Page 15 of Pucking Bad Boys

Once our medicals are concluded, Coach Harrison ushers me and Nigel into the gym, where our new teammates are having a conditioning session.

It’s kinda nice to have a familiar face with me even though Nigel Worthing is a senior, so we weren’t exactly close last year.

The second we enter the weight room, my brother is the first person I spot.

He’s about to sit on a bench with our goalie, Tucker Prescott, ready to spot him.

I’m still searching for the right words to greet him when Prescott comes to offer me his hand to shake.

“Welcome to Star Cove, Shayba. We’re a family here, and I hope we can all help you to feel at home.”

His friendly smile makes me immediately feel better. “Thanks, man. It means a lot. I’m honored to play with you. You’re the best goalie in the NCAA, hands down.”

I mean every word. Prescott will do great things, just like my brother.

Mack doesn’t say one word. He watches my interaction with Tucker with that intensity he’s always had where hockey is concerned.

Having Tucker’s endorsement opens the floodgates, and all the other guys come to welcome me and Nigel.

I’m grateful for Tucker’s support. The relationship between Cove Knights and Bridgeport Tigers has always been tense at best. We were the closest Division One team geographically, and the rivalry between the two teams has always burned bright.

At least until last year, when we had to deal with so much uncertainty and turmoil that we had the most disastrous season in the history of the team. It’s sad that it ended up being the team’s last season, too.

And now here I am, exactly where I vowed I would never put myself again, at least not by my own choice. In my brother’s shadow.

After everyone shakes my hand, there are no other distractions left to avoid facing him.

His eyes land on me, from the weight bench he’s still straddling.

We stare at each other for a few tensions charged seconds, and then I’m the first one to cave, like it’s always been.

“Mack,” I bite out.

“Becks.” He responds right on cue.

I can feel everyone’s eyes on us. “Do you need any help to move in?” He blinks a couple of times, thrown by my question. “Come again?”

“The apartment Dad rented us right off-campus. It’s for both of us.”

“Nah,” Mack doesn’t look me in the eye. “I have a room at the Gamma House. I’m the team captain this year, and most of the team lives there. You should consider it.”

Yeah, no. “I didn’t pledge any fraternity last year, so…”

“It isn’t too late to pledge this year.” He says.

That’s probably the last thing I’d do. As a pledge, I would be on the lowest rung of the pecking order. I’m not looking for another way to let my brother have the upper hand on me.

“I’m new here. I prefer to have my own space while I get my bearings in town.”

“Even more reason to join. You’ll get to know everyone much faster. Like Tucker said, this team is like a big, extended family.”

That’s exactly what I’m worried about. Another family where Mack is the golden child and I’m always trying to live up to his glory. “Thanks, but I’m all settled.”

If I expected Mack to put up more of a fight about it, I’d be surprised when he doesn’t.

I’m not sure if I’m more relieved or disappointed about it.

“Ok. But you’re coming to every post-game party. It’s mandatory.”