Page 2 of What Are the Chances
Grace switched up stretches. “You didn’t need to beforehand?”
“I did. But they’ve changed the terms to Phil-U athletes only.”
Locking my phone, I dropped it back onto my towel. Unlike most students in my class, I hadn’t fostered relationships with any Phil-U athletes because I’d actively avoided them since freshman year. I didn’t know any personally other than – hold on.
I looked at Grace. She was watching me empathetically as though she honestly cared that I was in a bind here. Though I didn’t know her well at all, it was clear she was incredibly nice. Hopefully nice enough to get me out of this mess.
“I know this is totally leftfield,” I began, testing the waters. “But would you be interested?”
She placed both her feet back on solid ground. “What would I need to do?”
“Barely anything,” I confirmed. “It’s a weekly check-in, and then I’d coordinate directly with your team PT.”
Shrugging, her lips pulled into a friendly smile. “Seems easy enough.”
I exhaled deeply. “Grace, you’re a lifesaver.”
The win was short lived though. Grace was only one person. I needed three others.
I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth. “I don’t suppose you have any friends who would also be interested.”
Grace nodded. “I can ask my friends Ava and Stella.”
“I need two boys and two girls.”
I was really pushing my luck here.
“I’ll check with my boyfriend then,” Grace said. “And maybe get him to bring a friend along.”
I was so happy I could hug this girl, so that’s what I did. I bounced over to her, throwing my arms around her shoulders. Laughing, she hugged me back.
“Here.” She reached into her pocket and handed me her phone. “Key in your number.”
I did, then pranked myself so I had her number too. She was literally saving my ass here. I owed her. Big time.
CHAPTER TWO
We’re going camping
WILL
“Do you think Coach is a silver fox?” Tripp asked, his head cocked as he stared at Coach Hall.
I’d never given it any thought. I mean, why the hell would I? He was my coach. I generally didn’t check out my coaches.
“I saw him with his girlfriend at our last game. She’s smoking and she must be at least half his age.”
Having been friends with Tripp since freshman year, I knew when to entertain his ideas and when to ignore them entirely. This seemed like a perfect scenario for the latter.
With a dismissive shake of my head I jumped the boards and began warming up. It was our first official training back since Christmas. I’d practiced at home over the break on the frozen lake between mine and Levi’s houses, then again New Year’s Day in this very rink. While my friends had nursed hangovers, or in Levi’s case spent the day in bed with his girlfriend, I’d practiced my slapshot until my wrists ached.
I’d hit the cross bar twice in our final game of the year. To avoid the yips, I’d made sure I could master the shot with my eyes closed.
Levi lazily skated in circles, gearing up for practice. He was in a much better mood than he had been last time we were on this ice together.
Just before Christmas break, his girlfriend had broken up with him then skipped the country. Literally. Now she was back and committed to staying after graduation. Levi hadn’t stopped smiling since, even on the early as hell drive to the barn this morning.
Ryan skated towards us, his helmet tucked beneath his arm. “I’ve decided how I want to celebrate my birthday.”
