Page 60 of One Shot

“The articles are beautiful Laur; I am so proud of you,” Mom replies. “I know it hasn’t been easy since your brother passed, but my heart is so happy you are starting to find happiness in life again, Lauren. He would want you to have that. He would be proud of you too.”

“But mad that my first published article in a hockey magazine isn’t about him.” Nick’s narrow-eyed peeved expression fills my mind.

“You’re not wrong about that.” Mom laughs. “It seems like this Donato guy has your interest though. You wrote that he’s already the biggest thing in college hockey.”

The front door opens. We tend to leave it unlocked when we’re home so any of our friends can just walk in. It’s Suz. She waves to me, taking off her shoes at the front door. Her energy almost matches mine, delight in her eyes.

I cut Mom off before she asks more about Lucas. I can’t divulge anything in front of Suz.

“Hey, Mom, I’ve got to go. Thank you for always supporting and loving me, even when I don’t deserve it. And for not giving up on me. I’ll call you later.”

“Love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you too, Mom,” I hang up the phone and look at a very enthusiastic Suz sitting on the opposite end of the sectional coach in the living room. She’s almost bouncing up and down on the couch.

“What’s going on?” My eyes narrow in suspicion.

“Good morning, Laur!” Suz greets chipperly.

She hands me a piping hot caramel macchiato from a coffee cup tray she’s holding. She brought me coffee? Something is definitely going on.

“You’re never this nice to me. Did something happen? Do you need something? What’s going—”

“Am I actually mean to you?” Concern clouds Suz her impeccably lined eyes.

“No, I guess not. But you aren’t really friendly with me.”

We haven’t gotten to really know each other in the months I’ve been at West. Neither of us really put in effort. It’s not all on her.

“Oh.” Suz shoulders sag, her voice hushed with disgrace. “I’m so sorry, Lauren. I swear it’s nothing to do with you. You are wonderful.” She clears her throat. “Actually, I came over here to tell you that you did such an incredible job on the article!” The disgrace is gone from her voice, and she is chipper again.

“All the articles our team wrote and the pictures—your pictures—were so well received by the magazine team. They think the public is going to eat it up! I couldn't agree more.” Suz takes a sip of her coffee before continuing. “They asked me if our team would be interested in supporting them on two additional features.”

“Two more?!” I almost spit out my coffee and it has nothing to do with the temperature. I realize I ignored her attempt at opening up, but I’ll get back to that when I’m out of shock.

“Yes, two more!” Suz shrieks. She’s vibrating with glee. “The editor asked us to partner on these pieces with our team, but you are the right person to take this on.”

“Me?”

Am I dreaming? Suz wants me to be the writer and not herself?

“You have a fresh tone and your passion for hockey jumps off the page; those are my words not theirs by the way. One would be on the season so far. The other . . .” She pauses. “The other might be more difficult of a topic. We can certainly tell them no, but I think they will write something regardless of if we are involved. Truthfully, I am surprised they have waited this far along in the season since it’s been over a year . . .” Suz trails off.

“The second one is about Nick.” My eagerness takes over. A published article about my brother? Tears threaten to come, but I blink them back.

“Yes.” Suz nods. After a beat, she continues, “The magazine didn't really confirm what direction they are hoping to take it necessarily or the timing.”

“Around his jersey retirement would be the perfect opportunity to release an article,” I start.

“Exactly.” Suz is beaming at me. “I had the same thought. We have not officially told the public about Nick’s jersey retirement. I was hoping you would also write a press release and an article for us to share on the Wyverns’ website and social channels after you pitch the idea to theUSA Hockey Magazineteam.”

“Can you pitch it to them? I just want to write it. But I don’t want to be involved in the business side of things when it comes to Nick. I know that’s stupid.” Dread fills my stomach thinking about being responsible for the business side of things. But it quickly dissolves as pride and astonishment overfill my heart. I get to share my brother’s legacy with the world.

“It’s not stupid, Lauren. Of course, I’m happy to do as little or as much as you need me to do for you to feel comfortable. It can’t be easy . . .”

I get up off the couch to hug her before she can finish.

“Thank you. For the opportunity and for the support.”

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