Maybe this is stupid. Maybe I’m setting myself up for a fight I can’t win.
But if learning her language means I have a chance at understanding her world?
I’ll take it. Every damn sign.
15
Milton
Every yearthe league hosts a big Children’s Charity Day, and players from every team in the league are picked to attend and help out. Even family steps in, lending a hand where it’s needed, allowing us to spend more time on the ice.
Korbin and I were the only players picked from the Scorpions to attend. Probably because they’re hoping we can prove we’re the only teammates capable of sharing an arena without throwing punches. We’ve had our share of off-ice brawls—mostly with the Krakens—but this is our shot to show we can keep it clean. No fights, no drama. Just hockey and cameras. It’s not a game, and there’s nothing on the line. I may need to give Korbin a friendly reminder to keep his temper under control.
The event coordinators stagger us around the concourse between tables loaded with freebies for the fans. Not only that, but there are opportunities to buy jerseys, have us sign them or even get a picture. We went an extra step and set up a donation jar.
I look a couple of tables down and see the Krakens have their own setup. Benton Lennox is front and center, charmingthe cameras like he always does. Behind him, I see his sister Bayleigh—small, calm, copper hair pulled loose, with the guy that was sitting at the table with them at Riptides. If I remember correctly, I think Lincoln said his name was John. Maybe? Not sure, but I know he’s her interpreter.
“Look at him over there,” Korbin mutters, making sure only I can hear him.
“Yeah, and you’re going to keep your hands and your mouth to yourself today. Save all that anger and pent-up frustration for our next game,” I state coldly as a group of kids, all looking to be around ten years old, come charging at us. They wave their mini hockey sticks in the air in triumph.
“They shouldn’t have set us so close together then.”
I give him a playful punch to his shoulder as the kids come to a stop in front of us.
“Can you sign our sticks?” a dark-haired boy with a missing tooth and a Scorpions jersey with my number on it asks.
“Of course we can, buddy. Do you want this guy’s autograph too?” I ask, nodding my head toward Korbin, whose face is now void of the scowl it had before and is all smiles.
“We sure do.” A blond boy, skinnier than the others, pushes his way forward. “Brooks is my favorite player. I want to be like him one day.”
“See, the kid’s got good taste.” Korbin crouches in front of him, laughter still in his voice as he takes the stick and signs it, the corners of his mouth lifting like he’s actually proud of this one.
“Meh.” I smirk, taking the sticks one at a time and signing them.
The kids are all happy and run off to the Hellbenders’ table, where two of their players lean forward with wide grins, hands already out for high-fives.
Another group surrounds Korbin while he’s taking some pictures with them.My attention is pulled to the right to some kids waiting in line at the Krakens’ table. My eyes drift to the cutest little brunette girl, maybe eight or nine; I can’t be sure, not having any kids of my own for comparison. She’s tugging on her mother’s arm as they wait in the line trying to see the Scorpions.
I don't know what takes over me, but I start moving in their direction.
“Hey there, sweetie. Did I hear you wanted to see me?” I bend over, taking hold of her braid and giving it a gentle tug.
“Yes, but my mama said we had to wait,” she scrunches up her face as she glares at the boy beside her, “on my brother.”
“Well, good thing I heard you then. I was getting lonely all by myself. Can we take a picture?”
“Yes,” she squeals as she jumps up and down. Her mother gives me a whispered‘thank you’.
“Well, let’s go find someone to take our picture. Do you mind if we take your phone with us?”
“Marie. And of course, here you go.” She hands me her phone, and I move a few steps around the line toward the Krakens’ table. Lennox catches sight of me, frowning slightly.
Bayleigh looks up as I stop near them. MInt and green tea surround me, calling to me. Her scent. Soft, subtle and somehow perfect for her. “Do you mind taking a picture of us?” I ask, nodding toward the cutie with me.
The guy with Bayleigh starts signing something.
“Hey there, cutie. I’m James, and I’d love to take your picture. Do you have a camera?”
