Page 69 of Comeback
“One of the very best,” Reavo agreed.
“That’s because I learned from the best,” Dane said.
I waved my hand at him. “Bullshit.”
“Youwere, man. Yeah, you fuckin’ ran away on us, but goddamn. After hearing your story, I get why you did it.”
“Besides,” Reavo added, “you, Dane, and me. We’re the last three players who actually played with Soupy—everyone else from that Cup run team has been traded or signed elsewhere.”
“That’s right,” Dane said. “You’d be coming to Dallas with a clean slate. We got way too many young kids now. They could use your guidance, man.”
“So what do you say?” Reavo asked.
I grunted. “Eh …”
Reavo jabbed Dane. “Holy shit, I think he’s actually considering it!”
“Guys … I can’t.” I sighed. “It’s been two goddamn years—I’d be brutal.”
Dane shrugged. “So you’ll be a little rusty for the first few months. Hell, even when you’re rusty, you can do things with the puck that other guys can’t evendreamof doing.”
“And weknowyou’ve been working on your stick handling,” Reavo said, “so don’t act like you haven’t touched a hockey stick in two years.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Huh? How’d you know that?”
They laughed. “The PI.”
“Oh. Right. Can’t believe you had me followed.”
Dane chuckled. “Dude, what choice did I have? That’s how bad we want you back.”
I groaned. “Man …”
I started to think it over.
Now they knew my deepest, darkest secret—and it hadn’t changed anything. They’d forgiven me. I didn’t have to run anymore. What wasreallykeeping me back from playing hockey now?
The boys were right—I didn’t have anything keeping me in Bayfield. If Emma still wanted me to stick around Bayfield for her, it’d be a different story. I’d turn these guys down in an instant. But I knew that was too little, too late. What she’d said about wanting Mackenzie to have a father figure that she could look up to, that she could admire and be proud of, struck deep.
I doubted that it would make a difference to Emma now, but I had to do the right thing just so I could live with myself.
I sighed. “Fuck.”
“What?” Dane asked.
“I’m actually thinking about it.”
Dane and Reavo hissedyessssand pumped their fists and exchanged high fives.
“But before I agree to anything, I have to do something first.”
Chapter 28
Jack
I stuffed an envelope full of cash and grabbed my car keys. I told the boys they should head back to their hotel for the night and we’d meet up first thing tomorrow.
But they refused.
