Page 26 of If You Love Me

“It will,” he agrees.

“Hammerstein gave me some good advice, and I’m working on Grace.” I wish I could get to the bottom of this faster. It would be better for the team and could win me points with Vander Zee. It’s a challenge, though, when I don’t work closely with the variable who’s been with this team longer.

“You mind me asking what the advice was?”

“He asked me who my best coaches were when I played. They were always the ones I connected with on a personal level. The ones who were relatable.”

“That’s true.” He nods thoughtfully. “You know, when my daughter Tallulah came here for her co-op placement in high school it changed how the players saw me. They treated Tally like one of their sisters. Watched over her, took care of her. Hell, she’s close with the girls in the office. And I’m more than just a guy barking orders and pushing them to play better and smarter.”

“I can see that.” It’s the segue I need. “Hemi invited me out to the Watering Hole. I wanted to make sure it was okay before I accepted the offer.”

“Yeah, of course it’s okay. It’s a good way for the guys to get to know you. And you know, if you can get Madden to open up, that’d be great.”

“I’ll see what I can do, but he holds his cards close to the vest.”

“He sure does. If I didn’t have two kids in opposing extracurriculars I would make the effort, but I can’t clone myself or my wife.”

“Fair. Is it okay if I head out?”

“Absolutely. I’m doing the same shortly.”

“Okay, thanks Coach Vander Zee. Have a good night.”

“You too.”

I head for the door.

“Forrester.”

I pause and turn back to him.

“It’s good to get to know them. But when you’re on the ice you’re in charge and what you say goes.”

“Yes, sir.” There’s a fine line between gaining their trust, being relatable, and still being in charge, and I want him to see me as capable of taking criticism without having to be babied.

He nods once and turns his attention back to the whiteboard.

I message my sister on the way back to my office.

Lexi

I’ve been invited to go out with some Terror staff after work. Same place as last time. Do you want me to bring takeout home or should we make something together?

Big Pheels

Takeout all the way. I’ll have the same as last time. Also, take your time coming home. Callie wants to make cookies, so this is a good excuse for us to eat them all and pretend it didn’t happen while you’re out making friends.

Lexi

You should make plans with friends.

Big Pheels

I’m working on it. You know I take a while to warm up. ILY. Please have fun and don’t come back too early.

Lexi

ILY back. Thank you.

---