Page 24 of Behind the Bench

My eyes sting with impending tears as I hold onto Sadie a tad too tight. My heart threatens to burst as I’m overcome with happiness and appreciation. “Oh mygod! What are youdoing here?Howdid you even get in here? I thought you weren’t coming until game day.”

Reluctantly, she unfastens her body from mine and takes a step back to get a better look at me. “I know, I know. The yoga studio had to close until further notice due to some damaged pipes. It turns out I have no responsibilities for the foreseeable future. As for security, don’t you remember when I insisted you add me as your third emergency contact because I know how difficult it is for your parents to travel sometimes?”

I nod slowly, still not fully believing that she’s here.

“Well, I showed them my ID and they called to verify I indeed have clearance, and here we are. Does that swanky new apartment have a bed in your spare room yet?” She flutters her eyelashes at me, trying to look all sweet and innocent.

“Oh, like I could really say no to you. Yes, there’s a bed with your name on it, but there’s not much of anything else. The furniture was finally delivered but the guest bed still needs assembling. And I haven’t really had the time to pick out decor with how busy I’ve been.”

Sadie squeals, and every head within a ten-yard radius turns to look at what, or who, made the sound. This girl. God, I’ve missed her. I pull her back into my arms and give her a squeeze and tell her as much. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

She squeezes me back. “I have a little idea. I could sense your aura was dark and off balance through FaceTime. I knew I had to get my ass here quick and when the opportunity presented itself, I decided not to wait.”

I’m so glad she’s here. I’ve become pretty close with Hunter since we’re constantly watching film together, but there’s nothing like a girl’s best friend to make her feel whole again. Not to mention, I can’t talk to Hunter about anything Lincoln related because they were friends first. I know the rules. I trust Hunter, but bro code is just as strong as girl code sometimes. I can’t risk anything getting back to Lincoln.

We grab Sadie’s bag and walk arm in arm toward the employee entrance at the back of the arena.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Sades. I’m losing my damn mind over all this Lincoln stuff. Oh, and not to mention, we have our first game of the year in two days and I’m going to be the second ever female coach in the NHL. I’m about to have a mental breakdown. You wouldn’t believe the amount of chocolate I’ve consumed this week alone.”

She chuckles and pats my arm. “Have no fear, your emotional guru is here. I’m thinking we do girls’ night tonight.”

I groan. “Sadie, I love you but I don’t think I can handle a night of you and tequila. What did Kenny Chesney say—‘You and tequila make me crazy’?”

Sadie full out belly laughs. “God, I love that song. Do you remember when we tailgated at Heinz Field when we were visiting my family in Pittsburgh? I think our flip cup game was five tables long. Those tailgates gotwild!But no, I was thinking we stay in for this session of girls’ night. Wine, Chinese, a chick flick, and you can spill all the beans on your sexy head coach.” She looks over her shoulder, pretending to look for Lincoln.

I swat her arm. “Knock it off! But I could totally go for some Chinese food and Matthew McConaughey right about now.” We finally make it to my car and load our stuff into the trunk. I climb into the driver’s seat while Sadie settles into the passenger seat.

Sadie excitedly claps her hands together before buckling her seat belt. “You know I’ll never turn down Matthew McConaughey.How to Lose a Guy in 10 Daysis one of the greatest chick flicks ever made. I’ll die on that hill.”

I start the car and look over at my best friend. My soul is happy and all feels right in the world again. “Let’s go get some wine. It’s going to be a good night.”

Grayson and I are going over defensive pairings in the main family area just outside the locker rooms when I hear one of the most obnoxious sounds of my life. Was that a dying pig?

I look over my shoulder just in time to see this tiny, dark-haired woman launch herself into Ellie’s arms. Ellie barely has enough time to catch herself against the wall. Good grief, that could’ve gotten ugly quick. I thought for sure she was going down.

Ellie puts the tiny human down and I watch as her mouth transforms into the biggest, most joyful smile I’ve ever seen. Her perfect white teeth are on display as her eyes light up with excitement. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile like that. Fuck, she’s breathtaking. Why have I never seen her smile like that before and why am I all of a sudden making it my life’s mission to do just that?

“Who is that?” Grayson asks.

Shit. I forgot he was here for a second.

I turn back around and try to ignore whatever is happening behind me, which is harder than it should be. “I’m not sure. I’ve never seen her before.” I attempt to get back on track. “I think we need to mixup our pairings?—”

“Has she always been so pretentious?” Grayson interrupts me, nodding toward Ellie as she walks by with the tiny mystery woman.

I grip the pen I’m holding as tight as I possibly can.

“Grayson.” I say it in my firm coach’s voice so he knows he needs to shut his fucking mouth.

He holds his hands up, feigning innocence. “Okay, okay. Never mind. She’s clearly a sore subject for you. What is that all about anyway? Did you hit that when you were younger and she was a clinger? Or did she turn you down? Why all the animosity?”

I pound my fist on the table. “Enough!”

He does us both a favor and keeps his mouth shut.

“I’ve told you once, Grayson. I warned you that if I had to tell you again, you’d be looking for employment elsewhere. And you bet your ass I wouldn’t make that easy for you. Is this going to be a problem all season long? Or can you grow the fuck up and get over yourself and do your job?”

Grayson pushes away from the table and stands up while gathering his notes.

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