Page 85 of Breaking the Pucking Rules
“U-ugh,” I stutter, not expecting her to say that.“I am not getting in an ice bath, you Satan.”
“I want to cheer you up, and I noticed last night that your nails need a refresh, so…”
A smile curls at my lips.
“Sounds great, thank you.”
“I’ll pick you up at two.”
“Okay, but can you…can you pick me up from the arena?” I ask, making a spur-of-the-moment decision.
“Of course. Any reason, or are you just going to watch Kodie skate?”
My mouth opens and closes as I try to find an answer. “No, I’m going to write my application. I figure the surroundings might inspire me.”
I’m also hoping to sit in the shadows and watch practice, yes.
Parker chuckles, seeing right through me.
My phone pings with an incoming message.
“Okay, well, I hope inspiration strikes. I’ll see you soon.”
She cuts the call before I get a chance, and I find a message from Dad on my screen.
I open it, and the coaching position details appear before me.
My stomach knots and my hands tremble.
What if this is the right time?
21
CASEY
Over the years, I’ve experimented around the arena to find the perfect hidden spot.
When I was younger, I used to come here after school and do homework while Dad was working, and not much has changed. I’ve just switched up homework for actual work.
Being here always inspires me. There’s something about the energy of watching the guys on the ice, listening to the whistles, the shouts, and the laughter.
It’s addictive.
Dragging my eyes from my cell, I watch Dad waving his arms around as he explains something to his forwards alongside his assistant coach.
The players listen to every single word, soaking it all up.
The image before me morphs into one of me standing before a handful of girls, all of them gazing at me like I’m the most important person in their world at that moment. That I can help bring all their dreams to fruition.
Can I, though?
Dad and Parker might have the confidence in me, but will others?
Just because I’ve grown up around hockey, just because I’ve played, just because my father is head coach of the LA Vipers, it doesn’t mean I’ll be any good at coaching.
Dad and his assistant step back and the guys skate off, ready to put whatever they were just told into practice.
As always, my eyes follow number fifty-five.
