Page 54 of Hot for the Hockey Player
Her smile was bright and straight and made the apples of her already-round cheeks get even bigger.“Do you think you’ll get to play any more this season?Or is it too soon to tell?”
I made a face of regret.“They’re saying no, but I’m optimistic.”
Nodding, she opened up a notebook.“We’re not recording yet, just so you know.Once we’ve agreed to things, then we’ll hit record and start.This also isn’t live or anything.But I plan to edit it today and tomorrow, and it’d be amazing if I could get it out by Monday.I don’t normally release episodes that fast, but Ithink,” she put a heavy emphasis on the wordthink, “that what we’re going to talk about is going to be rather relevant and better received if I expedite things.”
“Okay.”
“Are there any off-limits topics?”
“My current location, I’d say.And it’d be great if we could keep the discussion about my dad and brothers to a minimum.I’m not against talking about them, but anybody who is a hockey fan knows I’m Kirby Roy’s son, and Rebel and Riot Roy’s little brother.”
“Very fair.Anything else?”
I shrugged.“I don’t think so.I’m a pretty open book.No skeletons or gargoyles hiding in my closet.”
Snickering, she jotted something down in her notebook.“No gargoyles in closet.’All right.Good to know.”
I already knew this from our quick chat at the pub a month ago, but Jasmine was a very easy person to talk to.There was no judgment, no airs or falsehoods with her.She was genuine and made you just want to open up to her and share all your secrets.Not that I really had any.
“Should I hit record?”
“Let’s do it.”
Zoom announced it was now recording, and I sat back and waited for Jasmine to do her introduction.“All right, and we’re back with another episode ofPucktasticwith Jasmine Greengrass, where we don’t just talk about sports, we talk about all the other shit going onwithinsports.I’m your host, Jasmine Greengrass, and I’m so lucky to have with me here today, Maverick Roy, starting center for the Portland Storm.Hi, Maverick.Welcome to the show.Thank you so much for taking the time to be with me here this morning.”
“Thank you for inviting me on, Jasmine.It’s really great to be here.”
“So, for those who might just be tuning in, and might not be aware, talk us through what happened to you a month ago on the ice, and why you are currently not playing with your team.”
I heaved a big sigh and launched into the explanation, going into enough detail that I’m sure anybody listening could picture it in their head.
“That is terrifying,” Jasmine said after I had finished.“You could have honestly been paralyzed from the waist down.”
“Yeah,” I breathed.“I’m really fortunate that I’m not.And I’m doing the work, the PT, rehab, stretches, and all that to get better.My physiotherapist is world renowned, and I’m being really mindful of how I move my body.When I twist funny and something twinges, I know I wasn’t paying attention to how I move my torso.”
“So besides taking it easy—which I’m sureisn’teasy—what else have you been up to?”
“Visiting some family friends.Taking some time to just … exist outside the realm of hockey.”
She smiled.“And how is it ‘outside the realm of hockey’?”
“Amazing.Honestly.For as long as I can remember, every weekend, every early morning and evening after school revolved around hockey.I couldn’thaveany other hobbies.So I’m taking this time to explore.I’ve done a watercolor class, a pottery class, I’m taking a cheesemaking class later today, and I’ve already got metalwork and woodwork classes on the books.”
Her face lit up even more.“I truly love that.I love that for you.I love that for our listeners.I’m sure we’re all having a bit of a tough time picturing Maverick Roy making cheese, or sitting still long enough to paint a watercolor picture, but if you’re enjoying it …”
“The pottery was really fun.I’m going back next week to glaze it and make something else.”I brought my voice down low.“Don’t tell her, but I made my mom a mug for Mother’s Day.”
Jasmine giggled.“My lips are sealed.”
“And I went to the watercolor class with a couple of friends who showed me up big time, but it was still really fun and relaxing as well.I’ll take a picture of my work and send it to you.”
“I will hold you to that.”
We grinned at each other.
“So, you’re obviously notslowing downper se, just mixing it up and taking some time to have fun.Have you spoken with your coaches or teammates since the injury?”
“A few teammates have reached out.I’m real close with Roman Woodman.So we’re keeping in touch.Of course, Coach Nilsson came to the hospital, and he’s checked in on me a few times too.”
