Page 45 of Golden Goal

He studies me before opening one of his desk drawers and taking a card out of it. He slides it across toward me.

“I can’t force you to talk to a professional, but take this in case you ever feel you need to. I would highly suggest it.” He dips his chin toward the card. I pick it up and pocket it. “It’s okay if you do, you know.”

“Thanks,” I mumble.

I am thankful to him for telling me about his experience. But I wasn’t lying when I said I was fine. Am I still angry at Kat? Yes. Hell, yes. Do I hate her? I do. I wish I’d never taken her back after what she did to me in high school. But if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have Hazel, and in the short time she’s been in my life, I’ve realized she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

“You’re welcome. I know you’ve been working hard this past week. I’ll talk to the goalie coach, and let you know what we decide.”

“I appreciate it.”

He turns his attention to his computer screen. “Anything else?”

“No.” I stand, taking the hint that he’s dismissing me. “Thanks, Coach.”

“What’s this meeting about? Anyone know?” Wes asks Hunter and Elias as I take the seat next to them in the conference room a few hours later.

They both shake their heads. Sebastian wanders in and takes the last seat in our row, sipping from a coffee cup. Before anyone can ask any other questions, Coach Weaver walks in followed by our general manager, Alex Alvarez.

Oh shit. This can’t be good.

Usually, it’s just the coaching staff present during these team meetings. Occasionally, someone from the marketing department, or the social media team pops in if they need volunteers for an event or have important information to share.

“Hello, gentleman,” Mr. Alvarez says, clearing his throat. “I’ll try to keep this short. I have a few coaching announcements.”

My heart drops. We’ve been doing shitty this season. We’re not in last place, but we’re near the bottom of the standings. Coach wouldn’t be here if they were firing him, right?

“First,” he says, “we are welcoming a new assistant coach who will oversee special teams as well as help out in other capacities.” He pauses, smiling at all of us. “I’m sure you’ll be glad to have him back, and we’re happy to have him as part of the family again.” He turns to the door where Sutton is standing and gestures for her to open it. “Please welcome Brody Thompson to our coaching staff.”

We all cheer and clap as Brody steps into the room. It’ll be weird to have him as part of the staff, and call him Coach Thompson, but I’m glad he’s back. He shakes Coach’s hand, and they exchange a few words before he steps back so Mr. Alvarez can continue.

“We’d also like to announce our new video coach, Bristol Jackson, who was a former video coach for the Bishops.”

Coach Jackson, who appears to be in her mid-thirties, steps into the conference room. She raises a hand in greeting. We clap, although not as enthusiastically for her. She smiles at us, before shaking Coach Weaver’s hand and stepping back to stand with Brody. Our other assistant coach and goalie coach walk into the room, and join the rest of the coaching staff at the front.

“With that, I’ll turn it over to Coach Weaver.”

“Thank you, Alex,” Coach says. “There is one more announcement we want to make today. I have a feeling this won’t shock most of you.” He pauses, and I suck in a breath. Can it be? “We’ve lost quite a few guys over the past few years, leaving us with big holes to fill. And the coaching staff, as well as the front office, have seen the way one of you has stepped up this season. Originally, we were going to wait until next season to name a new captain, but we’ve decided we don’t want to wait that long. I know it’s late in the season, but we feel strongly about this decision.” He pauses. “Today, it is a great honor to announce the next captain of the Orlando Storm, Hunter Rhodes.” Coach gestures for Hunter to stand up.

The room breaks out into applause and cheering. Someone, probably Wes, whistles.

I turn my attention to my friend, who is beet red. He runs a hand through his hair as he stands.

“Thanks, Coach. Mr. Alvarez. I appreciate the opportunity to lead this team. I’m excited to step into the role and hope I can be half as good of a captain as Caleb was.” He laughs nervously before sitting back down.

“That’s all we’ve got for you today. See you tomorrow at practice. Enjoy your day off.” Coach turns and follows Mr. Alvarez and the rest of the coaching staff out of the room.

Chaos descends as the door closes, with all the guys coming over to congratulate Hunter. Finally, it’s just Hunter, Wes, myself, and Elias left in the room.

“Congrats, brother. Or should I say Cap.”

“Thanks, guys,” Hunter says, glancing between all of us. “I wanted to tell you all sooner, but they swore me to secrecy.”

Before anyone can say anything else, the door opens and Brody comes strolling into the room, a sly grin on his face.

“Congrats, Coach,” Wes says, striding toward him and throwing his arms around him.

“Don’t think you’re supposed to hug the coaches unless we win the Cup,” Hunter says.