Page 81 of Rise Above

“Broken wrist. Four weeks in a cast, minimum. Rest

it, and I can be back by late November.”

Coach sighed. “Fuck. Look, there’s another reason

for my call.”

That did not sound good. I gulped, trying to not let

my anxiety get the better of me. My heart pounded, leaping into my throat. “I know there’s a good chance you might move me down the line…”

“Son, it’s more than hockey.” His voice held such a

serious note that it sobered me from the pain medications.

Fear flashed through my mind and body. Shivers

ran up and down my spine. I could feel a tingle in my throat. Was I off the team? Was I losing my career? Sucking in a breath, I quieted the voices that were clanging around in my brain.

“How serious?”

“The NHL commissioner wants to meet with you.

Last night’s incident has made a number of waves. We want good press, and the commissioner and president are extremely unhappy right now. The Hammers owner will be there too.”

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My eyes widened in shock, and my shoulders

immediately tensed. This was an extremely big deal, massive. “Coach…” I didn’t even know what I was going to say.

“You are not in trouble, Walker. Fans are pissed.

We damn near had a riot when you puked on the ice, and Zeke almost got an assault case. There are going to be hefty fines and penalties doled out to both teams. It’s not just the other team in trouble here, Talon. Have you even looked at the news?”

“Honestly, no.”

I couldn’t tell Coach that I was afraid to. The idea

of watching my public humiliation on screen wasn’t exactly appealing. I had vomited on live TV. That was embarrassing enough; I really didn’t need to relieve that.

“You should, Walker. It ain’t pretty, in the slightest.

It’s not just Hammers fans that are upset. Shit, even CNN has got a hold of it.”

I blanched. “This made national news?” Well, that

was one sure way to shoot the progress I’d made in regard to my anxiety in the foot. My heart raced, my breathing shallowing the longer we spoke.

“Yes. I know you probably don’t want to hear that,

but it did. Football broadcasters have even weighed in. ESPN is running with it. Point is, I need you at the arena ASAP.”

“Sure, Coach. I’ll get there as quick as I can.” My

world felt numb. This was turning into a huge ordeal and all over a cheap shot from an irate player. My stomach was completely twisted in knots. Overwhelming grief hit me as 179