Page 14 of Play Maker

“Good. Any other questions?” Coach asked.

“Is Kirkland going to visit campus? Maybe give our team some one-on-one guidance while he’s here?” Silas asked.

Banning leaned back in his chair.

“I’ve already asked him, but unfortunately with his schedule, he’s flying in and out for the dinner only. But there’s always the possibility in the future.”

“Next fall?”

“Maybe earlier,” Coach replied with an enigmatic expression. “Now, if there’s no further questions, you’re free to go.”

Free, my ass.

The temporary high I had from scoring earlier was gone. Even the possibility of meeting one of the greatest players in the league couldn’t quite lift me up. And I certainly didn’t want to show up to the party tonight. Why would I? Jace would be there. Then again, now I had even more frustrations to vent.

Food, beer, and a pretty girl to distract me for a few hours sounded just right.

To be honest, I was more excited about the food and beer. Sex? I could take it or leave it. It was yet another secret that I was holding tight to. At least if I got drunk, I wouldn’t have any worries.

Not about how shitty I was in class, how shitty I was at sex, and now, how shitty I was at hockey.

Okay, the hockey part was an exaggeration. An assist and two goals wasn’t crap by any means. But given the extra practice that had just been handed to me, it felt like I was being punished. All the past nagging from my father about how lousy I was at everything reverberated in my head. No matter the distance, that wily asshole’s voice still got to me. But I’d made it this far,and no way was I going to give up. That center line position was mine and if I had to work with my rival to prove I was the bigger and better player, so be it.

As to the rest, and when it came to my classes, I needed to pick a lane. Either stay with my economics major or switch. A decision had to be made and there was no more time for dicking around.

And sex? Dicking around was a given. Maybe I just needed to embrace my inner fuckboy and do it as often as I could. Practice made perfect, right?

“Axel? Is there anything else you need to say?”

Shit, I was still sitting there like an idiot.

“Uh, no. Sorry, Coach.”

I finally stood up and filed out of the room, following my teammates. It felt like we lost the game rather than won it. Jace walked ahead with Finn, and Silas with me.

“At least Coach sees our potential,” Finn broke the silence. “He’s giving us more time because he knows we can do better.”

That didn’t make me feel better. Not at all.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I kind of agree with Finn,” Silas replied.

The rest of us stopped short and turned to stare at him.

“What?” he growled and rubbed a hand over his unruly beard. “Okay, so I wasn’t expecting the volunteer thing, but having the chance to meet Kirkland? He’s the best d-man in the league. Come on, don’t tell me you’re not excited.”

I nodded and so did Finn and Jace.

“And sure, finding time in my schedule for extra practice is going to be a pain in the ass, but I’m starting to find my groove,” Silas added. “And if working more closely with you guys is gonna help get me get where I need to be, then I’ll do it.”

“And where do you need to be?” Jace asked.

“Same as you guys,” Silas replied with a frown. When no one responded, he sighed. “On the radar for the scouts.”

“You want to go pro?” I asked and received a glare in return. From everyone. “What? He’s already twenty-two. That’s like, ancient for a hockey draft.”

“Not old,” Silas snapped. “And I have a hell of a lot more stamina than you.”

“Oh really?” I smirked. “I guess we’ll see on Thursday.”

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