While I’m in the shower, letting the hot water pound down on my back, I see my phone light up on the bathroom counter. Damn it, I need to talk to Kat before she starts blabbing to everyone that Lily and I are together.
Although, would that be so bad?
Fuck. Yes. Lily has made it clear she wants to forget anything happened and keep things purely platonic and professional. I promised her I would talk to Kat, and I have to follow through.
No matter how good it felt waking up with her in my arms.
After drying off, I wrap a towel around my waist and grab my phone to see how much damage my sister has caused. But to my surprise, it’s not the family chat. It’s a missed call from a number listed as the Westport Ravens.
Weird. The name triggers some sort of recognition in me, but I’ll be damned if I know what. A Google search reveals that the Ravens are the new Western Hockey League team in the province. I send off a text to Stefan, asking if he knows why they’re calling me and what the deal is with the team. Instead of texting me back, my phone starts ringing. I accept the call, turning on speakerphone so I can get dressed.
“That was fast. I didn’t think they’d call today or I would’ve prepped you.”
“So, it’s legit?” I ask, sitting on the bed to pull on some sweats.
“Oh, fuck yeah. You know who launched the team, right?” Stef sounds weirdly excited. “That’s Gilles LaRoy’s baby. He and his third wife wanted to relocate to the island, but rumour has it he was already in talks with Hockey Canada about starting up a team. They gave him full control over location, and he chose Westport. I’m telling you, man, it’s serendipity. Have you talked to them yet?”
“Jesus. No. They called while I was in the shower.” I pull on a hoodie, my voice muffled. “What the hell do they want with me?”
Stefan barks out a laugh. “They want you to coach! Jude. My man. This is your chance. They want you to be the head coach.”
I sink down onto the edge of my bed, stunned. “I don’t know the first thing about coaching.”
“You think they care? You’re a star player, a former captain, a cup winner. That’s the important shit.” His voice sobers. “Call them back, Jude. Seriously.”
My mouth dries up. Because while I can see this is potentially a fantastic opportunity, it’s also one more slam of the door on my professional career. And just like signing those fucking papers, I don’t know if I’m ready for it.
“I gotta finish getting ready. I’ll talk to you soon.” I hang up on Stefan before he can push any further. Falling back, I lay down on the bed and stare at the ceiling.
Do I want to coach? Do I want to watch other guys live my dream?
A plaintive meow makes me shift upright. Looking down, I see the grey fuzz ball Kat dropped off yesterday sitting at my feet, staring at me.
“What?”
The kitten just meows again, then lifts up and tries to climb my leg. I bend over and pick her up, dumping her on the bed. “You gotta stop using me as a tree, little lady. It hurts. And your future owners won’t like it. Trust me.”
Of course, the kitten ignores me, pouncing on an invisible piece of something on the bed.
“You’re cute, I have to admit.” I reach a hand out and stroke its back, and the immediate start of a very loud purr has me almost smiling.
“Okay, I gotta go. Don’t destroy my place.”
It takes a while for me to walk to my parents’ house. But it’s a decent day, and Lily did say I was ready to start walking every day.
When I reach their house, however, my leg is protesting. Dad lets me in without comment, but I feel his eyes on me as I go straight to the couch, sit down, and elevate my leg.
He heads into the kitchen and returns a couple minutes later carrying a tray, walking slowly. I move to get up, but he fixes me with a look.
When he sets the tray down, I see two cups of coffee, an ice pack, and some pain relievers. He hands me the ice pack first, which I dutifully strap onto my knee, then the coffee.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Do you need those?” he asks, inclining his head to the medication, but I shake my head.
“Nah. Just the ice is good.”
“How is your rehab progressing?”
