There’s a little tension between Simon and Vik because after the loss in Vegas, Coach hasn’t put Vik in at all. Like he’s punishing him or something. Simon has been good about it, not saying or doing anything to rub it in, but there’s no mistaking the silence whenever they’re in the room together.
West is doing his best to encourage everyone, get us working together, but every time he makes progress, Coach comes in and tears everything down. I’m honestly trying to understand how he even got this job. No one likes him, I don’t think many of us respect him, and even support staff gives him a wide berth when they’re around.
From that perspective, I really miss the Phantoms.
I’ve started to miss my old team a lot these days. I definitely miss the coaching staff, the owner, and seeing Blake every day. I also had Billie close by. Everything is different here and not all of it has been good.
For one thing, being in Atlanta has been a little lonely. Jayne is pretty much the only thing making this season bearable, although I also don’t have any complaints about my roommates.
Almost everything else is just a pain in the ass. Not knowing my way around, not having any friends outside of the team, being far away from my only family. The adjustment has been a bit more difficult than I thought even though I’ve done my best to push forward.
On a more positive note, Billie and Rome are in town, and we’re getting together at the house tonight after the game. I’m hoping Jayne will be able to come but she’s not sure if Lourdes will expect her to ride home with her and Lindy since they’re coming to the game together. Lourdes and her father assume she doesn’t have friends or a life so it’s becoming harder to come up with reasons to be out of the house if it’s not work-related.
That’s another part of the equation that’s frustrating to me. I have this amazing girlfriend, and not only do I have to keep her asecret, I’m limited in how much time I can spend with her, even when I don’t have hockey responsibilities.
The worst part is—I don’t know how to fix it.
I get to the arena early on game day, opting to have my pre-game meal with my teammates. Most of the guys are here, and we’re quiet as we eat. We’re just about done when Coach comes in with his two assistant coaches behind him.
“Boys.” He looks around. “Have a couple of announcements. First of all, I have jerseys for your new alternate captains—let’s hear it for Bodi Michener and Blaze Villaverde.”
I nearly drop my fork when he calls my name. Of course, the fact that a fucking rookie with no points and even less experience on the team is the other alternate makes no sense.
What the hell is Coach thinking?
I exchange a quick look with West who merely smiles but everyone is clapping and cheering, just like when West was named Captain, so I have no choice but to stand up and go get my updated jersey with the A embroidered into the shoulder.
“Thanks, Coach.” I reach out to shake his hand.
“Don’t make me regret this,” he hisses under his breath.
Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.
I’m beyond pissed, but there’s nothing I can do here in front of everyone, so I turn to Blaze, who’s waiting for his jersey, and proffer my hand. “Congratulations. If you need any help or advice out there, just let me know. Always happy to give you the benefit of my experience.”
Blaze arches a brow as he reluctantly shakes my hand. “Not sure how much I can learn from someone who spent most of his career in the minors, but I appreciate the sentiment.” With that he reaches out to take his jersey from Coach.
What an ass.
West—and the rest of us—dodged a bullet by not letting this kid move in.
“I’d like to see a good effort tonight,” Coach says once everyone has settled down. “If we don’t pull out a win, be prepared to start skating laps at six a.m.” He turns and walks out of the room.
“What the fuck is happening?” Felix asks as soon as he’s gone. “He is mad?”
“He has his own way of doing things,” I respond drolly. “Some good, some not so good.”
“I don’t like what’s happening with Vik and me,” Simon says quietly. “This isn’t good for morale.”
“Oh, please.” Blaze shakes his head. “It’s not a big deal. Coach is making you guys work for it—and lots of teams alternate who’s in net every game. Basically having two starters. This is good for you, LaCroix.”
Simon scowls. “How the hell would you know? You’ve been in the big leagues all of five minutes. You think he gave you that A on your sweater because you’re so great? No one likes a teacher’s pet, buddy.”
Blaze’s face turns red as he glares at Simon. “Fuck you.”
Then he turns and stomps out of the room.
West’s gaze sharpens, but neither of us says anything for a beat.
