“That’s a yes,” I say.
Vivian doesn’t rise to it. If anything, she settles further into herself: calm, composed, like she’s already decided I’m background noise.
“We’ll be designing and making pieces together,” she says, her tone even but not cold. “In one of the sessions, they’ll choose charms that represent their roles on the team, things they’ve worked toward during the season. It gives them something tangible to connect to—individually and as a group.”
I watch her as she speaks, the way she doesn’t rush it, doesn’t over-explain either.
She continues, “We’ll also be collaborating on a custom piece for the team. A trophy for their MVP at the end of the season.”
Emma uncrosses her arms, nodding. “It’s actually really cool.”
Vivian glances at her briefly, then back at me. “It’s about building connection. Focus. Giving them a shared goal outside of the ice.”
“Ty, the girls have been great with you dropping into practices these last few weeks,” Emma says, a knowing smile tugging at her mouth. “But once you’re on your own with them, you’ll see.”
I glance at her. “See what?”
“They’re fun,” she says lightly. “But some of them can get a little…exclusionary.”
Vivian clucks her tongue under her breath. “From whatyou’ve told me, you’re about two seconds away from full mean-girl territory.”
Emma shoots her a look, one that saysexactly. “Like I said when we met, they need to bond. And right now?” She gestures between us. “You two are the glue while I’m out.”
I take that in. The structure of it. The intent. It makes sense. But instead of admitting that, I stay in younger brother mode.
“So…not just friendship bracelets.”
Emma rolls her eyes. “You slay me.”
Vivian’s mouth twitches, just a little, like she’s deciding whether I’m worth engaging with. I hold her gaze anyway.
She tilts her head slightly. “Ty, if I say we’re making friendship bracelets, then we will and it will be a good time. Keep it up, and I may teach them to bejewel and we’ll start with your jersey and any hoodies you have first.”
I huff out a breath. “That’s not?—”
“And,” she continues, cutting me off smoothly, “just so you know, when I made this arrangement with your sister, the coach was always meant to participate.”
That gets my attention.
She leans in a fraction closer, arms crossing now, her voice still even but with a quiet edge. “Because she understands how important it is for the coach to be part of the bonding process, too.”
Well. She had to go there, didn’t she?
“Surely you understand that as well,” she adds, her gaze holding mine, “considering you’re the NHL player.”
Emma straightens beside me. “She’s right.”
I glance over. “Don’t start.”
“No, seriously,” she says, pointing between us like she’s just solved something. “Ty, you’re me when I’m gone. You’ll be at those sessions with the girls.”
“What?”
“What?” Vivian says at the same time, her brows lifting slightly.
Emma doesn’t even pause. “Even when I’m not there, it’ll be good for them to bond with you. You’re their temporary coach, and there still needs to be trust.”
Vivian waves a hand in the air. “I mean, I was thinking more along the lines of—he could maybe check in, or FaceTime, or?—”
