“Apparently I talk about you a lot,” Jake says. “Not like, about us, just. I guess I was watching your play pretty closely the past few years, you know?”

“But that isn’t unusual,” David says. “To keep track of someone you’re competing with.”

Jake shrugs. “Weird for me,” he says. “I don’t usually pay attention. Do things my own way, you know? Comparing myself to other guys isn’t going to make me a better player.”

“Right,” David says. “Of course.”

“Anyway, my parents wanted to know if you’d be cool with coming to Detroit for a couple days in August,” Jake says. “They really want to meet you.”

David hadn’t thought of the possibility of meeting Jake’s family when he gave Jake permission to tell them. If he had, he probably wouldn’t have said anything at all.

“I—” David says.

“Just think about it,” Jake says. David doesn’t need to. He already knows his answer.

*

Jake drives him in on their last day of camp. David said he could take a cab, considering they were going to be opponents, but Jake had scoffed at that, and David didn’t bother insisting. It isn’t a real game anyway.

It feels more like a real game when David’s team loses it 5-2, three of the goals against by Jake’s line — his linemates don’t appear to be slackers — but David tries not to dwell on it. He takes his time showering, hoping by the time he’s ready he’ll no longer resent Jake for the win. He doesn’t want their last night together to be spoiled by a game that doesn’t even matter.

“Finally,” Caldwell says when David comes out of the showers. “Took your sweet time.”

“Um,” David says.

“Alright boys,” Caldwell says, clapping. “We’ve got a back room reserved at the Bier Markt for both teams. First round for everyone’s on me, since you fuckers couldn’t beat Majors’ team for me. I know some of you are travelling tomorrow, so don’t feel obligated, but it’d be good to see you there. If not — saves me some cash.”

u coming out? Jake’s texted David by the time he gets dressed, which David supposes means Jake is. He tries to push down the disappointment, texts, I don’t really feel like it., and hopes Jake will change his mind.

sore loser :P, Jake sends, which David scowls at, then, ok i wont stay out long then. let u no when im heading back and u can cum over? if u want