Page 18 of If You Love Me

The whistle blows, and Coach Forrester skates over. “Do we have a problem?”

“Everything’s fine. Let’s just play some hockey.” I’m rattled by my inability to keep my shit together.

“You sure don’t seem fine, Goalie.” She motions between Grace and Madden. “Do you two want to air your grievances? Get whatever is eating at you off your chest so you can start learning how to work together.”

“We’re good.” Madden focuses on the ice.

Grace dips his chin in agreement, face heated with embarrassment.

Lexi’s nostrils flare. “Keep it up and there are more ice sprints in your future.”

Coach Vander Zee skates over, glancing between Madden and Grace. “Do we have a problem, Coach Forrester?”

“No, sir,” Grace says.

“All good here.” Madden dips his chin.

"The three of us are having a chat after practice.” Lexi motions between Grace and Madden.

Vander Zee gives her an approving nod. I want to knock his teeth out, which is completely irrational since he’s just doing his job and he’s a happily married man.

The rest of practice is an exercise in frustration. I can’t protect my own net for shit, and Grace is a damn blessing with the way he deflects shots. He’s a mouthy prick, but he’s good at his job.

After practice, I pick up lunch and bring it back to the office so I can spend some time with my not-so-little girl.

Vander Zee pokes his head out as I pass. “Hey, Roman, you have a minute?”

“I’m sor?—”

He holds up a hand. “We all have off days. This isn’t about that.”

I tuck a hand in my pocket. “Okay.”

“Come in for a second.” He motions me into his office.

“I’m having lunch with Peggy.” I hold up the takeout bag.

“That’s great. This won’t take long.”

I reluctantly follow him in, already certain I won’t like whatever is coming my way.

Vander Zee leans against the edge of his desk. “I have a favor to ask.”

“Shoot.” I expect to spend more time with Grace, like I did today.

“It would be great if you could sit down with Alexandria and give her some insight on how to deal with the team from a player perspective.”

One-on-one time with Lexi is the last thing I need. Strategizing, talking hockey and plays sounds like a bad idea. As if the practice boners aren’t bad enough, sitting in an office with her, immersed in her scent, getting to know her better on a professional level, plus all the fucking memories? No thanks. “Can’t anyone else do it? What about Dallas? Or Hollis even?”

“Dallas doesn’t have the experience you do. And Hollis is pretty singularly focused these days.” Vander Zee crosses his arms. “Are you okay? I know this is your last season, and you must be having feelings about that, but you’re…not yourself.”

I run a hand through my hair.No, I’m not okay. Our new assistant coach is all I can think about these days.And I hate that I’m lying to everyone who matters. “I’ve just got a lot going on, personally and professionally.”

“I get it. But maybe helping Alexandria understand the guys she’s working with will alleviate some of the professional issues,” he urges. “I know bringing Grace on has been tough, but with you retiring and Ryker coming in to take your place, we need a strong defense. Aside from the hiccup with Madden this morning, things went well.”

For Grace, maybe, not for me. But I get his point. Even though this team is tight, there’s been a lot of change over the past couple of years. I can handle an hour.

“All right. I’ll sit down with her. But I’m having lunch with Peggy first.”

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