Breaking The Ice

CHAPTER 9

Riley POV

The diner was exactly what I imagined a college town diner should be. Red leather booths. Black-and-white checkered floors.

Neon signs advertising milkshakes and burgers and fries. The smell of grilled onions, fresh fries, and coffee hung in the air while old rock music drifted from the speakers overhead. Coach Reynolds had disappeared the second we'd arrived, muttering something about "not babysitting adults.” Gray had immediately claimed that meant we were "officially unsupervised.”

Connor disagreed. "It means Coach doesn't want to witness whatever stupidity you're about to do.” Gray looked offended. "You have so little faith in me.” Tyler walked past carrying three baskets of fries, ending their conversation.

I slid into the end of one of the long booths beside Tyler while Easton took the seat across from me. Connor and Gray squeezed in opposite us, somehow already arguing over the last onion rings before anyone had even ordered. "Those are mine.” Conner grumbled. "They're on my plate.” Gray defended. "You stole my plate.” Conner shot back. "I rescued abandoned food.” Gray retorted. "There are literally no abandoned onion rings.” Gray popped one into his mouth anyway.

Connor sighed. "I hope you choke.” Conner grumbled again. "I'd still die happy.” Gray said with a mouthful of onion. "You need professional help.” Conner enlightened him. "I've been told that. By three different people. Today.” He said proudly and everyone laughed.

The waitress walked over with a smile. "Looks like the hockey team survived.” "Barely," Tyler answered. She laughed. "The usual?” She asks. "The usual.” half the table replied at once. She scribbled something on her notepad before looking at me. "You must be Riley.” I blinked. "How do you know that?” She smiled knowingly. "The whole town knows."

Gray leaned toward me dramatically. "You're famous.” He informed me. "I don't want to be famous.” I retorted. "Too late.” Tyler pointed toward the television mounted above the counter. The local sports channel was replaying highlights from the exhibition game. My assist to Connor flashed across the screen. “...Oh." I groaned, my cheeks heating up.

Gray grinned. "I expect autographs after dessert.” I buried my face in my hands. "I hate all of you.” I said a bit muffled through my fingers. "No, you don't," Connor said. He was right, I really didn't.

Luckily, the food arrived fifteen minutes later and the conversation bounced from hockey to classes to terrible professors. Apparently every player had a horror story. "I had Professor Daniels for economics.” Lucas said. "He failed me.” He added and Connor looked confused. “because you skipped every lecture.” Conner informed. "I attended emotionally.” Tyler nearly choked on his drink. Gray nodded thoughtfully. "I respect that.” Gray said. "You would.” Conner shot back in good humour. "I almost passed.”

"You got twenty-three percent.” Conner told him incredulously. "It was a strong twenty-three.” The laughter around the table made my stomach hurt. Not from the food. From laughing harder than I had in months. For the first time since arriving at Wolf Ridge… I wasn't calculating every word before I spoke wondering if I belonged. I was simply… Enjoying myself.

"So, Bennett.” I looked up. Gray had that look again. The dangerous one. "Oh no.” I mumbled. "Oh yes.” Connor groaned. "Leave her alone.”Conner said, trying to save me. "I am including her.” He looked back at me. "Most embarrassing hockey moment.” I narrowed my eyes. “Why?" "Because everyone has one.” Tyler sighed. "Unfortunately, he's right.” Easton pointed at Gray. "You first."

Gray smiled confidently. "I've never been embarrassed.” The entire table stared at him. Connor laughed. "Tell her about the mascot.” Gray's confidence disappeared. "We're not discussing the mascot.” Tyler grinned. "Oh, we're definitely discussing the mascot.” I looked between them. "What happened?” Gray sighed dramatically. "The mascot slipped on the ice.” Connor continued the story. "And Gray tried to catch him.” Tyler burst into laughter. "They both fell.” Lucas added, "Into the opposing team's bench.” I blinked. “...Seriously?" Easton nodded. "The video still gets played every year."

Gray pointed accusingly around the table. "I thought we were a family.” Connor smiled. "We are.” "Families keep secrets.” “No." Connor reached for another fry. "Families tell the story at every opportunity.” I couldn't stop laughing. Gray looked at me. "I hope you're happy.” He grumbled but there was no malice in his voice. "I really am.” He sighed. "Worth it."

Dinner stretched long after everyone had finished eating. Nobody seemed in a hurry to leave. Someone started talking about fantasy football. Gray insisted his strategy was "based entirely on vibes.” While Connor informed him that explained why he always lost. The debate continued for nearly ten minutes. I leaned back in my seat, smiling. "You okay?” Tyler's voice was quiet enough that only I heard it. “Yeah." I said honestly. "You've been smiling a lot.” He said. “Yeah I have, haven’t I?” I looked around the table. Gray was dramatically accusing Easton of stealing one of his fries. Connor was trying… and failing… not to laugh. Lucas had somehow become referee. Even Jaxon… I frowned.

"When did Jaxon get here?” Tyler looked toward the far end of the booth. "He came in while you were listening to Gray's tragic mascot story.” I followed his gaze. Jaxon sat beside Noah, quietly eating his burger while listening to the conversation around him. He wasn't saying much. But he wasn't sitting apart from the team either. Every now and then, the corner of his mouth twitched at something Gray said. It was strange. I'd always assumed silence meant distance. Now I realized… Jaxon wasn't distant. He just listened more than he talked.

As if sensing someone watching him, he looked up. Our eyes met across the table. For a heartbeat, neither of us looked away. Then Gray slammed both hands on the table. "I have an announcement!” Everyone jumped. Connor groaned. "I already hate it.” Gray stood up. "I have decided…” Gray began. "Oh, no.” Conner groaned. “…that Bennett has officially passed the Gray Test.” I blinked. "The... what?” I asked flabbergasted.

"The highly prestigious process by which I determine whether new teammates are acceptable.” Tyler rubbed a hand over his face. "That isn't a thing.” He said. ”It is now.” Gray said and pointed at me. “Congratulations." Gray said proudly. "What do I win?” I ask, smiling. "My friendship.” Connor laughed. "She's already got that.” Gray looked horrified. "You've been giving away free friendships?” I laughed. "I'll take it.” Gray beamed. "I knew you had excellent judgment."

Connor shook his head. "I cannot believe that worked.” He said. "It always works.” Gray said smugly. “No… It definitely doesn’t." The table dissolved into another round of laughter. I looked around at the faces surrounding me. A week ago… Every one of them had stared at me like I didn't belong. Now Gray was declaring me part of the team over burgers and fries. It was ridiculous. Completely ridiculous. And somehow… It meant more to me than I could put into words.

As everyone stood to leave, I slipped my hoodie over my shoulders and reached for the door. Before I could open it, someone reached it first. Jaxon. He pulled the door open and stepped aside. "Ladies first.” I raised an eyebrow. "I thought you hated that expression.” I said. “Oh, I do.” He admitted. "So why say it?” One corner of his mouth lifted. "I'm evolving.” I laughed softly as I walked past him. "Careful, Captain.” He looked genuinely confused. "Why?"

"If you keep changing this much…" I smiled over my shoulder. "...people might start thinking you're nice.” For the first time since I'd met him… Jaxon Hayes actually smiled. It was small but quick. Gone almost as soon as it appeared. But it was real. And somehow… Seeing it felt like winning another game.