Page 44 of Blocked Shot
Jesse nods, but his eyes are sharp, reading between the lines. “You sure? You looked a little... distracted today.”
Jake exhales a short laugh, shaking his head. “Nah, just tired.”
Jesse doesn’t push, but the way he lingers makes Jake wonder if he’s already pieced things together. If he saw the way Jake looked at Natalie, the way something in Jake still lingers on that night.
His phone buzzes in his locker, and he glances at the screen. Marcus Bruno. His agent.
Jake frowns. It’s been a while since he’s heard from him—not since the start of the season. He hesitates for a second before picking up. “Bruno.”
“Mac,” Bruno says, his voice all business. “Long time no chat.”
“Yeah, man. What’s up?”
Jake is nervous. Has he been traded? How would he feel if he had to move across the country today?
“Look, I’m gonna cut to the chase. You need to pick it up.”
Jake straightens up, his grip tightening on the phone. “What?”
“You’re not playing bad, Mac, but you’re not standing out either. You know how this works. Teams are watching, contracts are on the line. You’re not a rookie anymore, but you’re not untouchable, either.”
Jake exhales slowly, his jaw clenching. He knows Bruno is right, but hearing it like this? After a long, grueling practice? It sits like a rock in his stomach.
“I get it,” Jake mutters.
“Do you?” Bruno presses. “Because we’re at a crossroads here, Jake. You either prove you’re still a top guy, or you fade into the background. And right now, you need to get noticed. You need to play harder, tougher. Get in some faces. Drop the gloves if you have to. Be the guy other teams want.”
Jake closes his eyes, the weight of it all pressing down on him. “You want me to fight?”
“I want you to remind them who you are.”
Jake swallows hard. He knows what Bruno is really saying. He’s not a goal-scorer, not a finesse player. He’s an enforcer. A grinder. And enforcers don’t get contracts unless they make people notice them.
“Fine,” he says, voice tight. “I hear you.”
“Good. Now show me something.”
The call ends, leaving Jake staring at the phone, tension coiling in his chest. He’s tired, sore, and now? Now, the pressure squeezes even tighter. He rubs a hand over his face, trying to shake the frustration creeping in.
CHAPTER 21
NATALIE
We’re here! Good luck tonight
JESSE
thx
NATALIE
Natalie adjusts the scarf around her neck as she and Mila step into the arena, the cold air biting at her cheeks. The energy in the building is lively, fans decked out in the opposing team’s colors buzzing with excitement. It feels strange being here, in a city so close to home, watching the Whalers play the Toronto Marlies. She tugs at the strap of her purse, trying to shake off the nerves twisting in her stomach.
“Is Theo playing?” Mila asks, scanning the ice.
Natalie smirks. “Oh, so that’s why you wanted to come to this game. You’re hoping for a little holiday reunion?”
Mila lifts her chin. “I’m here to support, Jesse.”
