“Even if it means going to a strip club?” I laugh.
“Doubt he said that,” Marcus replies, smiling just as big as Bode.
“Great job, Fletcher.” Coach congratulates me as I take my seat on the bench as the final minute of the game ticks away.
Knights win 4-2.
A line of reporters are waiting for us in the locker room before we can even hit the showers.
“You had a great game tonight. How does it feel to know your brother scored one more goal than you?” a reporter from one of the local news channels asks.
Way to be a buzzkill.
“Good for Duncan,” I say, taking another swig of water. “I’m glad that I was able to help my team to a win tonight. Vancouver is a good team.”
“Do you think those early goals helped you get the win?” he asks.
“It always helps to score first and get the momentum in your favor. Playing from behind is always hard.”
“It helped get you that hat trick tonight with the empty net.”
“I’m glad I was able to help my team win tonight,” I say again.
What, just because it was an empty net goal, it doesn’t count? I keep that to myself. I don’t want to have a chat with the team PR. No, thanks.
“Hopefully next time we see you in Vancouver, our team is heading home with a win.”
“See you next time.”
At least the next person I talk to asks me about my hat trick. It helps bring back the excitement. I mean, they couldn’t have waited to ask me a few questions before lobbing that question my way?
Of course on the best night of my career, Duncan has to do better. It’s like I’m always in his shadow no matter what I do.
“Player of the game is Dax. Way to go.” Coach tosses me a puck, as we all crowd in the visitors’ locker room. “First hat trick of his career. Great job. Way to help seal the win for the team.”
I nod in appreciation of getting the puck. “Thanks, Coach.”
“We’re leaving early tomorrow for Denver, and after that it’s San Jose, Seattle, Anaheim, up to Edmonton, backto Vegas, and then home, so take it easy tonight. Eleven o’clock curfew. Got it?”
“Got it, Coach,” we answer.
“You guys want to grab some beers and hang out in our room?” Bode asks.
“Sounds good to me.”
Now that the adrenaline is starting to wear off, I could use a beer, a call with Chloe, and to hit the sack. Because I want to carry all this momentum forward.
It doesn’t matter to me whether Duncan is doing better than I am or not. Because unlike him, I care about my team around me.
And I want to do everything I can to make sure we go far this season.
Chapter Twenty-Four
CHLOE
“I’m really glad you guys wanted to do this with me tonight.”
Harper and Stevie look excited as I hold the door open.
