Page 117 of Almost Ours
He ruffled one kid’s helmet, clapped another on the back, his energy infectious. The kids nodded, their posture straightening as they skated back onto the ice. Connor glanced at me briefly, before turning back to his position, determination written all over his face.
Ryan’s ability to flip the switch from frustration to encouragement was… something else. I bit my lip as I watched him, my stomach doing a little flip.
He’s really something, I thought, warmth spreading through me before I could stop myself.
The game turned around in the last few minutes. Connor made a beautiful pass that led to a tying goal, and with just seconds left on the clock, he stole the puck, skated down the ice, and scored the game-winning goal.
The stands erupted into cheers. I was on my feet, clapping and hollering with the other parents, pride swelling in my chest. Nina grabbed me into a hug. “They were both amazing out there!” she shouted.
Connor’s teammates surrounded him on the ice, cheering and tackling him down on the ice. Laughter filled the arena, echoing around the walls as the crowd went wild.
The buzz of the game still hummed in the air as parents and kids trickled out of the arena, their voices mixing with the sound of skates pressing against the rubber floor. I mademy way toward the dressing room, eager to find Connor and congratulate him.
As I turned the corner, I spotted him outside the door, still in his gear, his helmet tucked under one arm. Ryan was crouched in front of him, his jacket stretched slightly across his broad shoulders as he leaned in to talk to Connor. I froze in place, just out of sight, unwilling to interrupt but unable to walk away.
Ryan’s voice was low and steady, but I could hear every word.
“Hey, bud,” he said, meeting Connor’s gaze. “You know I saw what happened out there, right? Those kids were targeting you. That wasn’t fair.”
Connor shifted, his head dipping slightly as he let out a sigh. “I just… I was so mad, Coach. They kept hitting me, and the refs weren’t calling anything. It felt like they were just picking on me.”
Ryan’s hand settled on Connor’s shoulder, his touch firm yet gentle. “I know, and you had every right to be mad. Hockey’s tough–it’s not always fair. And when you’re one of the best players on the ice, like you were tonight, people are going to come after you. It’s part of the game. But you handled it better than most would’ve.”
I watched the way Ryan’s demeanour softened as he spoke to Connor–no yelling, no frustration in his tone, just calm understanding. It wasn’t just the way he coached the team, it was how he seemed to see each player. The way he respected them as individuals, acknowledging their struggles and encouraging them to be better, not just at hockey, but as people.
Connor glanced up at him, the frustration still flickering in his eyes. “But I got a penalty. I let the team down. I should’ve kept my cool.”
Ryan shook his head, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “No, Connor. You didn’t let anyone down. You’re a competitor, and you care about your team. That’s why you got frustrated. It’sokay to feel angry, but we just need to make sure it doesn’t get the best of us.”
Connor’s shoulders slumped a little more, and he glanced down at his skates, the weight of his feelings evident in his posture.
Ryan paused for a moment, his gaze steady and kind. “Here’s the thing I need you to remember, okay?” He waited for Connor to meet his eyes again. “We don’t solve violence with more violence. You’re better than that. And I know it’s hard in the moment. It's hard for grown-ups, too. But staying cool under pressure? That’s what makes a great player. And I know you’ve got that in you.”
Connor’s expression softened, his shoulders relaxed slightly as Ryan’s words sank in. “I’ll try Coach. I promise.”
Ryan ruffled his hair affectionately, his smile widening. “I know you will. And for the record, I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself out there. That’s important, too. You didn’t back down when things got tough, and that’s something to be proud of.”
Something warm and unfamiliar bloomed in my chest, watching the two of them. Connor looked so small next to him, but the way Ryan spoke to him–like he wasn’t just a kid, but someone whose feelings and experience truly mattered–made my heart ache in the best way. I felt my admiration for him grow, something I hadn’t anticipated. The way he spoke to Connor, the way he saw him, like he truly understood. I realized I’d never seen anyone talk to my son like that before.
A swell of gratitude hit me, unexpected and powerful. He’s the kind of person who makes you want to be better, just by being himself. Ryan had a way of drawing out the best in people, and I couldn’t help but admire him for that. For so many reasons.
Connor’s face broke into a smile, a fleeting moment of pure joy, and he gave Ryan a quick nod before ducking back into the dressing room. Ryan stood up and turned slightly, catching sight of me. His expression softened further, his eyes lighting up with a warmth that sent a little jolt through me.
Before I could say anything, I heard someone clear their throat behind me. I turned to find one of the coaches from the opposing team approaching, his expression smug and self-assured.
“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” he said, flashing me a grin that felt more condescending than charming.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ryan’s expression darken, his jaw tightening as he shifted his stance. His muscles seemed to coil, his body language suddenly brimming with tension. My heart, already fluttering from watching him with Connor, now raced for an entirely different reason.
The post-game chatterfilled the arena, parents and kids milling around, the air thick with a mix of exhaustion and adrenaline. My eyes were locked on Harper, who stood just outside the dressing room, a coffee cup in hand. She was waiting for Connor, but I couldn’t help noticing the opposing coach sauntering up to her.
I recognized the type immediately–too confident, too eager, and leaning far too close as he spoke. My jaw clenched, and my hands tightened into fists at my sides. She didn’t need me to swoop in and save her, but the way this guy smirked was enough to send irritation crackling through me.
Harper shifted her weight, tilting her head as if trying to decide whether to be polite or tell him off. The forced smile on her lips only stoked the fire in my chest. I pushed off the wall, ready to make my presence known, but before I could take a step, her voice cut through the noise.
“No thanks,” she said, a sharp edge creeping into her voice. “And maybe next time, you should focus on teaching your kids not to play dirty instead of hitting on the moms.”
The guy blinked, his smug expression slipping as Harper turned on her heel and strode away from him like the badass she was. She didn’t even glance back, her head held high as she made a beeline for me.
