I don’t know names the way that Sky does, so I’m out of my element as I stand here like an idiot.
“Hush up,” Coach growls. “There will be none of that or I will force the team to hang out together and call it team building. Reynolds and Franz, take a seat.”
Sky and I do as we’re asked, and listen to the coach discuss where we fall into play for the team. Our high points are discussed along with what we can offer, and finally someone raises their hand with a question.
“Do they shit rainbows and unicorns, too? You’re laying it on a little thick, Coach,” he says.
“What are your faults, Reynolds?” Coach asks, deflecting.
“I don’t know if these count, but I completely zone out behind my crease,” I reply. “Nothing matters other than keeping pucks out of my space, and I’ll often miss huge chunks of the game because I’m in my own little world.”
“Typical goalie,” someone sighs. “I don’t think that’s a fault. That’s what makes you good at what you do.”
“I also am shit at names sometimes,” I admit. “It’ll take me time to learn who everyone is. If you see me muttering under my breath, it’s because I’m attaching something to your name so I’ll remember it.”
“That’s also very normal,” Coach says. “A lot of people do that so they can better remember names.”
“Outside of that, I don’t have many faults,” I admit. “I’m fiercely loyal, and I get angry when I see someone not getting a fair shake.”
“You were certainly distracted the last time we played against you,” someone says.
God, I wish they’d introduce themselves so I can get started on putting names to faces.
“You weren’t taking care of your captain,” I say without thinking. “I already knew then the possibility was high that we’d be traded to the Cougars. Why the fuck aren’t you taking care of your boy?”
“I actually wondered the same thing,” Coach admits.
“They kept picking him away from our unit!”
Turning, I see a big blonde grumble, and I hear the coach light into him. Olsson. That’s his name.
“This is why you need me,” Sky says quietly. “My job is solely to defend our team. I’ll sink pucks as necessary, but I don’t need the glory. I want the people I play with to be safe, which means throwing down when my captain is being harassed. It’s no secret that Koen is bat shit crazy.”
“Ugh, I am not,” Koen groans. “My mental health is rock solid, fuck you very much.”
“You’re a cowboy with a stick,” Coach Weightman snorts.
“I think Viking is what his fans prefer,” Olsson says with a smirk. “Honestly, the Angels came in with an agenda. Koen was on their hit list.”
“He was,” Sky sighs. “That’s not the kind of team I want to play on. So here we are. You can be disappointed, but we’re not going anywhere. I take my contractual responsibilities seriously. I suggest you all put aside your issues with Rhodes and I so we can win some hockey games. It takes time to learn how new people will fit in with the team, and that’s what we need to focus on.”
“I agree,” Coach says. “Take the day off, and tomorrow we’ll get back to practicing. Welcome to the team, boys. I hope Minnesota treats you well.”
Skylar and I nod in thanks before the meeting breaks up. A few people welcome us to the team, but it doesn’t escape my notice how others simply leave, including Koen. My chest hurts at the way he practically runs out of here, and I find myself rubbing my chest to self soothe.
He doesn’t know. He doesn’t know.I keep reminding myself of this as I follow Edna around to get the requireddocumentation done, and she tells Sky and I that we’ll have everything ready for pick up tomorrow.
“Thank you,” Skylar says before hustling me out of the building. I’m exhausted and flagging.
Most of all, I feel rejected. I’m also starting to get a little depressed.
“Shh, I know,” Sky murmurs under his breath as we get a ride share to our hotel.
“I hate that he doesn’t want us,” I say with a pout. “It physically hurts.”
“It does,” he sighs. “I’ll fix it. I promise.”
I stare at Skylar under my lashes as he walks into the hotel beside me and gets us our keys. He never promises things like this, which means that he has a plan.
