"The team looks up to you. They trust you. And you broke that trust."
"I know."
"So, here's what's going to happen." He leans forward. "You're going to apologize to them, face to face. You're going to own what you did. And you're going to earn back their trust."
"I will."
"Good." He stands. "Now get out of my office. Both of you. And don't let me catch you breaking any more rules."
I apologize to the team the next day. We're in the locker room. Pre-practice, everyone's there. I stand in front of them, shoulder still in the sling, black eye fading but still visible.
"I owe you all an apology," I start.
They're quiet.
"I broke your trust. And I let you all find out in the worst way possible."
Fish shifts. Nelly looks at his skates.
"Jo and I ... we didn't plan this. And instead of being honest, we hid it.”
Pierre is leaning against his stall, arms crossed, face unreadable. "I know I'm your captain. I'm supposed to set an example, and I didn't. So, I'm sorry. Truly. And if any of you have a problem with me because of this, I understand and I am happy to talk about it.”
Silence.
Then Sully stands. "Cap. We're good."
"Yeah?" My voice is rough.
"Yeah." He looks around the room. "Right, guys?"
One by one, they nod. Fish. Nelly. Bouch. Evan.
Even Felix. And slowly, Pierre nods in agreement.
"You got knocked the fuck out," Fish says. "I think you've suffered enough."
The room laughs, the tension breaks.
"Thanks, Fish."
"But seriously," Nelly says. "Don't lie to us again."
"I won't. I promise."
Coach blows the whistle. "All right, ladies, enough feelings, let's skate."
They file out. One by one.
Pierre stops beside me. "You really love her?"
"More than anything."
He nods, studying me. "Then don't fuck it up."
"I won't."
"Good." He heads for the ice before pausing. "And, Cap?"
