OCTOBER | COLUMBUS, OHIO
My jitters wereout of control as I suited up for our home opener. I never got like this, but it felt like something big was on the line.
In truth, we could probably be completely horrendous until January and still find a way to get a playoff spot.
When I played in Tampa, every year, we talked about getting the Cup. Now, as a captain for a much shittier team, I didn’t know whether to make it public knowledge that I was just praying for a playoff berth. We didn’t have a ton of skills guys. Good players, sure, but maybe one hotshot, some young guys, and some vets like Sorrento and Leroy.
The prospect of leading a team that was down on their luck all season was daunting and made my stomach liquefy.
My phone buzzed as I turned on my car with a call I dreaded, but had to answer. I pushed the button on the steering wheel to pick up the call.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Colton,” he said, like he was saluting me. “I trust you’re ready to face Pittsburgh.”
I didn’t feel all that ready for the new season, but I couldn’t show any weakness. “I am.”
“Better be. In my day, I had to play Lemieux. They’re just a bunch of washups now.”
I released a ragged sigh. Pittsburgh still had a pretty stacked roster of greats. “I don’t like to underestimate anyone, Dad.”
He grunted. “Good mentality. How’s Leroy playing?”
“Good as far as I can tell. He’s mentoring the rookies more than I’d expect, but he acts like he’s not.”
Another grunt. “Should have retired. Same with Sorrento. Hasn’t been the same after that bum knee. Not sure why you hung onto them.”
I clenched my teeth. “Contracts,” I said, dismissing the thought. “And they’re good for morale.”
A sniff. “You’re still short a good skills guy.”
I sighed. “I really don’t control that part, Dad. How’s Mom?”
That finally made him let up. “Well, one of the barn cats just had kittens, so she’s a mess over them.”
“Aw, send me pics.” I stopped short of sayingViolet would love that. How would my parents, especially my mom, feel about Violet being back in my life? Mom would surely be thrilled, considering they were talking even when Violet wasn’t talking to me. Dad was another story. Mom always fantasized that Violet had some long game,The Notebook-style love story, but Dad thought she was messing with me. I hated that I couldn’t clear the air, but it wouldn’t be fair to Violet for me to share that information without her approving of it.
I pulled in at the arena and my phone buzzed. Perfect excuse. “Well, I’m here, so I’d better go lock in.”
I hung up with my dad and read the new message.
VIOLET
good news: i got out of work early and i’m coming to your game! not sure if you’re already in the zone but good luck out there :)
My stomach got an entirely different feeling, and I did a little shimmy in my car. I wasn’t going to give her any shit if she hadn’t been able to come, but I was over the moon that she’d be there cheering me on.
COLTON
aw you don’t have to
VIOLET
i want to!
COLTON
:)
