“Really?” he says. There’s a hint of surprise in his tone.
“Yeah. I know that’s probably a shock to hear, but it’s true. It’s something that I’ve always wanted. And I think I’d do a good job.”
He’s quiet as he sips the bourbon from his glass and glances off to the side. My nerves fire off. I probably shouldn’t have brought this up at a wedding. If I were smarter—if I had thought more about this—I would have asked Coach to meet with me in his office so I could show just how serious I am. Talking to him about this at my teammate’s wedding feels like such an amateur move. I sigh, annoyed with myself.
Coach Porter finally looks at me again. “You really think you’d make a good alternate captain? You think you have the maturity and the right attitude for it? Being alternate captain is more than just how you play. You need to be someone that your teammates and the refs and officials respect. You have to be mature and professional off the ice too.”
He quirks his eyebrow at me, almost like he’s silently saying, “Are you fucking kidding me?”
Doubt creeps into the sudden boldness I felt earlier. My shoulders slump.
“Look, I’m not trying to tear you down, Connors. You’re a fantastic player. You get along well with your teammates. The fans love you. You’re great during post-game press. All of that counts for a lot. But your personal life also comes into play when we’re talking about something like alternate captain. Especially on this team. The owner Greg wants the players who are inpositions of leadership to show integrity in their personal lives. I do too. And that’s not exactly you.”
I feel myself deflate even more, even though everything he’s saying is true.
“So you’re saying I need to clean up my act if I want to be considered for alternate captain?” I say, fighting the embarrassed feeling coursing through me.
“If being alternate captain is something you truly want, you can’t be acting like a frat boy off the ice.”
I nod. “I get it. Thanks for being honest with me.”
He studies me for a moment, then looks over at Ryker, who’s taking photos with Madeline. “St. George is who I have in mind for the role.” He turns to me. “But I haven’t made any final decisions yet. Not until training camp starts in the fall. You’re gonna have to make a pretty big change in your personal life if alternate captain is something you’re serious about.”
He walks off. I rest my hands in my pockets and lean against the bar as I take in everything Coach Porter’s said. No question, it cuts deep to hear that my own teammates and coach don’t think I’m alternate captain material.
I’m willing to quit my party boy ways if that’s what it takes for them to take me seriously. But part of me knows that probably won’t be enough. I just have to figure out what else I need to do.
My phone buzzes again. I pull out my phone and see another text from Ellie. It’s a pic of the dog she watching. He’s looking up at the night sky.
Ellie: Gus is bored from lying around the house so I took him on another walk.
I smile. Texting Ellie is a nice distraction from thinking about all this. It would be even better if she were here.
Me: Does he like riding in the car?
Ellie: Yeah, he loves it.
Me: Drive him here tonight. Come see me.
Ellie: You want me to come to the wedding reception you’re at? And bring the dog I’m watching?
Me: Yeah.
Ellie: Very funny lol
Me: I’m serious. If you’re free, you should come hang out for a bit. I want to see you
Ellie: Do you think Ryker would appreciate me crashing his wedding?
Me: Ryker is currently loved up with his new wife, taking photos. He’s not gonna care.
Me: How about I throw in a Malibu and rum to sweeten the offer?
Ellie: Okay, you convinced me. I’m on my way.
Chapter 4
Ellie
