Off the Ice (The Penalty Kill Trilogy) (Volume 2) (3 page)

Presley

My morning and afternoon classes went better than I thought they would go. Maybe it had to do with my morning with Levi. I can’t help the smile that is plastered on my face. Plus, it’s great to see Trevor and him getting along.

I walk into my apartment and toss my bags down. I hear my phone ringing and when I see the display, dread comes over me. The display says
Dad
.

“
Hello, Daddy,” I try to sound cheerful because Dad doesn’t like when I’m down.

“
Presley, I need Marley’s phone number please.” That’s a strange sentence. I really wasn’t expecting that.

“
Um, may I ask why?”

“
I’m keeping track of Trevor’s grades and they aren’t up to the par that I want. He needs a tutor and I know Marley has already taken these classes.”

“
Daddy, the semester just started. Give him a chance.”

“
He needs to focus on school and working out. He’s going to be in the NHL and they won’t draft him if he loses his scholarship and his position on the team.”

“
So, how did you know about his grades? Are you checking up on us?”

“
I’m checking up on
him
. I’m not concerned about your grades.” He made sure to throw that last part in there. He never cares about what I do. I’m just a girl and really a nobody in the family.

I’m not in the mood to listen to his crap today. “Oh, that’s right, Daddy. I’m just no one in the family.”

“I highly suggest that you watch your tone, young lady. I’m not concerned about you because you have Levi. He’ll keep you in line and secure your future.”

“
Excuse me?” I shout at him. “Keep me in line? Are you serious? This isn’t 1613, Daddy. It’s 2013 and I have my own plans, remember?” My blood is boiling. How dare he talk to me like that.

“
Talk to your daughter.” I’m not sure who he is talking to until my mother comes on the line.

“
Presley Marie, this conversation is over. Now, give us Marley’s number. Do it for your brother.”

“
Why are you with Daddy?” My parents had been divorced for years and have barely spoken to each other. Or so I thought.

“
That is none of your concern. Now, stop arguing with your father and give us the number.” I hear my dad ask for the phone again.

“
Presley, do this for your brother.” My father is just saying that because he knows that I’ll do anything for my brother.

“
Fine.” I give him Marley’s number.

“
Thank you, Presley. Oh, and I put more money in your account.” And then he hangs up.

Of course, he put money in my account, because that is what he does. Every single time. I know exactly what to do. I go to my laptop and log into my bank account. I look at the amount and just roll my eyes. An ‘I love you’ or ‘great job’ would mean more to me than this. I transfer half of it into an interest bearing account. I know that I shouldn’t hide money, especially from Dad, but I need to be sure that my law school will be taken care of. Yes, I want to be independent, but I’m not an idiot. I know how much law school is going to cost.

Plus, what is the deal with my mother being there? They’re never together. My parents divorced because my mother kept climbing the corporate ladder and my dad wanted a ‘house wife’ more than a ‘working woman’.  I hate that he thinks Levi is going to take care of me. I’ll do this on my own, as much as I can. I shake my head and clear my thoughts. I grab my books and figure out what I need to do for my classes. I begin to study and figure out my timelines for my research papers.

Before I know it, it’s dinner time. I text Levi to see what he’s doing. Then I text Marley to see if my dad contacted her. I sit my phone down and head into my bedroom and change into some comfy sweats. Maybe I will order take out tonight. It’s supposed to snow anyway. After tying my hair up in a messy bun, I go back to the kitchen.

Marley: Looks like I’m an official employee of McCarthy, Inc

Me: Ha! That isn’t the name of my dad’s medical practice

Marley: Either way … I’m getting $$$

Me: Trev know yet? He hasn’t called me yet

Marley: He will soon enough

Just then my phone rings.

“Hey, Twin,” I sing out.

“
Shut. Up. Do you know about this crap plan Dad came up with?” Trevor is very upset.

“
Well, some of it. I did give him Marley’s number.” Trevor begins rattling about Dad’s plan for an extensive workout and study schedule.

“
I’m glad that he doesn’t care about me and didn’t put me on that schedule.”

“
Ugh, that’s not true, Pres. They care. They’re just weird.”

“
Not in the mood to talk about it. I need to study and apparently, you do too.” I laugh at him and then hang up.

I still haven’t heard from Levi, but I assume he is having ‘guy time’ with his friends. I decide that take-out Thai food will be the best thing to drown my misery. As soon as I order, I pop in a DVD of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. It’s my favorite of the trilogy, and I wait for my food to come.

When it arrives, I eat with nothing but the background noise of the movie behind me. I can’t stand it another minute. I call Levi’s phone, but goes to voicemail. I try to sound cheerful.

“
Hey, Levi, just wanted to say goodnight. Love you.” On the inside, I’m about to scream to figure out where he is. Oh no, maybe I’m the jealous one and not Levi. I slap my hand to my forehead. I’m acting like a possessive child over a piece of candy. Suddenly, my phone rings. I don’t even look at the display.

“
Hello.”

“
I will give you $200 to come get him right now.”

“
Victor? Take who? Levi?”

Victor sighs. “I made the mistake when I talked to him this morning that the Christmas lights were still strung on the front porch. He has been here all day, taking down all the decorations, cleaning, and packing stuff into the attic. Don’t get me wrong. I love my son, but he’s driving me insane.” I laugh at him and then I mentally kick my ass thinking anything bad about Levi.

“Well, he just wants to make sure that you’re okay.”

“
I know, but please keep him on track. I don’t want him to fall behind in his studies.”

“
You have my word, Victor.” I smile. He’s such a great man. I hear Levi in the background.

“
Hang on.” Victor must have covered the phone, and I hear their muffled voices.

“
Smarty, I’m heading back to campus. Pop’s is throwing me out of the house.”

I laugh. “You’re smothering him. He knows his limits.”

Levi sighs. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the scrimmage.”

“
Deal. Love you.”

“
Love you.”

I have to sigh and relax against the back of the couch. I can’t believe that I didn’t trust him. Even for a split second. I know Levi better than that. I get up, shut off the TV, lock my door, and climb into bed.

Levi

You’re smothering him.
Presley’s words have been nagging me since she said it yesterday. Sure, I call him a lot more and I go over more, but that doesn’t mean I’m “smothering” him, right? He needs someone to check up on him. If I don’t, who will?

No one.

Exactly. I am not smothering him, Smarty. Shaking my head, I focus on the scrimmage. It’s not really intense, but more like a bunch of guys enjoying playing the game. I still talk trash to McCarthy and it’s still fun, but now it’s because he’s Presley’s brother and not because I want to mess with this head.

“
Couldn’t take the time to stuff my gloves with gum or cut my laces? You’re slacking, Carr.”

I grin. “Aw, you
do
miss me! Presley will be so happy to hear that you want to be my friend. I draw the line at actually hanging out with you, though.”

“
Shut the fuck up, Carr.” He glares but then lets out a small chuckle.

The game is easy flowing, but we still get in a decent practice with it. Afterwards, I wrap an arm around Presley’s waist as McCarthy walks up to us. Marley is standing with us as well.

“Please tell me that you’re here to talk to your sister and not to ask me to hang out,” I smirk. He rolls his eyes and Pres asks what we’re talking about. “Your brother wants to be my friend. Isn’t that right, McCarthy? He even misses my little pranks.”

McCarthy ignores me completely and looks to the girls. “Mom wants you to call her, Pres.” Smarty tenses beside me, nodding tersely and I wonder what happened now. “Do you want me to walk you to your car, Mar?”

Marley looks to us and then to McCarthy. “Sure, I, uh,” she pauses for just a second, “I have to talk to you about our sessions anyway.”

They say goodbye and walk away. That was weird, but whatever. I dip my head down and kiss below Presley’s ear. “What happened?” I whisper.

She shrugs. “Let’s go get something to eat.”

Her mood has shifted completely, and I don’t like it at all. Sometimes, I wish I could wring her parents’ necks and make them see the amazing girl in front of them. I wish she could have had parents like mine. Parents that would always be there for her and make her feel like she is a part of the family. Instead she’s stuck with these jackasses who make her feel like she means nothing to them.

Presley tells me that she doesn’t want to go in anywhere, so I run through the drive thru and we head back to her place. I don’t say anything, but I watch as she picks at her food. After lifting her fork and then putting it back down twice, I can’t help myself.

“
What happened, Smarty?” I ask softly, setting my fork down and reaching out to take her hand.

Presley sighs. “Same old shit, Levi. I’m just a
girl
who they don’t need to worry about because
apparently
my boyfriend will keep me ‘in line’ and take care of me because I
obviously
can’t take care of myself. Are you fucking kidding me?” Her chair scrapes across the floor as she stands, goes to the fridge, and pulls out a beer. Did she just say fuck? Before I can say thing, she’s talking and cussing again. “I’m getting so fucking tired of this, Levi.
So tired
. What do I have to do to prove myself? What will make them see that I’m just as good as Trevor, because I am, right?” Her eyes focus on me, and I realize that she wants an answer.

“
C’mere, Smarty.” She sits sideways in my lap and chugs back some beer. I take it from her and set it on the table with a thump. “Look at me,” I whisper, hooking a finger under her chin to make her, just in case she decides not to do it on her own. Presley’s eyes are sad and angry. “Presley, first of all, you know that I know you’re independent and completely capable of taking care of yourself, okay?” I run a hand through her red hair. “You shouldn’t have to prove yourself at all and you are just as good as your brother. If you ask me, I would tell you in a heartbeat that you’re better.

“
Smarty, maybe you just need to go to them both and tell them how you feel. Or stop communicating at all. Whatever is best for
you
.”

“
Maybe,” she shrugs before resting her head on my shoulder.

“
Hey, Pres?”

“
Yeah?”

“
When did you get such a potty mouth?”

Her laugh is genuine, and I’m thrilled that I can make her laugh when she feels like she does. “I’m just so fed up,” she whispers.

“I know, Smarty. I know.”

“
I think I’m going to go to bed. Thanks for supper.” Presley stands and goes to walk to her room.

“
Want me to stay?” I call after her. She’s worrying me a little and even if she tells me to go, I probably won’t. “I’m asking to be polite,” I add.

Faintly, I hear a giggle. “C’mon then.”

Presley

I wake up to an empty bed. I’m a little disappointed, but I know that Levi has to go clear across town to get ready and go to class. I lay in bed staring at my ceiling. Last night, I really needed to hear those words from Levi. He keeps me sane. Just another reason why I love him.

My phone is buzzing to alert me of a text message and I see that it’s from Trevor:

Please remember that I love you very much.

What the hell does that mean? My display changes and it says:
Mom.
Oh, hell. Mom must have talked to Trevor first.

“
Hello, Mom.”

“
Presley Marie, I do believe your brother told you last night to call me. Am I correct?”

It’s way too early for this. “Yeah, he did.”

“Then why didn’t you call me last night?”

“
Because I was fucking my boyfriend instead.”

“
PRESLEY MARIE McCARTHY!” My mother screams so loud, my ears ring.

Okay, maybe that wasn’t the brightest thing to say. I sit up, trying to compose myself. “I’m sorry Mom. That was out of line and it wasn’t the truth, I promise. I was just having a stressful day and I went to bed early.”

“I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, but you need to straighten up.”

“
Yes, ma’am,” I huff.

“
Now, I called for a purpose. I spoke to your brother already and we’re having a family dinner tonight.” I roll my eyes. A family dinner means awkward silence for an hour. “It’ll be us four, Levi and Marley.”

“
What? Why subject Levi and Marley to our family problems?”

“
For one reason, Levi is part of your life and I would like to get to know him better. Plus, Marley is tutoring Trevor and she’s been your friend since you were a child. I thought it would be nice.”

“
I’m sure Levi and Marley have plans-”

My mother cuts me off. “No, they don’t. Trevor took care of that since you were too lazy to call me last night.”

Again, I roll my eyes. What’s the point of even having a conversation? “Fine. What time?”

“
Six and we’re going to the Royal, so please none of that dumb hockey crap that you wear.”

I have the urge to wear daisy duke shorts and a Sidney Crosby jersey tonight, but I know better. She hangs up before anything else is said. I’m so glad that I only have afternoon classes today, because today is going to suck. My phone rings and I see Levi’s stunning smile on the display.

“Well, how’s your morning going, Smarty?”

I just groan.

“Yeah, I figured that. Trevor called me.”

I groan again and flop back on the bed.

“It’ll be okay, Smarty. I’ll be there around five-thirty to get you, okay?”

“
Well, fuck.”

Levi busts out laughing. “You know you’re pretty badass when you say that.”

“See you tonight.”

“
Love you.”

“
Love you.”

~ ~ ~

My classes sucked. My lunch sucked, and everything in between sucked. I’m not looking forward to tonight. Marley is here, and we’re getting ready. I pick out a lavender, flowing, thigh high dress. I know it’s a little short for Mom’s taste, but that is my rebellion. I slip on matching colored high heels and slip back into the bathroom to touch up my makeup. I decide to put my hair up in a high bun. Levi loves my neck.

“
So, do you know why your parents wanted me to come?” Marley’s in a black A-line mini dress and it has a black chiffon overlay. She’s wearing the brightest pink shoes with flawless makeup and hair.

“
They feel you’re part of the family. Welcome,” I say sarcastically. Marley laughs then gets a serious look.

“
Um, not that you don’t look hot, but are you going to cover that?” She points to my shoulder, and I look into the mirror to see a faded bite mark on my shoulder. 

“
It’s not that bad. If they ask, I’ll tell them I was attacked by an animal.”

Marley scoffs. “An animal named Levi.” I can’t help but blush.

“Girls, are you ready yet?” Trevor shouts as he opens the door.

“
Don’t rush perfection, jerk,” Marley shouts back, and I hear Trevor laugh.

“
Are you done?” I ask her after I finish my touch ups and she nods. We grab our purses and coats off the bed and head towards the boys.

“
Holy shit.” Trevor’s jaw drops as he looks at us.

“
You’re drooling there, buddy.” Levi pats his shoulder, and Trevor shoots him a dirty look. Marley and I just giggle at the boys.

“
Smarty,” Levi whispers in my ear as he helps with my coat. “You’re stunning.” I look up at him as he kisses my lips gently.

“
Don’t look too bad yourself, Captain Carr.” I bite my lip as I tease him back. He’s in a black suit, with a dark green shirt and matching tie.

As we climb into Levi’s SUV, the brisk air and snow is proof that the dead of winter is upon us. The ride to the restaurant is filled with small conversation. None of us really know what to expect as we pull up at six o’clock. Levi valets the vehicle and the four of us walk in.

I spot my parents laughing in a corner table. Laughing? That’s not right.

“
Oh, there’s my son.” My dad stands and gives Trevor a big hug as Levi helps Marley and me with our coats. “Levi, it’s so great to see you again.” I just stand next Levi as they shake hands.

“
Great to see you, sir,” Levi says.

“
Presley, Marley, you both look lovely.” That’s it? No hug, no handshake, nothing. I should be used to it by now. So I just politely smile and nod as Levi pulls my chair out.

“
Presley,” my mother whispers next to me. “Don’t you think that dress is a bit short?”

I bite my tongue as I look at her. “Everything is covered, Mother.”

My mother gives me a tight smile, and I know that there is going to be hell to pay for that comment. The waiter comes, and my father orders two bottles of red wine. I’m secretly hoping that one is just for me, so I can make it through this. I should’ve drank before I came. I’ll make a mental note to do that next time.

Of course, my father begins to talk to Trevor and Levi about their off season activities. I sit quietly. My mother pinches me under the table, and I know that means to sit up straight. She has done that to me since I was a child. I do and keep biting my tongue. Thank the stars that wine comes, and I almost chug my glass down. Levi starts rubbing my hand that is sitting on the table. I look at him and smile. He really does make me sane.

My mother starts a conversation with Marley. I still sit quietly.

“
Dad, did you hear that Presley has applied for several internships in the city?” My twin brother, I love him. Just like always, he tries to pull me into the conversation. But, like usual, I’m ignored.

“
Did you get ahold of that trainer I emailed you about?” Dad asks Trevor. “Levi, you should look into him too.”

“
I’m good with my routine right now. Thank you, Mr. McCarthy. Besides, trainers are expensive and that’s something I can’t afford right now.”

“
We should be discussing the money for your internship with Lab Corp.” My father grins at Levi. Lab Corp is a lab that creates new medications, something that Levi is passionate about. My father helped him get a summer internship. It is only for a month though, because Levi will have hockey events the other part of the summer.

“
I’m very grateful for that. Thank you again.”

I keep drinking as everyone talks. I can feel the alcohol coursing through my veins. Maybe with one more bottle, I might be able to tolerate tonight. It is now that Marley tries to talk to me, but my mother keeps interrupting her.

I simply sit there.

“
Presley, I really wish you would sit up straight. It’s not ladylike,” my mother whispers to me.

“
I don’t want to.” I don’t know why I said it, I just did. Maybe it’s the alcohol.

“
I’m not in the mood to argue with you. Sit up.” My mother’s expression is clear that there will be no arguing. I sit up.

“
Well, kids, we’re here to celebrate tonight,” Dad finally announces.

“
Oh? And what are we celebrating?” Trevor asks.

“
Your mother and I are getting back together.”

I begin to choke on my wine. I mean, really choke. I’m coughing, not able to catch my breath and Levi hands me a glass of water. I look over at Trevor, and his mouth has dropped open.

“You can’t be serious? You’re divorced,” I’m finally able to talk.

“
Well, that doesn’t mean we can’t get back together. We’ve spent a lot of time together and we feel this is right.” My mother reaches over and grabs my father’s hands.

“
Am I in the fucking Twilight Zone?” I spit out the sentence before thinking. It’s Marley’s turn to cough on her wine.

“
Presley, language.” My father gives me a stern look.

“
No, in fact, hell no. You two don’t get along at all. I remember the fighting and yelling and the hell Trev and I went through.”

“
Presley, enough.” My father’s voice raises another octave.

“
No. This is the dumbest thing that could ever happen.” My voice gets louder, and I see that people are looking at us.

“
Presley Marie, shut up, right now,” Mom hisses.

“
I can’t believe this. It’s bad enough that Trevor and I had to be separated, but now it’s all okay to get back together. Is it because there are no kiddies at home to get the house dirty? ” I shoot a look at Mom. She was always complaining about the house being dirty because of us.

“
Presley, I don’t know what’s going on, but I highly suggest you shut your mouth now.” Dad’s face is red with anger.

“
We were under a lot of stress when you kids were little. It was harder then, but things have calmed down. Plus, when Trevor gets drafted, we can go as a happy family,” Mom adds.

That’s it. That’s the straw that breaks it all. “Oh, of course. Let’s make sure that we’re a perfect fucking family for ESPN!” I shout at her. I stand up so fast my chair falls back and slams to the ground.

“Smarty.” Levi grabs my arm, but I jerk away from him and take off for the door.

I run into the night air down the street. I’m in four inch heels, on ice and snow, but I keep running. Until I fall. I fall right in the middle of the sidewalk on my hands and knees, and I have no urge to get up as the tears spring from my eyes.

“Presley!” Levi yells behind me. I feel him as he picks me up fireman style.

“
Take me home,” I choke out. “Please, get me away.”

“
Trevor is getting the car.” Marley lays my coat over me as I cling to Levi’s neck.

I can’t stop crying as Levi places me in the backseat of the SUV. Trevor is driving, and Marley is in the front seat. I don’t want to leave his arms and Levi doesn’t let go. Not a single word is said as we get back to my apartment. Levi doesn’t let me go as he carries me up the stairs and heads into the kitchen. He sits me in a chair, and Marley comes out of nowhere with my first aid kit and a couple washcloths. It’s then I notice my knees are bleeding, and the palms of my hands are too. Marley wipes my face of the tears and makeup. Trevor is standing behind her, and his eyes are sad. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Trevor look so sad. He knows what I’ve gone through with our parents, and I know that he hates it as much as I do. Levi begins to fix up my knees and hands, and I’m finally able to stop crying.

“I’m sorry,” I choke out.

“
Hey, Smarty, it’s-” He stops talking as my father opens my apartment door and walks in with my mother.

“
Presley, what the hell was that?” Dad exclaims.

“
Honey, are you taking drugs or something?” Mom’s face is full of concern as I stand up to face them.

“
I’m not taking drugs. I don’t do drugs. And what happened was that you care more about Trevor than me. That’s what that was.”

“
Presley, stop. You know-”

I cut my mother off. “No, you stop. You both stop right now because I’m tired of this. I bet you don’t know anything about me.”

“That’s not true.” Dad’s voice is stern.

“
Really? Well then, let’s play ‘Who knows Presley?’”

“
What?” They say at the same time.