Grind by Eric Walters Page B

down the hall until I reached Wally’s room. I peeked in the door. There were two beds — one empty; the other holding Wally. He was all tucked in, his eyes closed. He looked peaceful, like he was sleeping.
    I tiptoed into the room and slowly lowered myself into the chair beside the bed. There was a low whistling sound—Wally breathing through his nose. The chair was soft and I was so tired. Maybe if I closed my eyes I could get a little more sleep. If I went to sleep, maybe I could wake up and this would all be a bad dream.
    â€œPhil?”
    My eyes popped open. Wally was looking at me.
    â€œIt’s good to see you,” he said.
    â€œIt’s better to see you. How are you feeling?”
    â€œTired … sore … doped up like I’m floating on a cloud.”
    â€œI just wanted to tell you I’m so sorry,” I said. “It’s all my fault.”
    â€œYour fault? You didn’t miss the jump,” Wally said.
    â€œBut you only did it because I pushed you.”
    â€œI did it because I wanted to do it. You had faith in me, that’s all. It’s good to have people believe in you,” Wally said. “Maybe Ishould apologize to you and Lisa and Nevin for blowing the trick.” Wally paused. “Did Nevin get it all on tape?”
    I nodded.
    â€œHave you seen it?”
    I nodded again, fighting the urge to shudder. It was even worse seeing it replayed, especially in slow motion.
    â€œI hope he brings it in so I can see it.”
    â€œYou want to see it?” I couldn’t believe it.
    â€œWhy not? I can’t really remember it and I’d like to see the footage before Nevin posts it on the site.”
    â€œHe’s not going to post it,” I said.
    â€œWhy not?” Wally asked. “A good slam is just as interesting to watch as a good trick. It was a good slam wasn’t it?”
    â€œOne of the best I’ve ever seen,” I admitted.
    â€œGood, because that’s the last thing of mine that will ever be posted. I’m retiring.”
    â€œYou’re going to stop skating?”
    â€œThis leg isn’t going to give me much choice. I’ll be in a cast for at least two months.”
    â€œYou can skate after that,” I said.
    â€œMy mother may have some other ideas.”
    â€œMaybe I should stop skating for a while too,” I suggested.
    â€œYeah, right, like that’s going to happen,” he laughed.
    â€œSeriously, maybe I shouldn’t skate for a while.”
    â€œYou can’t quit right now. You still have one more trick you have to do,” Wally said.
    â€œWhat trick?”
    â€œAre you forgetting our deal? I tried my trick so you have to jump the police car.”
    â€œYou’re joking, right?”
    He shook his head. “A deal is a deal. Make sure Nevin tapes it so I can see it. Who knows, if things go wrong, you and I might become roommates. There is an empty bed,” he said, motioning to the bed beside him.
    â€œThanks for the offer.”
    â€œI think it might be good if I went back to sleep now,” Wally said. His eyes were already closed.
    â€œThat’s a good idea. I’ll just stay, if you don’t mind. Your dad is coming in a while and I’ll wait until he gets here.”
    â€œSure,” Wally said. “When you go, could you do me a favor?”
    â€œOf course, just name it.”
    â€œFind Lisa. Tell her you were an idiot for what you did and that you’re sorry.”
    â€œI already told her that.”
    â€œThen tell her again. This time make sure you tell her what a jerk you were.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œIt’s the truth,” Wally said.
    â€œI know,” I admitted.
    â€œAnd just keep telling her that until she finally agrees to go out with you again just to shut you up. Can you do that?”
    â€œI don’t know if it’ll work.”
    â€œMaybe it will, and maybe it won’t, but you