Page 30 of Pucking Around

“All the therapy equipment is through there,” Hillary says, pointing to a large set of open doors to the left. “We’ve got hot and cold tubs, massage tables and chairs, all the PT equipment you could want, space for stretching. And our corner of the world is right here,” she finishes with a wave of her hand at a set of three doors along the wall.

She opens the first door and stands back. I peek my head in. It’s just a windowless broom closet with a desk and a chair. Frankly, I’ve worked in smaller spaces. Behind us, there’s hooting and clamoring as someone cuts the music.

“Whoa—”

“Guys!”

“Hey Jacobs, is this the new doc?”

“Hot Doc spotted!”

“New doc on the block!”

All the guys are shouting and laughing as they abandon their equipment.

Hillary rolls her eyes at me. “Ignore them. They go after new staff like dogs with a bone.”

One of the guys shoots straight for me, his face a sweaty mess. He looks young, bright eyed and friendly. “Hey, Doc,” he says, holding out his hand. “Ryan Langley, forward.”

“Yes, you are,” Hillary says. “Get back, before you soak us with your sweat.”

I just laugh, taking his sweaty hand and giving it a shake. “Rachel Price.”

“Rachel,” he calls over his shoulder.

“Her name’s Rachel,” a guy echoes, and then all the guys are saying it.

“Price,” Hillary corrects them. “Her name isDoctorPrice to you.”

A big guy with a shaved head elbows Langley out of the way. “Cole Morrow, Doc. Best damn defenseman in the League.”

The guys all laugh as I shake his hand next.

“Yeah, you wish Coley. What’s your EA ranking now?” someone shouts.

Morrow scowls at him, giving his shoulder a good-natured slug.

The guy laughs and I can’t help but smile to see his two missing front teeth. Hockey truly is a brutal sport. “I’m Gerard,” he says.

“Hey, J-Lo, get outta the way!”

I smirk up at him with a raised brow. “J-Lo?”

He just shrugs. “My name is Jean-Luc, and the guys are assholes.”

“Oh, don’t get salty, J-Lo. You know we love you!”

“Alright, enough,” calls one of the surlier looking strength and conditioning coaches. “Leave the doc alone, and get back to your reps.Now.”

“Welcome to the team, Doc,” the cute blond says with a cocky grin.

They all amble away, still laughing and shoving each other. I just smile, shaking my head. Boys may grow into men, but they never really grow up.

“How long will the hazing last?” I say, glancing at Hillary.

She purses her lips. “With how pretty you are? My guess is forever.”

“Great,” I mutter.

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