Page 89 of If You Love Me

“If you’re interested in coaching, we’ll wait for you. Having you as our lead goalie coach would be phenomenal for the program.” Alex continues to scratch Postie’s head. The alternative is being swatted.

“You have a high school and a university summer program slated?” I tap the armrest.

“That’s right. The university program begins in early May, and high school in early July,” Alex replies.

I glance at Hollis. “Ryker could handle the playoffs.”

Peggy’s eyes flare. “You can’t retire before the end of the season.”

A knock at the door saves me from answering.

“I’ll get that.” Peggy crosses the room, eyeing me as she goes.

I give her a reassuring smile, though that’s exactly what I’m considering.

“Some program graduates wanted to say hello,” Hollis explains.

Alex grins. “I was hoping to see some of the boys while I’m in town.”

Tristan, Flip, and Dallas file into the penthouse, Rix trailing behind them with Peggy.

Rix stops short when she sees Alex and grabs Peggy’s arm. “Oh! Oh my God.”

Tristan frowns and looks over his shoulder. “You all right, Bea?”

“I’ll be right back! I have to grab my Alex Waters milk ad!” She spins around and heads for the door.

“What is she talking about?” Tristan’s brow is extra furrowed.

“Didn’t you do an ad for milk back when you were playing for Chicago?” Flip asks.

“Yeah. But that was like…a really long time ago,” Alex says.

“She has that magazine,” Peggy replies helpfully.

“Since when?” Tristan asks.

Peggy shrugs. “Dunno. But she put it in a plastic sleeve to preserve it.”

“Huh.” Tristan scrubs his chin.

We spend the afternoon chatting with Alex. The guys reminisce about the Hockey Academy, and Alex talks about the plan to open a second campus here. Eventually he excuses himself, citing a late lunch with Connor. We invited him over, but while he and Flip are currently managing, he didn’t want to dredge up the past.

“Wills will be so disappointed she missed this.” Dallas pops the cap on a beer. “What a cool opportunity.”

“Callie could spend a summer there when she’s old enough!” Peggy grabs my arm. “She would love to have you as a coach.”

“I’d love to coach her.” To have a hand in helping her develop her skill set would be so rewarding.

“Isn’t her birthday coming up?” Tristan asks.

“I’m pretty sure you’re right.” I’m actually positive. It’s marked on Lexi’s calendar, which I saw when I was over there last week.

“We should plan something big for her,” Tristan declares. “It’s her second birthday with no parents. It needs to be something to remember.”

“Let’s make a list.” Rix pulls out her phone.

“I’ll grab my laptop, and we can start a spreadsheet.” Peggy rushes down the hall and returns a moment later, laptop already open.

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