Page 167 of Skate the Line

I knew the team funds were being rearranged, and this must be why.

I nod in his direction. He’s right. We’re tighter this year than we’ve ever been. The media has been saying that it’s because we traded Juke and gained an even better goalie, but I’ve seen tidbits of Kane’s lethal ability to fake out the other team with his shots on net. It’s probably a bit of both.

The media has also mentioned that I’m more focused than ever.

They’re not wrong. Thankfully, they’re not aware of the reasoning as to why I’m more focused, but I am. The entire team is focused, though they’re still going on about their bullshit of me fucking Sunny to stir things up.

Little do they know…I have fucked her.

“Okay.” I nod. “What kind of skills coach are we talking about? Offense? I’m assuming that’s why you’re calling me in here.”

That will mean more practice. At the beginning of the season, I would have argued that I couldn’t add extra time in the rink to my already hectic life with Ellie, but now that I have someone I can rely on and trust, I’ll do what it takes to bring the team to the next level.

Since learning that I was a father—a single one, at that—I’ve felt torn. It was either I gave my all to her, or I gave it to hockey. Over the years, the two have had to share. But now with Sunny in our lives, it doesn’t feel like that.

Coach sighs, and it pulls my attention back. “Our defense is strong, especially with Olson as our goaltender. I’d like to gain some more points to put us into the playoffs. We need to hone our skills.”

I nod. “I’m on par with this.”

“Good.” Coach places his elbows on his desk and steeples his fingers. “Now, I have a favor.”

It’s never good to ask someone for a favor. Doesn’t he realize that means he’ll owe me?

“Shoot.”

“I want you to poke around and ask your former teammates, friends, whatever”—he wafts his hand in the air—“what they think of Washington’s former skills coach.”

Washington.

And just like that, I’m thinking of Sunny again.

I run through Washington’s players—those that I know. “I can ask Blacky.”

We played together in college. He’s a good guy and would give me the truth.

Coach nods. “Let me know as soon as possible.”

“You saidformercoach?”

Why former?

“He was relieved of his job duties, but I know that doesn’t mean much when it comes to franchises.”

True.

“I’ll ask and get back to you.” I stand and leave the locker room.

I keep to myself while I get ready for the game. For some reason, there’s a fire in my blood tonight. Sunny’s face slips into my head, and the fire burns brighter. Is it because she’ll be watching me tonight? Is that why I’m so eager to do well?

No.

It has nothing to do with her and all to do with just wanting to play well for the team.

I tighten my skates.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

Before heading onto the ice for a warm-up, I check my phone one last time.

---