Page 138 of What Are the Chances
I had no idea what the league was going to be like next year. While I could easily tell myself now that I would always put her first, who was I to know that when I didn’t know what it would actually be like? Once I had coaches breathing down my neck, and trainers keeping tabs on my stats, and supporters expecting me to deliver the fucking moon and stars. There was going to be so much pressure on me next season. That weight felt heavier than ever before.
Coach appeared through the tunnel, pulling my focus. I’d thought things might have been awkward this week, but he was killer at pretending nothing had changed. No wonder he was nicknamed the Robot. I was starting to think he actually was one.
He edged onto the ice, walking straight over to me. “I’m glad to see you’re still here. You needed the extra ice time this week.”
His lack of vote of confidence wasn’t surprising. Coach had never sugar-coated things.
“I’ll be ready,” I answered.
He nodded curtly. “The team will suffer if you’re not.”
And just like that, the weight on my shoulders got heavier.
“Look Will, I know last weekend was a little crazy, but you can’t let it mess with your head.”
I scoffed. Easier said than done.
“You need to figure out a way to ensure your personal life doesn’t get in the way of your game,” Coach went on. “And if that means keepings thingssimpleroff the ice,then so be it.”
I stilled. What the fuck did he mean bysimpler?
Coach’s eyes widened. Shit. I think I’d said that out loud.
He blinked rapidly. “Missing the game wasn’t smart. It could’ve cost the team. It could’ve cost you individually. There’s so much on the line, kid. There always will be with hockey.”
I didn’t even know where to start with what he’d just said. Missing the game wasn’t ideal, but it was necessary when there was an emergency, and it hadn’t cost the team, they’d still won four-two.
The only thing it had cost me was the person I loved most in this world. Sure, I still had hockey, but without Riley it didn't even feel remotely close to making me happy.
Coach rested his hand on my shoulder in his familiar fatherly way, but now it made me uncomfortable and pretty fucking pissed.
“Right now, your focus should solely be on this season, Will. Not on relationships.”
I shifted my stick. “Are you saying that as my coach or as the father of the girl I’m dating?”
Coach’s lips thinned. “Look Caufield, it’s obvious you like my daughter–”
“I love your daughter,” I corrected.
His eyes widened at that confession. The look of surprise only lasted for a fleeting moment though.
“Riley will never be as committed to the game as you. If you want to reach your full potential, now isn’t the time to have her in your life.”
I’d always commended Coach’s dedication and drive. I aspired to work as hard as he had. I aspired to spend as much time in this barn as him. But I was now realising that for him, it wasn’t just dedication or even an obsession.
Hockey wasn’tpartof his life – itwashis life. That wasn’t what I wanted.
With a guarded shake of my head I begun gathering my things so I could get out of here. I’d wasted too much time putting in extra hours on the ice. Sure working hard was important – I was where I was because of the commitment I’d shown to the game. But there was a balance, and lately I’d well and truly crossed that line.
I raised my eyes to meet Coach’s unwavering stare. “With all due respect sir, I don’t want to be the guy who doesn’t have a life off the ice.”
CHAPTER SEVENTY
You’re meddling
RILEY
I tapped my phone against my lips as I waited by the front door. I’d contemplated messaging Will, giving him a head’s up that I was coming, but I’m sure Grace had mentioned something to Levi anyway, and I’m sure he’d then passed that information onto Will. Nothing was sacred in that group.
