Page 107 of My Brother's Enemy
“It’s just…” I couldn’t get over the irony. “Theyonlyhave girls.”
The universe was funny sometimes.
63
TYLER
Coach didn’t ream us out. He should’ve, but maybe he took pity.
“Okay, boys. Tonight wasn’t your night,” he said instead. “I won’t say much more on that except, let’s take Thanksgiving to forget about it. Spend time with your family, and if that’s not possible, all are welcome at my house. Missy cooks for sixty people, so no worries about having enough food. You might have to put in some time with the little ones, but they’ll tucker out for their afternoon naps. So, let tonight’s game go and focus on what’s ahead.” He gave us each a meaningful look, then waved to me with his clipboard. “Griff, they want you on press. Ray. Bruge. You’re after him. Everyone, get going.”
“Coach, some of the players don’t have your address,” Bruge called.
“Right. I’ll send it out in the team text and add it on the board.”
Marken picked up a marker. “I got it, Coach.”
Meester stood. “Yo! We’re going to Halbrechts after this. Back room. Coach, you all are invited.” He looked my way, and I knew he’d made a point of inviting them so Rain didn’t feel outof place going. Or at least I hoped she’d go. Maybe I was getting ahead of myself. Press first. Shower next.
One of the assistant coaches came over. “They want to let press back here. That okay with you?”
Bruge and Jesse both nodded. “Fine with us.”
I gave a nod. But I reached for my phone before the press could get to me.
Tyler: Where are you?
Rain: In my office. Just got here. Also, hi.
Tyler: You have an office?
Rain: Omg.
Tyler: I’ll find it. Give me a few. They want me to do press and then shower.
Tyler: Meester said everyone is going to Halbrechts tonight, coaching staff too. They’ll want to see you.
Rain: I know. I’ll come. I’m going to talk to Coach Hines now. Mal said they tried to fire me, but he stopped it.
Tyler: Coach did? He has that power?
Rain: No. (eye roll emoji) Mal did. He’s the owner. I’m assuming he has the majority share.
Tyler: That makes more sense. I’d be a terrible NHL team owner. I’d just fire everyone who wanted to fire you.
Rain: I don’t think that’s how it works but thank you.
Rain: I have things to say to you too.
Tyler: Press is coming. Be there SOON
The reporters came in. They were usually hand-picked by Kashvi so they weren’t too scandalous, but I knew tonight was going to be different.
The first asked, “Tyler, what are your thoughts on your team’s loss tonight? Do you have any regrets?”
I kept my face deadpan. “My thoughts are that we were a mess. Obviously. We didn’t win, so there are always regrets there, but we’ll move forward and keep our focus on the next game.”
General question. General answer.
