Page 18 of Until He Scores

When the coach blew the whistle, I gathered the guys up at the boards. Until I was cleared to put on a pair of skates, even stand in the rink wearing shoes, I had to stay on the concrete. Sucked, because all I wanted to do was throw on a pair of skates and glide around the arena like old times. Being box bound, really cramped my style.

“Alright, bring it in,” I said. “I know I’m not what you were expecting. I also know I rub some of you the wrong way, especially if we’ve gone up against each other in the past. However, I am here to help you. I’m going to do everything in my power to make you the team you want to be. This won’t be easy. It won’t be fun for any of us either. Because, let’s face it, given the choice of being on this side of the boards or on the ice? I’d rather be in a pair of skates, eating up the ice. Being a defender is in my blood. I eat, sleep, and dream of being a right defender again.

Regrettably, I’ll never have that opportunity again. So, I have one question for all of you. Will you pick up the mantle I’ve been forced to put down and help carry your team to their first championship?”

The defensemen looked at each other while Barbu grinned and nodded. A fire burned in his gaze; one I knew reflected in mine. I already knew what he needed to have a good game. Now it was implementing those changes and making sure the defenders theMountaineerschose for their team did their jobs correctly.

“Yeah,” Christopher said, a little cockier than I anticipated. “That’s what we’re here for.”

I smirked. “Then show me what you’ve got.”

Of everything I learned on my first day back, being a coach was almost like being a player on the ice, only I told them what plays to run, and they executed them. Sometimes it worked and other times, I wondered how long the guys had skated together. That’s when an epiphany hit me in the chest.

I needed to be here.

I had to get my confidence back, just as much as they needed to trust their teammates. They too had to have faith in their instincts and ignore the tiny voices in their head telling them to do the opposite. The only people on the ice who had their backs was their teammates. Once they figured that part out, they came together like a squad should. From then on, I’d see their true grit, determination, and their potential.

I got excited.

After practice was over, I went back to my office. I wanted to read up on the players. Wanted to see their strengths and weaknesses so I could pair them up accordingly for their next game. As it was, I came to the team almost six weeks into the regular season, which meant I lost critical time with them. I had to catch them up to the other teams in the league.

“Thomas,” Alexander said, coming up to me. “You did good out there. Thursday is a home game. I know it’s early, but I’d like the game to be your home introduction. We won’t do anything fancy, just bring you in, have you wave to the crowd, give your status. Simple stuff. You’ll be on the bench with me, and we’ll see how things go.”

I exhaled. My biggest goal since waking up in recovery with Dr. Jay by my side was this, getting back to the ice. Elation filled me as I nodded. “Yes. I’d like that very much. They’re an elite group of guys. I think we’re going to have fun the rest of the season.”

Alexander chuckled, shoving his hand into his pocket. “You know what? I think you’re right.” He lifted his chin to the laptop in front of me. The same one I’d been about to open before he stepped into my office—fuck, that was crazy to say. “All the defense’s stats are in there. So are their professional files and medical records. Take it home with you, so you can study up on your men.”

“Will do,” I replied. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then?”

“Nine am, sharp,” he answered before exiting the room.

Once I was out of the facility, I called Lily-Mae and asked her if she wanted to bring the kids and Rick to a game. Her squeal of happiness made the whole coming home thing worth it.

She was my best friend and my biggest fan.

“I’ll leave you five tickets at the box office in my name,” I said, stopping in front of my truck.

“Can’t believe we get to see you so soon,” she said. “We’re so glad you’re finally home, Thierry. We’ll talk to you soon.”

“See you Thursday night,” I replied, then ended the call as the kids started cheering. Seemed I missed them more than I realized.

“Hey Thierry,” Christopher said, coming up beside me as I walked to my truck. “We’re going to grab some dinner. You wanna join?”

“Are you sure you want to be seen hanging out with an old man?” I teased, placing the laptop and a few of the binders on my backseat. “Hate to ruin your reps.”

The kid snorted. “We’re hitting up Flame. We know a guy. He can get us good seats.”

“Mack?” I tilted my head.

Richard shook his head. “Jackson. He’s the sous chef.”

“Mack’s brother-in-law?” I hadn’t met them yet. Every time it seemed someone threw a get-together, I was either training or on the road. I’d only heard through the gossip channels Mack had gotten married to a woman named Ireland, and she had three brothers, Hunter, Landon, and Jackson.

“You know the guy? The owner?” Christopher’s eyes got round. “Personally?”

Perks of being friends with Wes for so long. I met Mack years ago. He was buying and selling luxury cars and had built a nice little empire for himself. Then he came up with Flame. Opening night, I was there to celebrate. The place was nice. The baralways kept the best alcohol on hand, and the staff was excellent as well. “Yes?”

“Is that a question or an answer?” Christopher said, narrowing his eyes, like I was fucking with him or worse.

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