“I asked the nutritionist to work you up a meal plan.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re about to play one of the most grueling sports in the world.”
“And I studied nutrition in college. I know what to eat to get the best out of my body.”
“Okay, so tell me, as a winger, what’s an ideal breakfast for a training camp or game day?”
“Fast carbs, lean protein, low fat, and lots of hydration,” I reply with a smirk.
“Alright, show me.”
“Huh?”
“Go collect what you think you need, and we’ll see how it measures up to the nutritionist’s plan.”
“And what do I win if it does?” I ask, standing.
“Breakfast,” he replies dryly, and I shake my head but head over to the buffet. My stomach growls as I collect a tray and make my way to the omelet bar.
“What will it be?” the chef asks.
“Vegetable omelet with two whole eggs plus three egg whites, please.”
The chef starts on my order, and I look around to check what I’ll grab next. I glance back to Reid, who’s tapping away on his phone. I wonder if he’s eaten yet.
“Here you go,” the chef says, passing me a plate with my perfectly cooked omelet.
“Actually, can I have another one, this time three whole eggs and two egg whites, with just spinach and peppers, please?”
I collect everything else I need and return to the table with stacked plates and bowls. Reid’s eyebrows rise.
“You can’t seriously be preparing to eat all of that,” he says, as I set the bowl filled with rice cream, topped with banana slices and berries and drizzled with honey for a touch of sweetness, in front of my seat.
“I’m guessing you haven’t eaten yet either, so I got yours too.”
“You got me breakfast?”
“Yep, and don’t worry, we learned about the different nutritional needs of big buff defensemen in class too. I got you.”
With all the plates and bowls divided up, and a coffee, electrolyte smoothie, and bottle of water set beside each, I pick up my knife and fork.
“So, how did I do?” I ask, and his gaze skims the sheet in his hands, then he folds it in half and slides it into his pocket.
“Great, except for the banana,” he says, picking up the whole one I grabbed for him and placing it down beside my plate before taking my apple.
“Bananas are great, they’re quick fuel, full of potassium, and aren’t too heavy,” I reason, but he scrunches up his nose in an adorable way.
“Yeah, but they’re also slimy and just . . . wrong.”
I chuckle.
“Okay, got it. Next time, no banana for you.”
“Next time?”
“Yeah, I mean, like, if you’re here, we could eat together. Maybe you could give me some pointers on what the coaches are actually looking for, and any other tips you think I should know. If you have the time, and like, if you were already going to be eating here and everything.”
