Page 30 of Wicked Minds
“Stop wasting my time, what do you want?”
I hesitate before hedging, “I wanted to talk to you about the Penguins contract.” A draft copy was sent over the other day, along with an agreement that I wouldn’t have to sign until after the season was over, meaning if we make it to the Frozen Four, I’ll be able to play.
“Did you get your agent to look at it?”
“Yeah, he’s going over it now.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
Sighing, I lower myself into the chair opposite Coach’s desk. “How stupid of a decision would it be to turn them down?”
Coach gives nothing away as he stares me down, causing me to fidget. “It’d be up there. Probably one of the stupidest decisions I’ve come across in my entire career.”
I grimace, but yeah, I’d assumed as much.
Leaning forward, elbows resting on his desk, Coach asks, “What’s this about, Son? Is it last-minute jitters? This is what you’ve been working toward these last four years—An NHL career. The Penguins are one of the best teams in the league.”
“I know.” I scrub a hand along the back of my head. “I just think maybe I should try to stay closer to here.”
Eyes narrowing in confusion, Coach remarks, “Wouldn’t have pegged you for the homesick type.”
I shake my head, sighing again, becausefuck me, how can I finally be getting everything I want only to discover that having the career of my dreams means leaving thewomanof my dreams.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot since Sunday when Royce asked me which one I’d sacrifice—the Penguins or Riley.Honestly, the answer was an easy one. One that has only solidified with every coffee I’ve brought Riley and lunch I’ve eaten with her this week.
However, while I’d give up the Penguins, I’m hoping I don’t have to sacrifice an entire NHL hockey career, hence why I wanted to talk to Coach today.
“Is this about a girl?” Coach astutely deduces.
“Not justagirl,” I tell him. “Thegirl.”
I watch Coach out of the corner of my eye, wanting to see his reaction, but admittedly terrified he’s going to tell me I’m the biggest idiot he’s ever met.
His expression is carefully blank, but there’s an understanding in his eyes as he stares at me. “The one, huh?”
I nod.
Blowing out a breath, he leans back in his swivel chair. “Well, that’s a tough one. What does she have to say about everything?”
My nose scrunches. “She, uh, doesn’t know yet.” It would probably freak her out if she did since she’s barely even talking to me right now. Best to win her over first, make her realize I’m here for the long haul before dropping this on her.
Coach stares at me before shaking his head. “Jesus, Logan. Just when I thought you weren’t a complete airhead.”
“Harsh.”
“Not when you go doing stupid shit like that. You wanna build a future with this girl? Well, you can’t do that when you keep the important things from her.”
Exhaling, I rub at the back of my neck. “Aren’t you supposed to be telling me pussy comes and goes and that I’d have to be braindead to pass up an opportunity like this?”
“Don’t be crass,” Coach snaps, making me smirk. “If that’s what you want me to tell you, then that’s what I’ll do, but if you want some real-world advice, then shut your mouth for twoseconds before you say something that makes me lose even more respect for you.”
I mime shutting my mouth, earning an eye roll.
“I’ve watched you these last four years pouring absolutely everything you have into this sport. You’re always the first one at practice and the last to leave. You push yourself harder than any other player I’ve known, and I know how much an NHL career means to you.”
Ah, here it comes. The whole, don’t give your dreams up for some girl.
“Having said that, hockey isn’t everything.”Wait, what?“You never know when an injury could take you out of the game, and even if you’re one of the fortunate ones to have a long and healthy career, hockey cannot replace the absence of friends and family, or even a partner who is at your side.
