A look of shock washes over Noah’s face. “Wow. Here I thought I’d never change your mind about me.”
“You were kind of a cocky asshole when you started.”
“I was not!” Noah looks affronted. “Just because you don’t have my raw, natural talent.”
“I take it back. You’re still just as bad.”
Noah holds his hands up in defense. “Kidding.”
“I remember wanting to play with you so bad when you came home from college, but whenever I texted, you were always busy. I felt like a pest you were trying to blow off. I guess I thought you were this ass who didn’t want to be around his dad’s friend’s kid.”
“Really? You know I would never have actually blown you off. I was just busy with my own schedule.”
I laugh. “I know thatnow. It was hard as a middle schooler to realize it. Hockey takes up your entire life.”
Noah nods in agreement. “It really does.”
“And I guess I could never really separate you from that time.”
Noah holds out his hand for me. “Then I guess I’m glad we’re friends now.”
I point a finger at him. “Don’t make me regret it.”
“I’ll try not to. Now, are we going to this barbecue or what?”
By the timewe make it to the farm where the party is being hosted, it’s hopping. Everyone from the team is here. Guys I’ve been skating with since I started here and a few rookies who were drafted this year.
Executives from the front office came. Some I recognize, some I don’t.
The sprawling field is bustling with activity. There’s face painting, a bounce house, a petting zoo, plus an ice cream truck and a full bar and buffet with more food than I could ever imagine.
Guys are standing around chatting with loved ones as kids run around, laughing and screaming.
“Damn. The Knights go all out,” Noah says from his spot next to me.
I shake my head. “This is the first year they’ve done anything like this.”
“Really? I wonder why now.”
I nod, pointing toward the bar to lead us to get a drink. “I think Coach Andrews is really trying to change the environment of the team.”
Noah and I each grab a beer and hang out toward the side of the crowd. “How was it under the old coach? I don’t know if I’ve ever asked.”
“Different. He only cared about wins and losses, and even then, not that much. Didn’t really encourage a team atmosphere. He was on his way out and really didn’t give a shit.”
“Wow.” Noah cracks open his beer and takes a sip. “I don’t know if I would have lasted playing under someone like that.”
“It sucked. So if Coach Andrews wants to do something like this to increase team morale, I’m all for it.”
“Even with me?” Noah elbows me in the side.
I turn and study him. I don’t know why I ever thought he was the dickhead I painted him to be. Maybe I was just jealous of him and his talent and that I had to work harder to achieve everything I’ve gotten. This Noah—the one I’m getting to know—could be someone I’m friends with.
Real, actual friends with.
“You’re not so bad.” I laugh.
“Ringing endorsement, Flounder.”
