30 Days Too Late

Episode

Rudy

The elevator opens, and I head right towards the hotel café. Most of our team is already here, except for a few, including me. I sit down in an empty seat, making sure to keep the one next to it free for Rick, though I had hoped we could walk down together. The waitresses start setting pitchers of different drinks on the table, and my eyes lock onto the grape juice—my favorite.

As more team members fill the seats, I do my best to keep the one next to me reserved. "Where's our captain?" Michael asks Julio.

"When I left, he was still in the bathroom. He said he's not feeling well or something," Julio replies, shaking his head.

"I swear he's always sick," Chase chimes in, always quick to comment on Dexter. Chase is a sub for any position on the ice except center, which is kind of embarrassing.

My eyes travel to Dexter as he uses the wall to steady himself while walking, avoiding eye contact with anyone in the café. He spots me and makes his way over, just in time as they start setting out the food.

"Dex, good afternoon," I greet him.

"Good afternoon," he replies with a small smile, taking his seat beside me.

"Are you fee—" I begin, but Julio interrupts, grabbing Dexter's attention. "I know you were asleep for most of the game, but the final half was so intense. Watch this clip," Julio says, holding up his phone. Dexter blinks tiredly at the screen, his breathing slow and steady. I've noticed he feels the worst on game days. Maybe it's the stress, or perhaps his body is aware of something I'm not.

"How are you feeling, Dex?" Chase asks.

"A little under the weather, but thanks for asking," Dexter smiles at him.

"Will you be able to play today?" Jeff inquires.

"Yes, don't worry," he replies. I bundle my napkin in my hand, those words making me angry. "You are not a robot," I whisper, catching Dexter's eye.

"Is there something you're not telling us?" Julio asks.

"Why do you ask?" Dexter responds, his eyes darting to me and then back to Julio.

"Well..." Julio hesitates, glancing at me before looking back at Dexter.

"I have nothing to share," Dexter says firmly. Jeff makes a tsk sound before biting into his burger. I pick up three fries and swirl them in my ketchup.

"I'm excited about tonight's game. I heard they're tough," I say, changing the subject. This gets the whole table talking.

Dexter reaches for the untouched salad, piling a generous amount onto his plate, leaving no room for anything else. It looks boring, but I know it's part of our dietary plan. Still, I can't help but sigh. I pick up two fries and place them on the edge of his plate.

"Just like the chips and bread," he nudges me, reminding me of our second day of school at the market.

"How did you end up falling asleep standing up?" I ask, amused.

"I was just taking a break," he chuckles.

"Yeah, sure you were," I shake my head, smiling.

"Dexter, did you study the play sheet?" Michael asks, joining the conversation.

"Yeah, Rudy helped me," Dexter says before taking a bite. "Imagine if you showed up to practice though. No punishment and you'd still get to play," Chase frowns.

"Probably because he's a crucial member of the team, unlike you," I chime in. The table falls silent, all eyes on me. I shrug. "Remind me... how do you help the team besides keeping the bench warm for us?" I add, driving the point home. Dexter and Jeff snicker, knowing it's true.