I huff a laugh, thinking about having Dove with me at my family’s restaurant, eating spicy peppers while the whole place dances to fire-themed music.
Maverick
You loved it.
Dove
I’d love to visit again sometime.
Maverick
I can arrange that.
Dove
Okay, Han.
Maverick
I’m actually more Chewy…
Dove
???
I chuckle, thinking about two Halloweens ago when I went as Chewbacca. My ole buddy Gav dressed up as the Han Solo to Haddy’s Princess Leia, and nine months later they had a baby girl.
Too bad Dove missed our annual Halloween party this year, but maybe when the season ends, I could take her to Newhope. The two of us at Cooters & Shooters on a Thursday night, standing with her back to my chest, my hands on her waist as we watch my family dance to the music, serve up pepper dishes…
“Murphy!” Coach Leek shouts, breaking me out of my daydream. “What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation?”
“No, Coach.” I grab my stick and head out to the ice.
Four hours later, I’m sweaty and tired, although not as tired as usual, since I only played half as much as I usually do.
It was a different experience to watch the other guys carry out the new plays we learned in practice, but Coach Leek’s strategy paid off.
The Frost were caught off-guard by the new guys, and they weren’t prepared for the new drills we’ve been running. We scored more than we have on the road against them in two seasons, and we leave Georgia with another win under our belts.
One step closer to the Cup.
We’re loaded on the plane, heading to Dallas, when Owen slides into the seat beside me.
“You okay?” His voice is quiet and laced with concern. “I know you’re not used to sitting on the bench that much.”
I’d been looking out the window, thinking about Dove. I was imagining her eating mac & cheese and taking care of Kelani. Maybe watching a movie… something along the lines ofThe LoraxorA Walk in the Clouds.
That one’s not tree-related, but it seems like something she’d like. Maybe it’s something I’d like to watch with her. I only saw it once, but I thought of her the whole time with the harvest and the golden light and the dance…
Her text is still waiting, and I’m about to answer when he nudges my side. “You good?”
“Huh?” Then I realize what’s on his mind. “Oh, yeah. Coach Leek’s right. We’ve got a lot of talent on the team. It’s good to let the other guys shine, and the Frost were totally thrown off by it.”
Those guys know every trick Gavin and I have—because we honed them all as young players on that team.
Owen lifts his chin, arching an eyebrow. “Most guys wouldn’t see it that way. They’d see it as the coach taking away their shine.”
Clearing my throat, I straighten in my seat realizing he’s probably right. I probably should be pissed I’m being sidelined, but I’ve been a bit distracted. I still love to play, but my thoughts have started to drift to other things…
