Off the Ice (Penalty Kill 2)

On the way over there, I think about Levi and our relationship. I love him and even though we had a rocky start, we have overcome that. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my life. My parents and I are doing better, and Trevor is doing the best that I’ve seen in a really long time. I think Marley has a lot to do with that too. I can’t think of anything going better as I pull up to the restaurant.

“Is there a reason why we are meeting in a secret location?” Zack asks as we sit at the table.

“Just tell me what you want to talk about.” I cross my arms. The waitress comes and takes our drink orders. I’ve already had a couple beers with Marley, so I just order water.

“Are you hungry? I’ll buy.”

I give him my evil eye because I just want him to say what he wants to say and then we can both leave.

“Alright.” He holds his hands up like he is surrendering. “I just want to apologize for the other night.”

“You could have done this over the phone.” I start to get up, but Zack stops me.

“Wait, Presley, please.”

There’s something that is begging in his eyes that tugs at my heart. I’ve known Zack for such a long time. He was there for me when Trevor left. He was my first for many things. My first real kiss. My first real date. My first…well, everything. I nod and sit back down.

“I haven’t drank since that night.”

My eyes go wide. Zack isn’t drinking? I can’t believe it. Zack has drank for as far back as I can remember.

“I woke up the next day and felt horrible.” He looks down at his hands. “Plus, I don’t remember much. My buddies had to fill me in on some parts.” He takes a deep breath and looks up at me. “I didn’t mean to be such an ass, Pres. You’re my friend and I don’t want to change that. Can we just pick up from when I left last year? Can we be friends again?”

I stare at him for a moment, and I see the sadness in his eyes. This is Zack. He will always be my friend. I give him a small smile and reach across the table and take his hand. We sit there for a moment, just holding each other’s hands.

“Zack, we can be friends.” I want to make sure he understands my limitations. “But Levi is in my life. In fact, he is my life. I love him and if you don’t understand that, then this conversation is over.”

He nods. “I understand. I’m not going to lie. I was hoping for something more, but I get it now.”

“I’m glad that you understand.” I feel better now that I have my friend back.

We sit there and talk about small things, like school and hockey. I tell him that I’m going to Pittsburgh to see the Penguins play with Victor and Levi. I tell him about my parents’ relationship and how it is getting better. We are talking about high school when my phone alerts me of a text message.

Levi: Are you home?

I know that I should tell him the truth, but I also know that he would be upset.

Me: Be home soon. You there?

Levi: Yep. Gonna take a shower. Wanna join?

I gave Levi a key to my apartment as my Valentine’s Day gift to him. I thought it would show him how much I trust him. He seemed very happy and almost touched when I told him that I was giving him a key.

“Listen, Zack, this has been great, but it’s getting late.”

“Levi’s texting, huh?”

I give him a stern look. “He’s my boyfriend and I haven’t seen him all day. Now,” I stand up and walk over to him, “I’m leaving and I’ll talk to you soon.” He stands up and hugs me. I think the hug lasts a little too long, but I don’t really put much thought into it.

I go back to my car and head to my apartment. When I get there, I see Levi at the kitchen table doing homework.

“Hey, Smarty.” He glances up at me. He’s sitting there without a shirt, just shorts, and I’m trying not to let my tongue fall out of my mouth.

“Hey.” I give him a quick kiss. “What are you doing?”

“Catching up. I want to make sure I’m not behind when we leave in a couple weeks. What did you do today?”

I debate on telling him the truth, but I decide that I won’t. “I hung out with Marley.”