Tape to Tape

Chapter 6

The entire way home, I thought about Julia and what I wanted to say to her to apologize, but everything I thought of just sounded like I was trying to cover for my own ass. I started rambling on to Dan, but I slowly trailed off as I realized I was distracting the worst driver that I knew.

"So you're telling me," Dan said, pausing to look over at me, "That you first knocked her out, then underestimated her, and then finally called her cocky?"

I groaned and rubbed my eyes, resting my elbows on the dashboard.

"I said I didn't want a response. Just wanted you to listen."

"You expect me not to respond to that? I didn't think you were that stupid."

"I'm not stupid, I'm just... dumb."

"Is that not the same thing?"

"You just ran a red."

"Oh, whoops," Dan mumbled, looking over his shoulder at the intersection behind us. I sat back up and grabbed the handle above the door, suddenly very aware of his shitty driving skills.

"I don't know what to do now."

"You can start off by apologizing."

"Well, no shit. But I feel like we got off on the wrong foot and I don't want to hate my new teammate."

"It sounds more like your new teammate hates you."

"I thought you were supposed to be my friend."

"Wrong," he smiled, "I am supposed to be your best friend, and I don't support you being dumb."

"Thanks, Dan," I replied sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

"Hey! You're the one who fucked up. I'm just listening to you complain about it while I'm trying to focus on where I'm driving."

"Did you know?"

"Know about what?"

"That she was one of the fastest hockey players ever."

"Well, no. But I'm not the best person to ask because I don't understand anything about hockey and I only know what you tell me. If anything, me not knowing is a direct reflection of you not knowing, which means you suck."

"I don't suck!"

"Aw, I was really hoping you did," Dan teased as we rolled to a stop. He looked over and gave me a smile, and then the light turned green and he stepped on the gas.

"So are you going to apologize to her?" he asked me, his eyes focused on the road now.

"Well, obviously. I just don't know how."

"Don't you have practice tomorrow? Just apologize then."

"But then it'll be in front of everyone and it'll be a whole shit show again."

"Then just call her. Do you have her number?"

"I mean, I could get it somehow, like ask Mitch or something."

"Perfect! Then your plans for tonight are settled because I have to go to campus for my project."

———

"Look, I just need her number to apologize, Mitch. Nothing else."

In the background of the phone call, I could hear Brianna giggling and talking to Mitch. I rolled my eyes and sighed, just waiting for him to send her number so I could apologize to her.

"Okay, but what if she gets upset that I gave out her number?"

"But it's for a good reason."

"Isn't she mad at you?"