to sleep when he talked about it after practice.
You told the reporter you were looking forward to playing with me
My cheeks flush hot at this one. So he also watched the post-game interviews. Falling asleep my ass! It was the first interview I gave after my injury. My gut twists with nerves when I think of the reporter sticking a microphone directly in my face while I was still panting from the game.
If I would end up playing for the Rebels. I said: IF.
Are you planning on going free agent?
I roll onto my back again, staring up at the ceiling. I definitely don’t plan on going free agent, but if the Rebels won’t come through with a contract, that is exactly what will happen. I don’t expect another NHL team to pick me up instead. My best bet would probably be a farm team then. Or maybe a European League?
I want neither of those.
