“They’re jealous,” I tell her, “Which means you’re doing something right.”
When it’s time for my speech, I get a standing ovation as I stress the importance of camaraderie and working together toward a common goal. Hannah stands in the back, her eyes never leaving me as I shake the hands of our owner and CEO. My assistant coaches rib me for speaking so eloquently when they’reused to only seeing me scowl, and when I make it to the bar for one more drink, a relieved sigh loosens out of me.
“Nice job out there,” Maverick says, leaning against the bar next to me. “You light a fire under the boys’ asses.”
“Where’s your better half tonight?” I ask, sipping on my last whiskey.
“Emmy didn’t feel like coming.” He plays with his cufflinks and shrugs. “I get it. All the questions lately are when is she going to be back on the ice? How is she planning to lose the baby weight? How does she feel about her husband traveling across the country to hit a puck while she’s at home with a newborn?” Maverick glances my way. “That shit hurts.”
“Being an athlete is really fucking hard. Being a female athlete? You and I can’t comprehend the scrutiny they’re under.” I sneak a look at Hannah, watching her talk to Piper and Lexi. “As long as you’re there for her when she needs you, that’s all that matters.”
“I’m trying to be.” His jaw tightens. “The guys want to double check what time practice is in the morning.”
Thinking about dragging myself to the arena a few hours from now while Hannah is still in my bed sounds unappealing. I swirl my drink around and drum my fingers against the glass, contemplating.
I never missed a practice during my playing career. High school, college, and the NHL all saw perfect attendance from me. It stretched into my coaching days, with the exception of one game last season when Liv had appendicitis and I rushed home to be with her.
When I’m scheduled to be somewhere, I show up.
But how fun would it be not to for once?
“You know what?” I finish the whiskey and slide the empty glass across the bar. “Let’s scrub practice tomorrow. Take the day off.”
“Uh.” Maverick looks down at his hand and pinches his skin, wincing when a red mark appears. “I’m not dreaming. You actually just said that to me?”
“I did.”
“You never cancel practice. Ever.”
“There’s a first time for everything.” Hannah makes eye contact with me. She mimes tapping the invisible watch on her wrist, and I don’t bother holding back my smile. “Might as well make it tomorrow. Weather looks nice too. You guys can go get brunch.”
“Brunch?” He pulls out his phone. His fingers fly across the screen, and I roll my eyes when my own phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out to see what he has to say. “Holy shit.”
Puck Kings (+ their savior, BS)
Miller
911. Emergency. Coach is canceling practice tomorrow morning.
Said we could go to fucking BRUNCH?
Around the room, the guys’ heads pop up. They look at their phones, then at me, then down again. Ethan stands and gestures to the server passing with champagne, grabbing the bottle and chugging it.
Hayes
Uh. Did someone spike his drink?
Everett
There’s no way this is happening. Coach canceling practice the day my favorite spot is doing bottomless mimosas AND pancake stacks? I believe in MIRACLES.
Richardson
We’re partying hard tonight boys!!!!!!!!!!!! No sleep until Brooklyn! Strip club. Bar. Night club. Casino. We’re doing it all!!!!!!!
Sullivan
I’m not going to a strip club. Nothing I want to see there.
