Maverick
Nah, it’s good to give other players a chance to shine. We have a lot of fresh talent on the team.
Haddy
That’s very big of you, Mav. Gavin is not as understanding. How can we have a Mav and Gav with no Mav?
Maverick
I’m still on the team…
Haddy
You know what I mean. I might speak to management. Fans are coming out for you. How many number 74 jerseys did we count last Halloween?
Maverick
32 to Gav’s 20 and Owen’s respectable 5.
Haddy
It’s his first season.
Maverick
Don’t say anything. I know your heart’s in the right place, but let Coach do his thing. I don’t want to be a problem.
More than I already am.I remember his expression when I left practice early for that photo shoot.
Haddy
You’re the boss, but I have your back. Night, Mav. Love you!
I thumbs up her message then swipe over to my calendar to see a few new items have been added. They seem reasonable and work with my existing schedule.
I nod, exhaling, ready to check in with Dove, when my phone lights up again.
“Mother Fuuu…” I exhale a swear, then I see it’s my oldest cousin Kimmie Joy.
She’s my uncle Jack’s daughter from a previous marriage. She was the first of the next generation in Newhope, and while she’s biologically Knox’s older half-sister, we all consider her our big sister.
She was the first to get her driver’s license, and as such, she was the one who drove me to all my early hockey games. Off the record, of course.
Kimmie
Dove??? Maverick! Finally!!!!!
She’s also a little over the top.
Maverick
I’m not doing this with you.
Kimmie
Penny says not much is happening, tho…
My chest tightens.
