“I think at some point if that happened, teams would start throwing the games just to prove him wrong,” Noah says, laughing.
“It would make the other team work that much harder to ensure Toby’s prediction came to fruition,” Hilt says. “In some ways, I think Toby’s predictions make us better players and teams—whether it’s to prove him wrong or prove him right, depending on how he views you.”
“There are worse things,” Noah says. “I’m dreading the day he says I’m slowing down.”
“I think we all are,” Hilt agrees. “I’m retiring before he comes for me.”
“Oh, speaking of games,” I cut in, “Caulder, that goal you made the other night was sick.”
“Thanks,” Caulder answers. “I feel like I make that shot once every four years.”
I laugh. “I hear you. Having the room to scoop the puck and spin around to shoot it without interference isn’t common. Still, I’ve seen that shot come up in my feed no less than a dozen times today.”
“It’s definitely one of my favorites to make,” Caulder says. “I was convinced growing up that it would be my calling card. I used to practice scooping the puck for hours. Man, was I disappointed when I realized how impractical it is to make during games.”
“Not impossible,” Keno says. “You’ve managed a handful in your career.”
“They were much easier to come by throughout high school. College is where I really noticed it wasn’t happening. I always found it strange since all these kids in college had just left high school. It’s like they took a shot of professional aggression, and I was no longer presented with nearly as many opportunities as I had been the year before.”
“Where’d you go to college?” Keno asks.
“Eastern State in Arizona.”
“Ah. Where Coach Adak came from,” Noah says. “Did you have him as a coach?”
“For two and a half years,” Caulder says. “He accepted the Anaheim job a couple months before I accepted my Buffalo contract. It sucked to lose him, but I’m thankful he was there for as long as he was. I often wonder if I’d be as far as I am without him.”
“He’s doing great things in Carolina,” Julian says.
“I’m just glad he got out of Anaheim. It got dangerous quickly,” Caulder says.
“Behind you, Lo,” Horny says, turning our attention back to the game for a minute.
“Yep, got it. Thanks,” Lo answers.
We’re quiet for several minutes as we focus on the game and the battalion we’re working on taking out. The room is filled with gunshots, and I can’t help but glance at the door. If someone walks by, they’re going to have some questions.
When it’s quiet and we’re back to scavenging for our missions, Lo asks, “How’s wedding planning coming?”
Keno glances up at me and we exchange a smile.
“Good,” I answer. “I think we’ve finally gotten to a place where every decision doesn’t feel like life or death.”
“He means every decision is no longer overwhelming,” Keno says. “Having some great vendors helps. And Julian knows his way around making a decision easier, so that’s been helpful too.”
We both give Julian a grin.
He smiles in return. “Glad to help. And stuff my face.”
“Oh, hey,” Noah says. “Your wedding is at the end of June, right?”
“Yep. Did you get the invitation?” Keno asks.
“Yes,” Elixon, who hasn’t talked much yet, answers when Noah doesn’t. “It’s in the calendar and hanging on the fridge.”
“Oh good. House boyfriend has already put you on the schedule,” Noah says. I chuckle. “Anyway, I’m asking because… I just realized that this might be inappropriate timing. I’m going to add a disclaimer here that this isn’t meant to be exclusive and leave anyone out.”
“Just spit it out,” Horny says.
