Breaking The Ice

CHAPTER 5

Riley POV

The next morning, I learned two things. First… College students apparently didn't believe in sleeping. Second… News traveled faster than a slingshot. The second I stepped out of my dorm building, conversations seemed to pause. Not completely but just enough for me to notice. "That's her.” Some girl whispered. "The hockey girl.” Said her friend. "She actually made the men's team?” She asked in shock. "I heard she scored yesterday.” Her friend told her. “But I heard the captain hates her.” She added.

Wonderful. I thought. I shoved my hands into the pockets of my hoodie and kept walking. I'd expected attention. I just hadn't expected it to happen overnight. Wolf Ridge wasn't exactly a small university and apparently that didn't matter when or where there was gossip to spread.

By the time I reached the student union, I'd already counted at least a dozen people staring. One girl smiled at me as I walked past. "Good luck this season.” She said brightly. I blinked. “Uhm...Thanks." I said and she grinned. "My little sister plays hockey.” That caught me off guard. "She does?” I asked. “When I spoke to her last night and told her about you, you kind of became her new hero now.” She said, bouncing excitedly on her feet. Before I could think of a response, she'd disappeared into the crowd. Hero. The word sat strangely in my chest. I wasn't trying to inspire anyone. I was just trying to survive.

The cafeteria was chaos. Every table seemed full. The smell of coffee, toast, bacon, and pancakes filled the room, making my stomach growl. Finally. Something normal.

I grabbed a tray and joined the queue. Halfway through choosing between scrambled eggs and cereal, someone bumped my shoulder. “Whoa." A familiar voice. I looked over. Tyler Bentley balanced two trays like it was an Olympic sport. "Morning, Bennett.” He said cheerfully. I smiled. “Morning." I greeted back. He glanced around the crowded cafeteria. "You sitting with anyone?” He asks and I shake my head. "No."

“Good." He said and started walking. "Come on.” He called over his shoulder. I frowned. “Where?" I asked, confused. "Our table.” I hesitated. “Our?" I repeated the word loud enough for him to hear. Tyler looked back like I'd asked the dumbest question imaginable. "The hockey team.” He said like it was supposed to be obvious. “Oh." Was all that came out of my mouth as my stomach immediately tied itself into a knot. “Uhm… I don't know if that’s…” I started but he cut me off. "You'll be fine.” He shot back and kept walking so I had no choice but to follow. Mostly because I wasn't sure how to politely refuse.

As we crossed the cafeteria, I noticed several heads turning and people watching us. Some whispered while others openly stared. Apparently yesterday's practice had become campus entertainment. Fantastic I thought while groaning internally. Tyler stopped beside a long table. The Wolves. Almost the entire team was there. Connor noticed me first. "Look who Tyler found.” He said happily. Gray looked up and immediately smirked. "Well, well.” I already didn't like that smile. It had mischief written all over it. Tyler placed his tray on the table. "Move over.” He grumbled as Gray sighed dramatically. "I suppose.” Gray said. "You suppose?” Tyler asked with a raised eyebrow. "I was enjoying all this personal space.” Gray said, making Connor snort back. "You were eating half my fries.” A laugh went around the table as Gary looked completely innocent. "They were lonely."

I laughed before I could stop myself. Gray pointed triumphantly. "She laughed.” Connor rolled his eyes. "Don't encourage him.” Conner said lightly. "I live for encouragement.” Gray said with a wide smile.

Tyler pulled out an empty chair. “Sit." He said. Pulling out the chair before I could really change my mind. I glanced around the table. Most of the guys nodded. A few smiled. Easton gave me a brief wave. Even Noah looked up from his phone long enough to offer a quiet, "Morning."

It wasn't exactly warm. But it wasn't hostile either. Progress, I thought and that was enough for now. I sat. Immediately, Gray leaned across the table. “So." I narrowed my eyes. “So?" I asked back. "How many boys did you beat up growing up?” Tyler groaned while Connor pinched the bridge of his nose. "I knew this was coming.” Conner grumbled while chuckles sounded around the table. I couldn't help smiling. “None." Gray frowned. “Really?" He asked incredulously and I nodded. "I mostly embarrassed them.” I added and the table erupted in laughter. Even Easton nearly choked on his coffee.

Gray pointed at me. "I like her.” He declared to the table and Tyler rolled his eyes. "You like everyone.” Gray looked mockingly hurt and looked at Tyler. "I absolutely do not.” Gray said. "You hugged the mascot last year.” Tyler shot back with a laugh. "He looked sad.” He said in defence as more laughter erupted.

The knot in my stomach loosened. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. Then the chair across from me scraped against the floor and the conversation dipped. Not stopped, just… shifted. Jaxon Hayes sat down. He placed his breakfast on the table without looking at anyone. Or me. For several seconds, nobody spoke. Then Connor deliberately cleared his throat. "Morning, Captain.” Jaxon grunted in response. Gray looked between the two of us. His grin slowly returned. Oh no. I knew that smile. The mischief. That was the smile of someone about to cause trouble.

“So..." Gray began and Connor sighed as he already knew what was coming. “Don't." Conner said but Gray ignored him. "Our captain finally met Bennett yesterday.” Silence. Tyler took a long sip of his coffee. Noah suddenly seemed fascinated by his toast. I stabbed a piece of bacon. Jaxon buttered a slice of bread with far more concentration than necessary while Gray looked positively delighted. “So..." He repeated. "How'd that go?"

I looked up and so did Jaxon and our eyes met. Only for a second before we both answered. “Fine." “Terrible." At the exact same time. The table exploded. Connor burst out laughing. Tyler nearly spat out his coffee. Even Noah smiled. Gray slapped the table. "I knew it!” I groaned. Suddenly regretting sitting down.

Jaxon closed his eyes briefly, as if questioning every life choice that had brought him to this table. "This season is going to be fun…” Gray declared. Connor pointed at him. “No." But Gray continued to grin. "For me.” Gray added.

I looked across the table at Jaxon. He happened to glance my way at the same moment. For the briefest instant, I caught the corner of his mouth twitch. Not quite a smile. More like he was fighting one. Then it was gone. If I hadn't been looking directly at him, I would've missed it. Interesting, I thought to myself. Maybe the captain wasn't made entirely of ice after all.