We both chuckle. Although funny, there may be some deep truth to that.
“He’s just a sponsor. It’s not like he is the team owner and his daughter is with the new guy on the team.” Why did that fly out of me? It’s in a moment of laughter, and I wasn’t thinking.
Declan stills, and his jaw tightens. “What did you just say?”
“Nothing. A bad joke.” And probably covering my ass because even I fear one day it might be a reality that we all have to face.
Declan swings his gaze to the ice and locks on the player just traded to our team, the one with not the greatest reputation. Then slowly his steely look returns to me.His fear is replaced by a bright fake smile. “Theoretically, right? Anyhow, did Vaughn also talk to you about potential trades?”
Inhaling a deep breath, I hate this predicament that I might find myself in. “He is the GM, I’m the coach. If you want to trade for my brother, then that is your prerogative. He will be just a player to me. Just like Tyler is.”
Declan crosses his arms. “Okay. Just checking. You will obviously keep this under wraps.”
“No need to say that.” I can’t discuss this with my brother because then it really can mess up any future team changes.
“Well, congratulations again.”
“Thanks. I’ve got to get going, Gracie has a doctor’s appointment. The coaching staff can handle the guys.” I hike my thumb behind me.
Declan whistles in concern. “Might want to leave ASAP. The snow that started an hour ago is really coming down. I’m actually surprised nobody from the front office told you guys. If it holds up like they say it will, then there will be problems with flights later.”
“Shit.” My only issue with that sentence is that I’ll miss the appointment. “Off I go then.”
I trot back to the bench to grab my coat. While I’m swinging on my coat, Tyler brakes on his skates in front of me on the other side of the bench.
He carefully looks around because the team, including myself if I’m honest, sometimes forget that we are related. “Congratulations.” My eyes bug out, waiting for an answer to a question he already knows as I zip up. “Both our parents were at dinner at our aunt’s house.” His face turns lopsided.
“How bad?”
“Like five minutes in, probably. I don’t think anybody needed alcohol to let the news get out.” Of course, it’s not only Gracie’s family failing on the keeping-it-cool level.
Quickly glancing at my watch, I feel the urgency. “Sounds about right. Thanks, though. I’m leaving for an appointment, so there will probably only be a few more drills before you guys can go. Apparently, the snow is coming down outside.”
He skates off, and I nearly run out. The moment I open the door from the rink, I feel screwed.
The fresh level of snow is soft, but there is a layer on the road as more flakes fall. I make it to the car and start the engine to warm up, and I grab my scraper to push snow off the windows. The moment I’m back in my car, I call Gracie on the Bluetooth.
She picks up instantly. “Hey, everything okay? I’m here.”
“Here? The appointment isn’t for another twenty minutes.”
“But I like to be on time, and the roads meant driving slower.” I’m thankful, in a way, because she is in the waiting room and no longer on the road driving where it is too dangerous.
Carefully, I drive out of the parking lot with the realization that I won’t be topping twenty miles on the road. There is no way that I’ll make it on time.
“I’m in the car, but I doubt I’ll be there in twenty.”
“Oh.”
She is 100% disheartened.
“I’m going to try. Maybe ask if they can wait?”
“Asher,” she grumbles. “We’re not royalty, and there are other people with an appointment, too.”
I’m careful as I turn but still my car swerves slightly. “I’m doing my best. I don’t want to miss this.” I’m already furious at mother nature.
“I hope not.” Oh fuck, she sounds miserable and sad. This is the worst-case scenario because we’ve been talkingabout the appointment all week. She even booked it knowing it wasn’t a game day.
