Page 89 of Hot Puck
“Do you have a problem with that?”
“What? No! It’s just, the way Lindberg talked I thought maybe you two were together.”
“We’re raising my sisters together.” When his eyebrows rise into his hair, I explain. “We’re all that’s left of our family. I’m the only adult the girls have to take care of them. Gem offered to help me by becoming their second guardian.”
“Ah…okay.” He shakes his head. “Sorry. It’s just that I’ve seen the two of you since I was traded in and I have to say, as a stranger, it looks like more than that.”
“Is Lindberg the only one talking about it?” I’d hate it if the team was talking behind my back. And Gem would…I don’t know how she’d react if people were gossiping about us, but I know she would not be happy.
“Yeah. He told me all about the players and staff. Before the trade. Before I told him I’d be interested in playing down here.”
“That makes sense.” To change the subject I ask, “So how do you like it here? Happy you made the move?”
“Yeah.” He reaches up and fingers the ring that hangs from a chain around his neck. “I left some things behind, but I’ll get those here soon enough and then there’s nothing tying me to New York.”
“Things?”
“Just a few. One.” He turns away and swallows and I don’t know if I should push him but before I can he turns back and offers me another grin. “I’ll catch you later.”
He’s gone before I can switch off the machine. “Well, that was weird.”
“Who are you talking to, Hawkins?”
Stepping off the treadmill, I spin in Coach Alcott’s direction. “No one. Just muttering to myself.”
“Did I see Gannon in here?”
“Yep. He just left.”
“Dammit. I was hoping to catch up with him.” He rubs at his jaw. “He’s been here weeks and other than yelling at him on the ice, I think we’ve said four words to each other.”
“Oh?”
He eyes me. “Oh, you probably aren’t aware. He’s my best friend. Since college. Not sure why he’s avoiding me.”
“Probably finding the shift from best friend-teammate to best friend-player-coach hard.”
“Yeah, I guess that could be it. Although it feels like he’s avoiding me.”
My watch beeps. “Is there anything you need me for? I need to get changed and pick up Candace.”
“No. Only came in to see if I could catch Gannon.”
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You ready for it?”
“As ever.”
“Can we expect another?—”
“Don’t say it.” I shake my head. I’m not superstitious but I know a lot of guys are. “You know better than that.”
He grins. “I do. But you know I’m wishing for it.”
“You and me both. And, like always, I’ll do my best to make both our wishes come true.”
“Thanks.” He claps my shoulder then heads off the way he came.
