Page 58 of Slapshot
I relax once I start to tell her about the classes I’ve taken and the ones I have planned for next semester. I take out the print copy of my Vino and Veritas marketing project and we go through that, too.
She took a few notes at the beginning of the interview, but her pen has been abandoned now as she explains the details of the internship. “I think you’d be a great candidate, Kaitlyn. Your ideas are creative and thoughtful.”
“Thank you.”
“Here’s my card. We’ll be making final decisions before winter break.” She stands and I do too.
“Great, thank you for your time.”
I walk out of the room and back through the fair without stopping to speak to any other companies. The cool air greets me as I push out the doors and step outside.
“Hey,” a familiar voice calls out. Lex stands from a table nearby and hustles toward me. “How was it?”
“Good. I think.” I let out a long breath. “What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you. Duh.” He lifts the hat on his head and runs his fingers through his thick, dark blond hair. “I, uh, heard a rumor and wanted to warn you that your dad is coming to practice.”
“Not a rumor. It’s true. I talked to him before my interview.”
His shoulders relax. “Oh, thank god. You talked to him.”
“Not exactly.”
Lex’s brows raise.
“I tried, but it was crazy in there.”
“I don’t think you’re going to be able to hide it for much longer.” My sweet boyfriend looks at me as if he needs confirmation that I realize I can’t duck and hide for an entire practice or hope no one mentions his daughter is working for the team.
“I know. I know. I hoped I could tell him at dinner tonight, but I guess I’ll have to go with the shock and awe approach.” Shock, anyway.
* * *
A few hours later I’m in the equipment room fidgeting and sweating with nervous energy when my dad steps into the doorway with Coach Keller. I texted him to let him know I’d be at practice and kept it vague.
“Hey!” My voice is way too chipper and he cocks a brow. “Surprise, I’m the team’s equipment manager.”
He looks from me to Coach.
Coach’s brow furrows, a common look, but I’m not usually the one causing it. “I’ll just give you two a few minutes. You’re welcome to join us on the ice if you want, Declan.”
“Thanks, Coach. I appreciate it.”
When it’s just the two of us, he searches my face for some understanding. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was going to tonight.”
He runs a hand along his jaw. It’s been a long time since I’ve rendered him speechless.
“Wow. Okay.” He chuckles. “My daughter is the Moo U hockey equipment manager. I did not see this coming.” He grins, looking happier and prouder than I can remember from recent years.”
My legs are wobbly as I take a step toward him. “Can I show you around?”
“Absolutely.”
It’s a strange experience walking around this place with my dad. What felt like mine, starts to feel more like his as he points out his old spot in the locker room and navigates around like he knows it as well as I do. And I guess he does.
He hangs by my side throughout practice and each time I help one of the guys he gets this big, pleased smile on his face. I have a weird mixture of feelings. Happy that we’re getting along and that he’s proud of me, but sad because it took eight years and hockey to put that look of pride back on his face.
