Page 73 of Retaking the Shot
“Yeah. Butch told me earlier he prepared a speech to get the team pumped up before our flight tomorrow.”
“Isn’t that your job, Captain?”
He laughed. “Yeah, but I gave mine earlier. I’m sure his will be a more entertaining than inspiring, but I think some of the rookies need a little humor to help them relax a bit.”
“Well, sounds like you need to get back to your team then. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Yeah. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Two weeks later,I boarded a private jet with my parents, grandparents, Coop’s parents, Hayden, Tyler, and Kaylee. Boston and Las Vegas were tied at three games each, and we were on our way to Las Vegas for game seven.
“Oh my god, this is incredible.” Kaylee stopped as soon as she stepped inside the plane. “Your man went all out.”
I peeked over her shoulder, taking in the luxurious interior. Two pairs of seats sat facing each other at the front, and then behind that were two seats next to another four seats surrounding a table. My parents and grandparents made their way to the seats around the table, with Jason and Diane taking the ones across from them.
“Definitely better than the flights I take for work,” Hayden agreed.
“Are you covering tomorrow’s game? I asked.
He shook his head. “Nah, my coworker Jack is there. He flew out to Vegas earlier today.”
Kaylee moved into one of the seats on our left, and I took the one across from her, leaving the two on the other side of the aisle open for Hayden and Tyler. Although talking to them had been freeing, and I was grateful they’d forgiven me so quickly, it was still a little odd to be with them without Coop around.
Once the flight attendant secured the cabin, the plane prepared for takeoff.
“How long is the flight supposed to take?” Kaylee wondered.
“About five hours,” I replied.
Tyler looked at me. “Do you and Coop have plans tonight?”
“Not really. I think we’re going to order some dinner and go to bed early.”
“Sure, you are,” Kaylee teased.
I glared playfully at my friend. “First of all, keep your voice down; my grandparents are back there. Second, we really are going to bed. In case you forgot, Coop’s got a big game tomorrow.”
“I’m just giving you shit because you’re ditching me on our first night in Vegas.”
“We’re probably going to hang out in the casino if you want to join us,” Hayden offered.
I glanced over at him and smiled. “Just know you might have to rein her in if she happens to see any of the guys from the team. She’s got a thing for hockey players now.”
Kaylee kicked my shin. “It’s your fault. You’re the one who introduced me to them.”
The four of us continued to chat, and it felt good to have a comfortable conversation with Tyler again. Before we’d dated, we had been friends, and I hoped we were on a path to repair that friendship.
After we landed, two SUVs took us to the hotel. Coop was waiting for us in the lobby, and when he spotted our group, a huge smile crossed his face.
“I’m so glad you all are here.” He walked around, giving everyone a hug.
“There was no way I was missing this.” Hayden clapped Coop on the back. “I’m looking forward to watching you kick some ass tomorrow.”
Coop laughed. “That’s the plan at least.”
“We should probably check in,” my dad suggested.
