And that’s okay. Everyone has them. I have no complaints.
But this is the last game for the Seattle Blizzard this year.
“James!” Coach flags me down, and I walk over to him.
“One more period,” he says, echoing Mac’s words. “Tie us up, at least.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Youarethe best,” he reminds me and slaps me on the back. “Let’s do this!”
Iwasthe best.
For fifteen years, I’ve been known asthe phenom. The best of the best. The GOAT. Better than Gretzky, having smashed his record for scoring in one season, and total scores in a career, and I’ve played for five yearslessthan that legend.
He’s also a friend and mentor of mine.
But am Istillthe best? Fuck no.
I’m thirty-five.
I’ve been beating my body up my whole goddamn life.
I’m tired.
But for the next twenty minutes on the ice, I’ll fake it till I make it. No cringing when my knees feel like they’re exploding. There is no pain. There is no messing up.
But shit, it’s so much harder now than it was ten years ago. Evenfiveyears ago.
I do manage to score twice, much to the delight of the fans and my teammates, but so does the opposing team, and when it’s all said and done, we lose, 4–2.
“James!” Dozens of reporters shout my name as I make my way to the locker room, and I stop to give interviews.
“What happened out there, Cap?”
Some of them call me Cap because I’ve been the captain of the team for ten years. I was recruited by Seattle my rookie year, and I’ve been lucky enough to stay here my whole career.
Aside from Montana, Seattle is my home.
“Hey, Mike.” I swipe my forearm over my sweaty forehead and tip my head down so I can hear the shorter man ask me questions for the camera. The hallway leading to the locker room is loud as hell.
“What happened out there, Cap? Do you think there was anything you could have done to change how this one ended?”
I want to roll my eyes, but I simply shake my head. “You know, our guys really showed up tonight. Spencer had some amazing saves in the goalie box. I don’t think we have anything to be ashamed of, and a great foundation for next year.”
“So you think you’ll still be in Seattle next year, with you being a free agent after this game?” Mike asks, his eyes shrewd.
Fuck you, Mike.
“Only God and my agent know that for sure.” I smile at the camera, wink for Willow the way I always have, and turn to leave.
No more interviews tonight.
The locker room is somber, but not as sad as it gets if we lose during the Cup.Thatsucks ass. Tonight, we’re disappointed, even though we saw it coming.
But I’m the captain, so it’s my job to say a few words to lift their spirits.
“Listen up,” I begin, getting everyone’s attention. “I’m proud of every single one of you. You all worked hard this season. We knew that there would be a learning curve this year, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You played your asses off out there tonight.”
