Playing For Keeps

24| Chapter 21-Lola

Tayo's being an asshole. All he's done since I stepped into his car was nod. And that's after he called out of the blues and said he was coming over. He didn't even wave at my mom when she took time out of her meditation to greet him.

To think I'd done my hair and applied a bit of mascara for him and he didn't notice.

''What's up with you?'' I ask, taking note of the bandage wrapped around his right fist. He clenches his fingers, before releasing them and drumming a tune on the steering wheel.

''Well, aren't you going to answer? You didn't even tell me how the party went?''

He snorts, turning up the volume of his radio and drowning every attempt I make at conversing.

We arrive at his school, and he jumps out of the car, like his bum's on fire and takes his bag from the back before making his way to the stadium.

Tayo doesn't bother to look back or check that I followed after him. Was this even worth it, since he's in an awful mood?

I look over my phone, checking my group chat and wondering what happened to him last night. Before the party, he was cool, we talked even while he was getting ready and when he had arrived. But then everything went stone-cold silent on me.

Sighing, I drag myself out of the car, carrying my bag and pushing through the doors. Though outside's freezing, it's much colder inside. I shiver, wrapping my coat closer around me and take a seat close to the rink that I can watch and far away that he'd not get angry that I'm distracting him.

''It's the missus. Lola what are you up to?'' Ian says. Unlike the others who'd only nodded once they noticed me, Ian had no qualms walking up to me.

This might be our first real interaction with each other but his easy going attitude makes it seem like we'd been friends since forever.

His scent, a mix of pines and cotton candy, a weird combinations wafts to my nose, the aroma calming me down till I'm smiling like I've been drugged.

He peeks at my binder, and shrugs his shoulders looking towards the guys who're playing around more than they were practicing.

Their coach, Mr Elaxander is instead playing with his phone, and if I had to guess he was talking to his wife. His back's hunched as he speaks into the phone before dragging it away from his ear. He tries again but soon enough he's dragging his feet across the floor to his office.

''Nothing much. Just reading. Aren't you supposed to be down there and practicing? You have a big game in a couple of weeks. Don't you?''

Ian laughs, banging the benches as he wheezed, pointing at me before starting another round of laughing. Tayo looks up from where he has another teammate, Down in a headlock.

He flashes me a smile, giving a peace sign before turning back to the kid he is practically killing.

He's smiling now...maybe whatever got him down has disappeared now that he's where he wants to be.

''We beat your school, and we didn't even practice much. I'm sure we can take care of this one. Thanks for the concern, though.''

I avert my gaze, watching the others skate circles around each other pretending to be figure skaters. Cole, raises his hands upwards, and lifts his leg before falling on his ass.

''I'm curious, bear with me. How does this work?''

I hiccup, fetching my flask of water and taking a sip. Pivoting to Ian, I smile.

''How does what work?''

''You know what I'm talking about. Just last season you were dating your school's hockey captain. The beginning of this season you're dating another school's hockey player. What if this is a ploy all to get me? Is my chastity safe with you on the hunt?''