“Let’s go with casual,” he says after a moment. “I don’t really know anywhere around here, so I’m going to be scanning the internet to find us somewhere that isn’t too far but has good food. Anything you don’t eat?”
I shrug. “Not really. Sushi is probably my least favorite, but otherwise, I’ll eat almost anything.”
“Good to know. Okay, I’ll let you get back to work, and I’ll text you once I figure out where we’re going.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” I say softly.
“Me too.” He leans over and brushes his lips across my cheek.
Be still, my fucking heart.
Chapter
Nine
Bodi
Team events can be a crap shoot.
Sometimes, they’re a lot of fun. You hang out with your teammates, meet their families, significant others, kids…it’s a good way to forge a bond outside of hockey. However, there are some instances where it’s less pleasant. Like when you barely know anyone, including your head coach, so everyone is going to be on their best behavior.
Wives keeping the kids under wraps.
No one drinking beyond a beer.
Tension simmering just beneath the surface.
I’ve never experienced anything like what’s happening today at the first official team party. I’m not the only one feeling it because West has been hanging out at my side, keeping conversation light-hearted and casual. Even Viktor has stuck close to us, eyes darting from person to person as we try to take in the weird vibe.
“Parties in Alaska much more excitement,” Vik murmurs under his breath. “Logan is always without the clothes. Mr.Caldwell is much funny. Coach Caldwell play with children…” He frowns. “What happens to this?”
“I don’t know, buddy,” West says. “But we need to make some friends, right? Let’s go hang with our teammates.” He takes a step toward a couple of guys I know by reputation but haven’t yet been introduced to.
Simon Lacroix is a goalie in his early thirties who never quite managed to become a starter. He’s a solid player but it seems like he was never in the right place at the right time. The team he’s been on, the Las Vegas Sidewinders, always had elite goalies that only needed him for the occasional night off.
“Hey, West McGregor.” West shakes his hand and we all follow suit.
“Good to meet you in person.” Simon nods, shaking all our hands.
“How long you been in Georgia?” I ask.
“About a month. I’m in the middle of a divorce so it’s been a little tricky trying to move and split assets and all that shit.” He makes a frustrated face. “I was tempted to let her have it all just so I wouldn’t have to bother, but she’s the one who cheated, so fuck that.”
West nods. “I hear you.”
“My English shit,” Vik tells him, “so I listen. Okay?”
“It’s all good, bro.” Simon says.
“You ever attend a party like this?” West asks quietly.
Simon shakes his head, frowning slightly. “No. Thank fuck you said something—I thought maybe it was just me. In Vegas, our team parties wereawesome.”
“Yeah.” West looks around. “Why is everyone on their best behavior?”
“I heard a rumor.” Simon drops his voice. “Coach Morrison is as…difficult off the ice as he is on. I think everyone is on their best behavior because we’re nervous.”
“Yeah, I read he was a hard ass when he coached in New York,” I interject, “but he got results.That’swhy he’s here. His teams won the Frozen Four a bunch of times.”
