Page 34 of Westward

It’s fine. You do good work. Or your agent does. How many more ads do you think you have in you?

Me

As many as my agent can get me.

Lizzie

Because you’re an old man who needs to make sure you’re still relevant?

Me

Ouch. When did you get sassy? And by the way. We’re the same age.

Lizzie

Not in hockey years. In teacher years, I’m still one of the younger ones. Soon I’ll reach crone age, but not before you hit old man status on the ice.

Me

I would be offended by that, but my knee hurts.

Lizzie

Oh my God. Are you okay? Do I need to send someone with ice? I’m trying to finish up some lesson plans for the year, but I can send someone over.

Me

You do care.

Lizzie

Just because if you get hurt on my watch, the town is going to be bitchy. And I don’t think they give extra parades for old men hobbling around because they throw themselves into goals.

Me

Excuse me, I don’t throw myself.

Lizzie

I can find the video of where you literally threw yourself into the net. Multiple times.

Me

I don’t know why you’re acting surprised. I have to be very flexible for my job.

Lizzie

I don’t know if you’re trying to flirt or just be weird. But I do have to get back to work.

Me

And I have to get to the ice. Dinner?

Lizzie

...

Lizzie