Chapter 26 Colton
TWENTY-SIX
COLTON
OCTOBER | COLUMBUS, OHIO
My jitters were out of control as I suited up for our home opener. I never got like this, but it felt like something big was on the line.
In truth, we could probably be completely horrendous until January and still find a way to get a playoff spot.
When I played in Tampa, every year, we talked about getting the Cup.
Now, as a captain for a much shittier team, I didn’t know whether to make it public knowledge that I was just praying for a playoff berth.
We didn’t have a ton of skills guys. Good players, sure, but maybe one hotshot, some young guys, and some vets like Sorrento and Leroy.
The prospect of leading a team that was down on their luck all season was daunting and made my stomach liquefy.
My phone buzzed as I turned on my car with a call I dreaded, but had to answer. I pushed the button on the steering wheel to pick up the call.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Colton,” he said, like he was saluting me. “I trust you’re ready to face Pittsburgh.”
I didn’t feel all that ready for the new season, but I couldn’t show any weakness. “I am.”
“Better be. In my day, I had to play Lemieux. They’re just a bunch of washups now.”
I released a ragged sigh. Pittsburgh still had a pretty stacked roster of greats. “I don’t like to underestimate anyone, Dad.”
He grunted. “Good mentality. How’s Leroy playing?”
“Good as far as I can tell. He’s mentoring the rookies more than I’d expect, but he acts like he’s not.”
Another grunt. “Should have retired. Same with Sorrento. Hasn’t been the same after that bum knee. Not sure why you hung onto them.”
I clenched my teeth. “Contracts,” I said, dismissing the thought. “And they’re good for morale.”
A sniff. “You’re still short a good skills guy.”
I sighed. “I really don’t control that part, Dad. How’s Mom?”
That finally made him let up. “Well, one of the barn cats just had kittens, so she’s a mess over them.”
“Aw, send me pics.” I stopped short of saying Violet would love that.
How would my parents, especially my mom, feel about Violet being back in my life?
Mom would surely be thrilled, considering they were talking even when Violet wasn’t talking to me.
Dad was another story. Mom always fantasized that Violet had some long game, The Notebook-style love story, but Dad thought she was messing with me.
I hated that I couldn’t clear the air, but it wouldn’t be fair to Violet for me to share that information without her approving of it.
I pulled in at the arena and my phone buzzed. Perfect excuse. “Well, I’m here, so I’d better go lock in.”
I hung up with my dad and read the new message.
VIOLET
good news: i got out of work early and i’m coming to your game! not sure if you’re already in the zone but good luck out there :)
My stomach got an entirely different feeling, and I did a little shimmy in my car. I wasn’t going to give her any shit if she hadn’t been able to come, but I was over the moon that she’d be there cheering me on.
COLTON
aw you don’t have to
VIOLET
i want to!
COLTON
:)
let me talk to someone about tix when i get in the arena
VIOLET
i’m just going to grab one on the way in. don’t worry about it. it’s a big day for you!
COLTON
you don’t get to tell me what to worry about
don’t buy anything. i’ll get you
VIOLET
i’m a dr. i can afford my own ticket
besides, I wouldn’t want to take advantage of my status as your romance book friend with benefits
COLTON
you’re not taking advantage of anything
and if i get the ticket, i’ll know where to look for you :)
VIOLET
(happy crying emoji)
should i wear your college jersey to show off
u still have it?
VIOLET
…maybe
I was walking on a goddamn cloud. Take that, Dad. My college girlfriend kept my jersey all these years. I headed into the arena, waving to the photographer taking our walking-in pictures. I bumped into Sorrento on the way in.
“You look suspiciously happy,” he said. “You were all peppy at morning skate too.”
My Vi high intensified. I hadn’t been able to wipe the smile off my face since I left Violet’s office two nights before. My mind was an endless loop of her stuffing her face, explaining her work to me, and, of course, coming on my thigh, breathing on my neck, saying my name.
It was just as bad as college. I was fucking gone for Violet. Possessive. Obsessed. Wondering what she was doing all the damn time. Counting the minutes until I could see her again.
Which meant she could wreck me just as badly as she did the last time.
The last two times.
And the kicker of it all? We were just friends.
But no matter how dark my brain could make things, I always had some prickle of hope. That prickle had grown into a full-on pang, believing that maybe, if I executed the bookish spice plan just right, she wouldn’t run from me again.
Because while holding the Stanley Cup would be nice, I’d rather hold it knowing Violet Gennari was mine to keep.
But for now, I had to focus on winning this first game.