Chapter 2 Parker #2
He nodded for one of the assistant coaches to take over, and I immediately turned to Owen. “What happened to Ray?” And, more importantly, how the hell were we going to get him back?
“He’s out for the season.” Elliot Ford was standing in front of me, and he turned to reveal an unsympathetic smirk. “Back injury. Didn’t you know?”
I had a natural talent for pissing people off, but Elliot was one of the few people who managed to irritate me in equal measure.
What I wouldn’t give to see him dropped to JV this year.
It would never happen, though. He was a senior, and Ransom High was already seriously lacking in goaltending talent.
Our backup goalie had moved to Florida over the summer and none of the guys vying to fill the vacant spot had impressed during preseason.
“That’s what I was trying to tell you,” Owen said in a hushed voice as Ford turned away.
“Apparently, Coach Ray has always had a bad back, and it started playing up a few weeks ago. Turns out he needs surgery, so he’s taking the year off.
Although, I heard he might be retiring altogether.
Leaving on a high after last year’s championship win. ”
“Well, shit.” This was a disaster. Coach Ray had been my coach throughout high school, and I really liked him. He was a brilliant mentor, and I knew the team wouldn’t be the same without him. I couldn’t even be pissed at him for ditching us. It’s not like he could help it if he needed surgery.
“But can you believe it? Wade Foster.” Despite Owen’s excitement, he kept his voice quiet as the assistant coach was still explaining the plan for tonight’s session. “I wonder what he’s like.”
“Yeah, Parker, what’s he like?” Seth answered, sending me a grin. He knew all about my rocky history with Coach Foster. But as my best friend, wasn’t he supposed to help ease my suffering, not revel in it?
“Didn’t he tell you he never wanted to see your face again?” Seth added.
“Well, we don’t always get what we want, Seth. I have to see your face every day, don’t I?” Everyone started moving into position to begin our first drill, and I bumped Seth’s shoulder as I skated past him. “I hope you end up in JV.”
He laughed and called after me, “Don’t lie, you missed me too much last year.”
I pushed the shock of Coach Foster’s sudden appearance aside to focus on the task at hand: impressing him. Something I’d completely failed to do the last time we met.
When it came to the end of practice, it seemed I’d done enough, because I made the varsity squad.
I was stoked to hear both Owen and Seth’s names called, too.
Elliot was also selected, so it looked like I was stuck with him for another season.
Freddy Anderson, a sophomore I’d never even noticed until preseason started, was named as his backup.
But I prayed we never had to use him. Whenever a puck went near him tonight, he’d just stood in front of the net and squinted his eyes shut like he was hoping his body might somehow make the save.
And by some stroke of luck, Coach Foster didn’t appear to recognize me. I guess it made sense—he must have coached thousands of kids in his time, so while he’d left a lasting impact on me, it was hardly shocking that the feeling wasn’t mutual.
Once Foster finished reading out the two rosters, he dismissed us and everyone started to make their way back to the locker room. I should have been happy; I’d made varsity, and that was what mattered most. But all I could think about was that Coach Foster hadn’t announced team captain.
I knew I should leave it alone. That I shouldn’t draw attention to myself so soon.
But I’d been waiting for this moment for weeks—no, months.
Hell, I’d wanted this ever since I first pulled on a Ransom Devils uniform.
I didn’t want to wait any longer. I was obviously the best player, and there was no way Foster could deny it this time.
I started skating over to him before I could reconsider. Perhaps he’d just forgotten, like he appeared to have forgotten me.
“Uh, Coach Foster?” I said as I approached.
Up close he cut an imposing figure, and I was taken right back to our first encounter three years ago.
I’d grown taller since then, so he didn’t tower over me quite as much, but he was no less intimidating.
I remembered the way he’d bluntly told me I wasn’t good enough.
The look of disapproval on his face when I’d questioned the decision.
And how that disapproval had turned to blind rage when he caught me on the ice after hours with—
I refused to let myself finish that thought.
Foster lifted his eyes to mine. “Can I help you…”
“Parker,” I cleared my throat. “Parker Darling. I play center.”
His ever-present frown deepened as he studied me, and I resisted the desire to swallow. I was already regretting my decision to come talk to him. I hadn’t exactly made a good impression the last time I did. But he didn’t remember me, right?
He nodded for me to continue.
“I, uh, you…” Why was I stuttering? Damn, maybe, I did get nervous. I would not be picturing Foster naked though. “You didn’t announce your pick for captain,” I finally said. “Coach Ray always announced his captain at the same time as the final team rosters.”
Foster’s eyes sparked with dark amusement. “And I suppose you think you should be captain.”
“Well, kind of, yeah,” I replied with a little more confidence. “I know what it takes to win. I’ve been playing varsity longer than anyone here, and I’m even on track to beat the school’s all-time scoring record this season. I’m your best pick.”
“That remains to be seen,” Foster said. “I’m planning to assess how the team plays together over the coming weeks. I’m in no rush to announce a captain.”
“Right.” It was probably fair that he wanted to take some time. He had only just arrived, after all. At least he hadn’t ruled me out completely.
“But, Parker?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten exactly what kind of player you are. I’m watching you, Twelve.”
“Actually, uh, I wear number sixteen now…”
I could almost hear him clenching his teeth, and I mentally kicked myself. I had a nasty habit of saying whatever came to mind.
He started to turn but paused. “Do you remember what I told you before I sent you packing that summer, Twelve?”
“Uh, have a safe trip home?”
Foster stepped closer and I swallowed. It suddenly felt like I hadn’t had that sophomore year growth spurt.
“Stay away from my daughter.”
I had to smother a laugh at the prospect.
Three years might have passed, but I’d still rather lose a tooth to a high stick than even think about going near that girl again.
Coach Foster wasn’t the only one who could hold a grudge.
Thankfully, I managed to keep that as an inside thought, and he finally stalked away.
Still, I was screwed. Completely and totally screwed. Forget being named captain, I’d be lucky to play a single game with this guy in charge.
* * *
It was raining when I got outside, and I pulled my hood up as I continued cursing my luck. Could my day get any worse? A low rumble of thunder answered from somewhere in the distance.
I started toward my truck but hesitated when I noticed a set of keys glinting on the wet concrete. I glanced around the dark parking lot, searching for their owner, and noticed a hooded, hunched figure moving between the rows of cars.
“Hey!” I called, but they didn’t seem to hear me over the rain and wind. “Hey!” I yelled louder. This time, the person glanced over their shoulder, then immediately hurried in the opposite direction.
“Hey! You with the hood!” This time my shouting caused a couple walking out of the arena to pause and a few of my teammates who were getting in their cars shot me confused looks. The one person I actually needed to look my way still didn’t seem to hear me though.
With a sigh I picked up the keys and started to jog through the rain after the retreating figure. I wasn’t even sure the keys were theirs, but I needed all the good karma I could get right now. Returning lost keys seemed like a decent place to start.
As I closed in on the person, they suddenly quickened their pace and cut between two cars. I hiked my hockey bag higher on my shoulder and followed, matching their speed before finally catching up when they stopped next to another car.
I reached out to touch their shoulder. “Hey, I think you—”
They spun. I registered a flash of blonde hair and bright green eyes. My heart stilled.
I recognized the girl instantly, but a second later her fist was flying toward my face. I didn’t have a chance to duck.
Next thing I knew, pain exploded across my face. My head snapped to the side and I stumbled back, slipping on a patch of ice. The weight of my hockey bag pulled me down flat to the ground, where I lay staring up at the darkened sky. So much for my night not getting worse.
And so much for staying away from Mackenzie Foster.