Page 100 of One Shot

Neither of us gets much sleep that night and it’s not because of the flat hotel pillows. We keep celebrating two more very sinful times, including on the hotel balcony.

When we get back to campus, the team is on a new high. I have never seen a group of guys with smiles so big. I’ve also never heard the words “Frozen Four bound” more in my life. I can’t wait to see them play their hearts out.

I remember seeing all the Frozen Four signs for the first time in person three years ago. It was Nick’s freshman year. His sophomore year they made it to the playoffs, but not far enough to go to the Frozen Four. I bet his junior year, they would have made it and won with him as captain.

He was giddy with excitement. He texted me so many photos before Mom, Dominic, and I got there. We got great seats and sat with Bren, but I didn’t get to go behind the scenes for that game. I hated not being able to be in the thick of it, but even more I hated not knowing any details. I didn’t know if he was being interviewed.

Nick texted me that he had some interviews including one withUSA Hockey Magazine. It’s wild that I wrote an article about Nick for the magazine this year. So many things have come full circle. I wish Nickwas here so badly to be a part of this Wyverns team. Lucas wouldn’t be captain, Nick would be. Would I even be dating Lucas? Who knows what that would look like. Wherever he is now, I know today he’s watching this game, proud of his former teammates.

Somehow, Nick never got to experience a Frozen Four win. I hope Lucas, Liam, Tyler, Connor, and the rest of this team get to experience it this year. Nick would wish that for them too.

Chapter forty-four

Lucas

This is it. This is my first time going to the Frozen Four not just as part of a team, but as captain. This is what I’ve been waiting for. I am a bundle of nerves, but it’s nowhere near as anxiety-ridden as I was for the last game against East.

I walk around the press area. Tomorrow is the semifinal games. I just had an interview about our season and have another on my journey to captain later today. Even though it’s been surreal with so many professional news outlets, I can honestly say, I much prefer when Laur interviews me. I’m more open and calmer. I wish she was able to be here with me through all of these.

“Lucas Donato?” a voice asks. I turn around to see a sharply dressed man in a suit. I’ve never seen him before.

“Yes?”

“My name is Blake Deschute, you probably haven’t heard of me. I try to be discreet and keep my reputation under the radar," he extends a hand to me, and I shake it firmly.

“Nice to meet you,” I reply, waiting for him to further explain himself.

“I know you are quite busy, so I’ll keep it brief. I previously scouted for the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey team.”

Shit, that’s impressive.

He continues, “A close friend of mine convinced me to change career paths and become a scout for the NHL team he is coaching. I’ve watched you all season and I must say I am—excuse mylanguage—fucking impressed. You are finishing out your senior year before you're interested in a professional playing career, correct?”

He’s watched me all season? I haven’t interacted with him at all. He’s right; I’ve never heard of him.

“Thank you. Yes, sir, I will finish my senior year at West.”

I’ve always wanted to finish college before going into the NHL. I might need the business degree if I don’t make it or if I get injured, who knows where life could take me.

“That’s what I’ve heard but had to ask. I won’t disclose what team I am working with just yet, but from everything I have heard about you through the grapevine, I think you’d be very interested. Keep it up and next season, we will be talking again.”

He extends his hand out for me to shake again before he walks away. I’m very interested to find out more. I’ve never had a scout be so discreet before.

Wandering to find a water bottle, I spot Liam.

“Hey Liam, have you ever heard of a scout named Blake Deschute?”

“Never heard of him,” Liam says through mouthfuls of a sandwich.

“Have you ever had a scout not tell you the team they work for?”

I’m curious if this happens to anyone else.

“Maybe once or twice my junior year, but nothing I couldn’t really dig up or ask around for. Why?”

I spiked his interest. I want to keep this to myself. I know it’s illegal to impersonate a scout, but I don’t want to bring up the encounter in more detail. Something in my gut is telling me to keep it to myself.

“Just curious. Heard some guys talking. Ready for tomorrow?”

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