He glances at me, arching a brow quizzically. “Learning a new technique?”
I chuckle. “No. Just very much in my head.”
He nods. “Yeah. Me too. Big game tonight.” He looks around. “Really didn’t think we’d get here this season.”
We’re an expansion team and it’s rare for a brand-new team to go this far in their inaugural season.
“Team is special,” I reply. “Also, Coach Teller is special.”
“Yeah. He’s pretty cool.” He finishes what he’s doing and tosses the tape into the bag at his feet.
“You are nervous?” I ask curiously, since we’ve never had a private conversation before.
“A little.” He shrugs. “It happens before every game, usually just until I’m on the ice. Then everything else fades away.”
“For me too.”
“Must be harder, being a newlywed.”
I glance at him, trying to ascertain if he’s being sarcastic, but his expression hasn’t changed.
“She is very understanding. More issues with my mother wanting attention. She is here from Russia.” I shrug, like he should understand.
And he does. “Yeah, moms can be needy. Mine definitely is. But I told her she couldn’t come unless we get to the finals.”
“My mother does not listen like this.”
We chuckle.
Then Coach Teller comes in and looks around.
“Hey, Vik.” He sits on my other side as Cash finds something else to do.
Everyone is busy getting dressed, taping sticks, all of our pre-game rituals and Coach doesn’t feel the need to interfere. Sometimes, he does this. Comes in, sits down and talks to people, cracks jokes—for a short time, he becomes one of us. I’m not sure if it’s done by design, as a way to build relationships, or if he just misses playing.
Coach Teller is young, I think in his mid-to-late thirties. When he’s on the ice with us, it’s obvious he played because he’s still fast, still steady. He was forced to retire after a permanent injury to his wrist, but his feet are still strong and sure. I enjoy when he joins the scrimmage. Last week, he scored on me and told me I owed him a beer.
I guess today it’s my turn to get attention.
“How’re you doin’?” he asks.
“I am good.”
“How are you adjusting to married life during the playoffs?”
“Cash just ask me this question.” I’m more thoughtful with Coach though. “I think is okay. She is very patient. She does not demand attention.” I don’t want to mention my parents or let him think I’m distracted.
“This is a special time, though.”
“Yes, but we will have honeymoon to Egypt once season is over. Then we will have special time.”
“All of it is special time. Don’t ever forget that. Yes, we’re busy during hockey season and the playoffs amp everything up. But don’t let her become an afterthought. You can still snuggle on the couch while you’re watching video on your iPad. You can still get up thirty minutes earlier than necessary so you can share a cup of coffee before you start your day. Relationships are work, my friend. And no matter what you’ve told people, my gut tells me there’s something else going on with you and Holly.”
I swallow. “What?”
He shakes his head. “Don’t worry. None of my business, but I just wanted to let you know—if you need to talk, I’m here. No judgment.”
“I am fine. We are fine.”
