Page 111 of Replay

“She’s a student?”

“U of T. Master’s in math.” My voice was proud, because I was proud of her. Proud that she was mine.

His mouth quirked up. “A smart one.”

“Yep.”

He crossed to the foot of the bed, staring down at where they kept the chart. Was he going to read it? Was he allowed to? Did he know what that stuff meant?

“We’re going to miss you, Middleton.”

I swallowed. I hated to leave my team in the lurch. “Sorry, sir. I got a little carried away that last game.”

He snorted. “That’s hockey. Sometimes people get hurt.” He wandered to the chair and finally sat. “You’re going to be out a while.”

I nodded.

“Thanks to the holidays, we can’t do anything about a trade till later. The guys have been playing hard. I hope we can keep on till they can get us some help.”

Help meant trading for someone to play on the top line, since I couldn’t now.

“Hockey’s a business, so yeah, you’re going to be replaced. Doesn’t mean there won’t be a spot for you when you return.”

That was a nice thought, but… “If I return.”

“You’ll be back.”

How was he so sure?

“You’re young, you’re motivated, and you’re talented.”

I swallowed. “But what if my knee isn’t as good? What if I lose my speed?” The size I was, I needed that speed to play with the bigger guys.

“You might. You will at some point, for sure. Everyone slows down as they get older.”

Not much help. “But my game is based on being fast.”

“It is now.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “Here.” He tossed it onto the bed.

“What’s that?”

“Those are players who relied on speed when they started. They learned to adapt their game as they lost some of that quickness. You’ve got a good eye for how the game flows on the ice. You watch these guys, how their games changed, and see what you can work into your own play.”

I blinked quickly. “Thanks.” I cleared my throat, since my voice was a little tight. “Thanks, I’ll do that. I’ve got lots of time.”

He nodded. “The scouts all talked about your hockey smarts when you were drafted. But with that idea you had for the Minnesota game, you’ve got smarts for the bigger picture too. There’s gonna be a place for you in hockey, even when you’re not on the ice.”

Something inside me lifted, like a weight was removed. “You sure about that?”

“You’ll have to work hard at it. Maybe that girl of yours can help you study. If you want to retire and leave it all behind when you’re not playing anymore, then it doesn’t matter. But I think you’ve got something. Don’t waste it.” He pushed himself up out of the chair. “Now I need to convince management that this team can go somewhere this season. Watch the games, and if you get any more bright ideas, I want to hear them.”

I stared after him as he left, pinching myself to see if this was real. I held on to that paper he gave me like it was gold.

The months till I could play again were no longer so empty. I’d watch the fuck out of the games and videos of the players he’d recommended. I could even start thinking about a future beyond playing.

Hockey and Katie. I was the luckiest guy—my knee twinged—well, a lucky guy anyway.

I woke up from a nap to find my mom sitting in the chair this time.

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