“When I was seven. The local NHL team held intensives for low-income families. I’m not sure how my mom found out, but she signed me up, and I’ve been in love with the sport ever since.”
Now I can’t play. What did I do to deserve this?
Don’t think about that now. Just focus onVal. You don’t get to hang out with hernearly enough.
All true, but even that thought is a downer. Still, my thoughts turn to the woman beside me as our conversation continues. Shortly after, Val asks what entrance to turn in.
“Pull up to the main gate. They’ll let us in.”
I wave at the security guard.
“Hey, Mr. Hall. Go on through.”
Val pulls into the restricted area of the parking garage. When the car comes to a stop, I turn to her, searching for the right words.
She speaks first. “I’ll be praying for your meeting.”
I nod on instinct. Val’s been talking about prayer more and more. She knows I don’t believe, but that hasn’t stopped her from praying. Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about the idea of her petitioning on my behalf, but I know I won’t pray to a God who took away the only thing I love in this world.
“I guess I’ll talk to you later?”
“Shoot me a message and let me know the outcome. Or if you just need to talk, whatever,” she says softly.
“You’re the best, Val.”
She chuckles that same light, airy sound. “I haven’t done much.”
“Listening is worth more than I could ever say.”
“Then I’ll listen whenever you need me to.”
I thank her, then open the car door. Before I get out, I ask the one question I hate to ask. “We’re in front of B pole, right?”
“Uh...” She pauses. “No. C pole. Should I find B?”
“No, I know how to get where I’m going from here.”
“Are you sure?” Her voice is hesitant. Whether or not she’s concerned for my safety or concerned she’s offended me, I can’t tell.
I offer reassurance, nonetheless. “I’m good. Get back to the grind before I get you in trouble.”
“Call me after seven, ’kay?”
My grin comes fast and swift. This is the first time she’s told me to call her. Usually we stick to voice messages. “I will.”
I leave before I can do anything I regret. Though I’m not exactly sure what I’m feeling, I know I’m feelingsomething.
But what?
Whatever it is, it’ll have to remain a mystery until after this meeting.
I maneuver down the halls, making turns from memory and my practice of bumping into walls. The smell changes, letting me know I’m in the locker room. The fragrance pumping through the place keeps the space from smelling like sweaty men in a gym with no ventilation. I walk the next ten steps and pause outside of the conference room the coaches use.
“Crank, right on time. Come on in,” Liam says.
I use my peripheral vision to find an empty seat. Pretty sure the one closest to the door is vacant. My tug on the chair is too powerful and knocks me in the shins. My face burns as if everyone’s staring at me. The hockey player who no longer uses his main sense to live and breathe hockey.
I place my hands on the table and make a show of looking around even though I’m not catching the details. “Guess it’s time to talk about the elephant.”
