Neil was the only one left standing. Dan glanced at him, seemed to realize he wasn't going to budge from the doorway anytime soon, and got on with it. "Look, I know we have our differences, and I know we haven't exactly had the easiest ride. But we're all Foxes. We're a team. What happens to one of us happens to all of us, and we're going to get each other through this. If there's anything you guys need, just let us know. Whether it's space, a drink, an ear—whatever. We're with you a hundred percent."

If it wasn't so terrible, it'd be brilliant. This was what Dan and Matt had been waiting for all semester: a catalyst to finally unite the team. Neil wanted to be proud of her for seizing the moment like this, except she sounded so sincere he doubted she realized what she was doing.

"I don't know if Coach told you, but it's all over the news." Matt looked from Nicky to Aaron. "People have been asking us about it."

"Looking for gossip," Aaron said, thick with derision.

"It's human nature," Allison said. "Might as well give them what they want."

"Fuck you."

"Enough," Dan said, with a warning look at Allison.

It was too late, because Aaron was already getting up again. Dan looked ready to protest, except Aaron still held fast to Katelyn's hand. Aaron might not want their help, but he was smart enough to know he needed someone right now. The two left without a second glance back, and Katelyn tugged the door firmly closed behind them. Neil locked it in their wake and went back to the living room doorway. Nicky looked almost sick to his stomach as he stared at the drink in his hands. Kevin was staring at the far wall like it had all the answers.

Renee invited herself to the space Aaron had just abandoned and propped her shoulder against Nicky's. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I spent last night talking to Betsy and this morning talking to Erik," Nicky said. "I don't think I can talk about it anymore right now. But—later, maybe. Yes."

"Kevin?" Dan asked.

"She shouldn't have taken Andrew away," Kevin said in a low voice.

Nicky shot him appalled look. "You don't really think that."

"You've always been the biggest critic of his drugs," Dan said. "What changed?"

"The timing," Neil said. "There are two games left this season and we're pretty much a shoo-in for spring championships. If the ERC decides Andrew isn't part of our line-up anymore, we're beneath size regulations. They'll strike us from the roster and our year is over. You can bet Riko will be the first one we hear from if that happens. Kevin's afraid."