“So, you run into any of the boys yet?” Connor asks, gesturing for us to follow him toward the podium.
“We caught up with Rowan and Tanya. I still can’t believe he’s going to be a dad. And that he’s retiring.”
“Dude, I know. The whole locker room has changed so much these past couple of years. Well maybe not the whole locker room.” Connor watches Kallum saunter in like he owns the place and rolls his eyes. “Some people are still assholes.”
“Yeah, we had the unfortunate experience of running into Kallum as well,” Violet speaks up. “In an ideal world that will be the first and last time I talk to him.” Ditto.
“I did request that you two be sat at our table with my family and Rowan. So hopefully we can make it through the night without any jabs being thrown. Verbal or otherwise.” Connor winks at me.
“I make no promises,” Violet grumbles.
“Well, if you do start any fights can you give me a warning first? I wanna make sure I get to see it.”
The conference hall is now packed with my former teammates, coaches, and other Rangers staff. I feel my heart start to race as I take in all the familiar faces. Scanning the room, I lock eyes with my former agent who lifts his drink and gives me a sheepish smile. The last time we talked was to discuss contract termination. Violet squeezes my hand as she notices me. “Say the word and we can head back up to our room.”
An event coordinator interrupts us before I can take Violet up on the offer. In a blink I’m being handed a microphone and shuffled on stage.You can do this Mason. This is for Connor.I toggle my attention between one of my best friends and the woman who has given me the confidence to be here today. I lean into the mic and launch into my opener.
Everyone laughs at my stories of when we first joined the Rangers. As rookies we went through our fair share of hazing including someone covering our gear in itching powder rightbefore practice and falling asleep on the bus and waking up sans an eyebrow. The emotional moments hit too. How Connor had always been there for me when I needed him. How much work he had put in over the years to help his family and so many others get out of poverty. No one deserved this award more than him, and I was just grateful that he wanted to include me in this moment.
Walking off the stage, I see Violet and Connor’s mom wipe tears from their eyes, and I’m able to finally let out a breath. I wanted to make sure that tonight was special for Connor, and I was hopeful that I had done that. I keep my arm wrapped around Violet’s shoulder as Connor gives his own speech and then joins us back at the table for dinner. After a three-course meal, Tanya insists on taking Violet around to meet the other WAGs and I decide to bite the bullet and follow Connor as he goes to catch up with Coach Patrick.
Coach’s face lights up when he sees me, and I feel my heart tug as I remember how much I missed playing for him. “Mason, my boy. It’s good to see you again.” He clamps a giant hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad you decided to come tonight.”
“I wouldn’t miss this.” No matter how much I felt like a third wheel now.
“Well, I’m glad to see you back on your feet again. What are you up to these days?”
“Oh, haven’t you heard Coach?” Kallum’s condescending voice rings over the crowd. “Our boy Mason here has decided to follow in your footsteps.”
Coach looks at me confused. “I’m working as an assistant coach at Westchester.”
Coach’s lips curve up to a faint smile. “You always had a special eye for hockey. I’m glad you’re not letting your talents go to waste. Those kids are lucky to have you.”
I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Thanks Coach.”
“Well don’t be a stranger Mason. Especially if you need any advice on how to control a bunch of hot heads with egos the size of Canada. I’m always here if you need me.” Coach leaves with apat on my shoulder, and Kallum breezes away from our group as quickly as he joined.
I head straight for the bar needing a bit of social relief. In many ways, I think tonight has helped me take another step forward. I had convinced myself that no one really cared about me after I got injured. And while it was true that some of my friendships were fleeting, tonight showed me that others, like Rowan and Coach, would always be there when I needed it. I just needed the courage to reach out. I tip the bartender for my beer when another familiar face approaches me. Marty Williams was my agent from when I signed my first NHL contract all the way until the end.
“Mason Hayes as I live and breathe.”
“You’re looking good Marty.” I nod.
“I could say the same to you. I heard you still have an itch for the game.” He stands next to me, a mischievous look in his eyes.
“I guess word spreads fast. Yeah, I’m a coach now. At my alma mater.”
He crosses his arms as he scans my face. “And would you say that’s enough for you?”
“Enough?”
“Do you feel as alive as you did when you were on the ice? When you were scoring goals? And the crowd was cheeringyourname?” he pries.
“Sometimes. Maybe. I don’t know. I don’t know if anything will ever feel that way.” Thank you so much for reminding me, Marty.
“Hmmm…interesting.” Marty keeps eyeing me. “I may have something for you if you’re interested.”
“Oh yeah and what’s that?” I snort.
