30. Zane Ortiz
30
Zane Ortiz
After the “mistake” with Pearl, I made my way back to the reception hall to inform Coach and his family that I was heading home. Even though part of me wanted to slip away unnoticed, I couldn’t bring myself to do so. Before he let me go, he shared with me that there’s an important announcement he wants to make after practice, just before the press release. He asked me to spread the word to everyone.
I’m not sure why he specifically singled me out for this task. Usually, it’s Tyler who’s the go-to guy for these kinds of things—he knows how to keep tabs on everyone.
Maybe Coach has noticed how I’ve been stepping up my game lately—handling conflicts, putting in the extra effort in practice, and improving my teamwork off the ice.
Perhaps the potential he once saw in me wasn’t just wishful thinking after all .
I send out a quick text, reminding everyone to dust off their professional attire and brace themselves for an announcement from Coach and the board.
My gut tells me it’s about Tyler’s retirement, a fact everyone’s already clued in on. I know the media’s itching to know what’s next for the team.
If those old rumors turn out to be true, and Coach has truly managed to convince the board to overlook my past suspensions, tomorrow could change everything for me.
It’s just tough to get hyped up for it all after what happened with Pearl.
I need to apologize, even if there’s a chance she won’t reply. If by some strange twist of fate, I completely misunderstood our moment, I can only hope she’ll forgive me. But apologizing for what could easily be classified as the best kiss of my life? That definitely doesn’t feel normal to me.
Zane
I’m sorry if I forced you into something you didn’t want. I tried my best to respect you, your body, and the boundaries I believe you hold. But you running away made me realize I still failed you somehow. It won’t happen again.
Her text bubble appears and I sit up straight on my bed. It’s been a while since I saw her typing. It feels like we’re texting for the first time—a giddy feeling rushes over me.
Sweet P
You didn’t do anything wrong, Zane. Sorry for running away with your jacket.
Zane
Keep the jacket, my clothes always look better on you. But why did you really run away? That kiss... It felt like you were finally showing me what’s really in your heart.
Sweet P
The heart is deceitful. Just because we had a moment that felt right to both of us doesn’t mean it was a good idea in the grand scheme of things.
Zane
So you agree it felt right? Can I call you? I have something I wanted to share with you today.
Sweet P
I know tonight brought a lot of confusion, and really, it’s all my fault. I’ve known your intentions since the very first day, and I owe you a big apology. Can we talk another time?
Zane
Let me know when you’re ready to talk. Good night.
Frustration tightens my fingers into fists. I’m not one to give up without a fight, but Pearl leaves me no choice. She looks like she’s already made up her mind that we won’t work, and there isn’t much I can do about that if she doesn’t want to at least tell me why.
I say a half-hearted prayer before sinking into my sheets. I need to get some adequate hours of sleep tonight—tomorrow could be a big day.
If I’d known that accepting Jesus would lead me to this moment, would I have rushed into it?
My pride and ego resist, but there’s a nudge telling me I need to talk to him. I stride over to where Trent is, the clang of metal against metal echoing as players prepare their gear, the scent of sweat and equipment spray filling the air.
Everything about this moment feels routine, yet what I’m about to say is a first.
“Trent, can we talk?” I ask, my voice muffled by the loud conversations around us.
He glances over, his red eyebrows arching in annoyance. “You can’t wait for it to be official before you start gloating?”
“What are you talking about? ”
“Stop pretending like you aren’t here to talk about captaincy. We all know that’s what the meeting and press release is about.”
“That’s not why I want to talk to you. Whether Coach announces me as the new captain or not, I’d like to turn over a new leaf with you.”
Trent’s ginger eyebrows shoot up again, and I can see the skepticism in his eyes. This isn’t something I’d normally volunteer for, especially because all the conflicts we’ve had were instigated by him, but I’m convinced I need to do it. “I’ve been hoping to be a better teammate, on and off the ice. We’ve had our differences, but nothing that should keep us at odds or affect our ability to work together.” I pause to let my words sink in. His forehead muscles relax slightly as my words seem to resonate. “I apologize for everything. I hope we can focus on being a team from now on.”
Trent gives me a strained smile and reaches out to shake my extended hand. I nod, turning on my heel, and head back to my stall.
“That was something,” Carson says, swaying his head.
“I don’t know what got into me, but it needed to be done. I’ve been tired of these petty fights for a while now.”
“Call it the Holy Spirit.” Carson shrugs.
“I’m not sure what he thought of that though. He gave me a weird look.”
“‘So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.’ Romans 12:18,” Tyler spits out a verse.
“Do you always have one of those ready to serve?” I jab him from behind .
“You’d be surprised how much of the Bible you retain if you make it a priority to read it every day. And with my kids, we memorize verses together. It’s become a big part of my life.”
“I struggle with reading. I doubt that’ll ever be like me.”
“There are so many options nowadays,” Carson adds. “You can listen to the audio version if that’s what you’d prefer. I do that when I’m working out.”
“I like that idea. I’ll give it a try.”
Coach enters our locker rooms to check on us. “Is everyone set?” he asks, standing tall in the doorway.
I look around and see everyone nodding. “Yes, sir,” we all respond in unison, looking sharp.
We file into the hallway and head to a meeting room where the board is waiting for us.
Coach takes his place at the front while we settle into the seats arranged in a round conference-room style.
“Thank you all for a remarkable season. This has truly been one of our best,” Coach begins, setting the tone for the meeting.
Glancing around, I catch Tyler’s smirk in my direction. The other guys seem focused, hanging on every word the coach says.
“With Tyler retiring at the end of the season,” I turn my attention back to Coach, knowing this is the moment, “we’ve selected a new captain to lead the Glaciers forward.”
Anticipation sweeps through the room. Coach continues, emphasizing the significant role the new captain will undertake, filling Tyler’s skates .
“Ortiz,” Coach’s voice breaks through the tension, drawing all eyes to the front where he sits, his gaze fixed on me. “It is with great pride that I announce you as the new captain of the Glaciers. Your hard work, commitment, teamwork on and off the ice, and recent improvements in your chemistry with the team have demonstrated your dedication.”
Excitement, and a touch of nervousness surge through me. It’s official—I’ve been chosen to fill Tyler’s shoes.
What an honor!
Everyone applauds, including Trent, though his expression remains stoic, but maybe that’s just his face. After all, I need to get to know the guy better outside of our tiffs.
“Tyler.” Coach turns to our retiring captain. “Thank you for your years of dedication and leadership. Your legacy is woven into this team’s fabric.”
Tyler nods, pride and nostalgia flickering in his eyes. I can easily tell he’ll miss being on the team but he’s chosen his family—a man with his priorities in the right order.
Coach moves on to brief us about the press release. There will be many questions for me, but the first person I want to share this big news with is the one who thinks kissing me was a mistake.