Page 12 of Rookie Season
That leaves two rooms with Atlas, Jay, Ryan, Chloe, and me needing beds. I stick my head into a room. “This one has bunks.” Two sets. “This for the guys?”
Chloe glances in the other room. “A king in this one, plus a pullout.”
“My feet are going to hang over the edge,” Atlas complains.
“You’ve had worse,” Jay counters.
We drop our bags, and Chloe squares her shoulders. “I knew I should have taken a day off and gone to the spa instead.”
My lips twitch as I watch her unpack on the king bed. “Why did you come?”
“To keep an eye on them and ensure they get back to Denver in one piece. The game against LA on Christmas is the biggest one of the year. The rivalry is enormous. Fans are pumped. What are you doing?” she asks as I scope out the pullout.
“I figured you’d take the bed and I’d take the couch. You’re on the clock, so you need to get a good sleep.”
“That’s sweet of you. But we can share as long as you’re not aggressive with your feet.”
“No promises.” Still, I’m grateful not to have to risk it on the pullout.
Christmas music drifts down the hallway.
“Let’s go, party people!” Ryan hollers.
A few moments later, we’re all gathered back down in the living room where Ryan has hung a small whiteboard that reads: “KOZY KODIAKS CHRISTMAS.”
“Now,” he begins, uncapping a purple dry erase marker, “the best Christmas ever has a plan.”
“You steal that from Coach?” Miles nods toward the Kodiaks logo in the corner of the whiteboard.
“Pre-Christmas,” Chloe reminds Ryan. “Our asses have to be back at Kodiaks arena in”—she checks her phone—“forty-eight hours.”
“And ready to tear LA a new one,” Jay adds.
“Yeah, yeah.” Ryan writes a list, plus draws diagrams.
My brows lift at his thoroughness and dedication. He’s sorted out meals, games, movies, a gift swap, and karaoke.
“What’s at stake?” Jay asks.
Chloe frowns at him. “It’s not a competition.”
“It should be.”
Ryan huffs. “If this isn’t the best Kodiaks Christmas ever… I’ll buy everyone a new Christmas tree.”
“Nah, too easy. You’ll buy everyone a new tree and do team media for the next month.”
He blinks. “No way.”
“You can’t assign press duties like that,” Chloe agrees.
“Chlo, here’s the thing…” Jay loops an arm around her shoulders, and she raises one brow. “We’re competitive creatures, but we need motivation. Come on, Ryan. You don’t think you can pull this off?”
Ryan’s face screws up. “Fine.”
Cheers go around the room. It almost feels like the rest of the team has already won.
“First up, decorations,” Ryan decides. “We need a tree.”
