Chapter 21

21

MABEL

As if things aren’t bad enough, the next day I get a DM on Instagram… from Julian. I blocked him everywhere else but not Instagram because he was never on Instagram. But he is now. I should have known.

Julian

Mabel we need to talk. You’re acting like a child.

I have no intention of replying.

Another message follows:

Julian

This isn’t over between us and if you don’t talk to me you’ll be sorry.

I stare at my phone and read that message again. And again. My heart bumps against my breastbone.

I’m alone here in the condo. I don’t think Julian knows where I am. He just found me on social media. The building has good security. But still, adrenaline spikes through my veins.

“You fucking asshole,” I whisper. I read the threat in his words.

How hard would it be for him to find me? I don’t think my parents or Marek have told him where I am, but staying with Marek has to be something he’s considered. He doesn’t know Marek’s address; we never visited Marek here. All he knows is New Jersey. But Marek is somewhat famous and if he wanted to, Julian could probably find him.

That can’t happen.

I have to leave.

How the hell am I supposed to do that? I need a job to get an apartment. The process is frustratingly slow but I’ve been feeling positive that eventually I’m going to get the job I want. But Julian can’t find me here. The tone of his message is unmistakably threatening. I never feared him physically… but maybe I should. And I definitely don’t want Marek and Ben caught up this. This is my problem, not theirs.

I need to move farther away.

Gah. It’s been hard enough doing this, never mind moving to Alaska or something. Alaska would be a good place, though.

No.

I don’t know.

I rub the spot between my eyebrows where it throbs. I’m not thinking straight. I don’t know what to do.

I have an interview at Newark Public Library. The job is at one of the smaller branches as branch manager and children’s librarian. That sounds like an enticing combination of responsibilities. I don’t have a ton of experience to move into a managerial position, but for the salary they’re offering, they’re not going to get people with a lot of experience.

I may not even be staying here, but I don’t want to bail on an opportunity, so I go in optimistic and enthusiastic.

After, I go to the Hargrave Center where the Storm are having their morning skate. Ben said I could get a ride home with him and Marek.

Security allows me into the arena and the team is still on the ice so I make my way to behind the benches. There are a bunch of media guys sitting a few rows up and on the other side a group of kids watch.

I immediately seek out Ben.

Before my own brother.

It’s like I’m back in high school.

I shake my head as I watch the guys shoot the puck at Ford in net. Then I squint as I watch Ben behind the net. Ford’s knees are bent, feet wide as he watches Marek skate in on him with the puck, but I clap a hand to my mouth as Ben dislodges the net and moves it to the side. Marek shoots the puck into the net easily since Ford’s not even in front of it. I can’t stop the giggles as Ford realizes what’s happening and smacks his stick on the ice. But I can see his grin behind his mask.

“Nice move, Benny,” Cale Skinner calls. A bunch of guys skate around Ben and pat him on the helmet and I hear more laughter. Ben’s smile flashes and he taps Ford’s pads with his stick.

I didn’t know Ben was such a jokester. And the guys are all laughing and easy with him.

I love it.

They get back to more serious work, flying up the ice and rifling the puck at the net one after the other. One of the coaches blows his whistle and beckons for them to join him at the boards. I can’t hear what’s being said, but they’re all listening intently.

The last few games have been a big improvement over earlier in the season. Even over last month. Since that day that Ben blew up at the team, they’ve won seven out of nine games, and one loss was in overtime. Even after the accident involving Carson and his family, they went on to win their next game. In fact, they crushed the Bears, apparently taking out their emotions on the other team. Ben told me after that he talked to the guys before the game in the dressing room about winning it for Alfie. And they did.

Tonight the Golden Eagles are in town and I’m coming to the game.

I watch the rest of the morning skate and smile as the guys leave the ice, joking around and laughing. It’s good to see them happy and relaxed. Ben and Marek were both pretty down about how things were going a month ago.

Ben sees me and lifts a gloved hand. I wave back. Some of the other guys wave at me, too. I feel like these guys are my friends. I like that.

I don’t want to leave here.