Page 158 of Ice Darling
“One spot?” I frown. “Max, we have at least five members who?—”
“The Lucky Strikers are moving forward. I want to live in the past as much as anyone, but things are changing.”
“You’re in control of the change, Max.”
“I’ve made up my mind. Tell Theilan, Watson, and the rest that this is their last shot to join the training camp and be picked for the season.”
I rise slowly, my eyes trained on the team manager. “This isn’t a chance,” I say somberly. “This is a punishment. You’re asking them to fight each other for that spot.”
“I’m asking them to prove that they really want it. I know what the team thinks of me, Renthrow. I’m proud that I have a reputation for being kind, considerate, and protective. But that also means I don’t get the kind of respect another manager with a stronger approach would have. That’s what got us here. That’s what started the rebellion.”
“Max—”
“One spot, Renthrow. Take it or leave it.”
Chapter Fifty-Three
Cordelia
My phone buzzes as I’m diagnosing a car at the garage. I wipe my greasy hands on a rag and pull the device out of my back pocket.
It’s Renthrow.
My entire body lights up in excitement.
Renthrow:Random question. What’s the kindest way to deliver bad news?
Me:What kind of bad news?
Renthrow:The kind that could break lifelong friendships and cause total chaos.
I frown at the phone. What could he be referring to?
Me:It’s not about Gordie, is it?
Renthrow:It’s about the team.
I recall the last game I saw the original Lucky Strikers play. They’d worked seamlessly on the ice, speaking to each other without words. Their love for each other and for hockey came through as clear as day.
Me:If it’ll cause that much damage, maybe it doesn’t need to be said at all.
Renthrow:Unfortunately, that’s not an option.
Renthrow:I think having it come from me will have the least number of casualties.
Renthrow:Honestly, I’m nervous about it.
I curl my fingers over the phone, something stirring deep in my chest. What is this feeling?
It takes me a moment to identify it.
Connection.
For so long, I felt separate from everything around me. From my mom. From my sister. From my family. And, when I first came to Lucky Falls, I kept myself separate from Rebel and April.
But since the day I put my hand on Renthrow’s arm and tried to pass him off as my boyfriend, the first thread of connection was woven. It started slowly at first, indecipherable, moving just under the surface.
Slowly, as I opened up more, the thread spread further and got stronger. Now, I’m woven into this town, and this garage, and with him and Gordie. We’re as tightly connected as the wiring diagram in a car.
