Jake #3
Many of us have known Emilia since her dad started coaching for the team.
She comes by all the time, usually to make sure he doesn’t kill one of us, or to get a closer look at what it’s like to be in PR for an NHL team.
I’ve gotten to know her over the years, and she’s become a friend to me.
One thing she did share with me, though, was that she was raised by a single father, and that really stuck with me since I could relate.
It also made me respect Coach just a bit more, because I truly saw my dad in him.
I’ve still kept some of my walls up, not wanting to reveal my full self, but she’s always been kind and friendly each time we’ve spoken. She’s always asking how we’re doing, joking around with us, and she definitely isn’t afraid to be herself, which I want to emulate more of.
It’s been a long time coming, but I’m glad that she’ll be joining the team officially.
She’s a little shorter than average, with long wavy brown hair and a face that could make any man fall to his knees. She’s undeniably beautiful, but there’s also an aura about her that screams that she’s tougher than she looks.
And while she is attractive as hell, my heart doesn’t beat the same way it did when I was with Kailyn.
It hasn’t beat that way in a long time.
She walks in with confidence and grace, but also with a look of slight annoyance toward her dad.
“Thank you, Coach.” She emphasizes his title with so much sass, most of us can’t help but laugh.
“I know most of you already know me, but for those who don’t, my name is Emilia and I’m going to be working with the PR team.
I know I’m only an intern, but just know that I can either be your friend and make life easy, or make your life a living hell if you get on my bad side. ”
Snickers come from some of us that know her. I’ve always known she was meant to be in PR, and with the new dynamic of the team, I know that she’ll fit right in with us.
“I’m sure none of us want to end up on your bad side, Ems. Not that I think you really have one,” Beckett jokes, eyeing her up and down, and the group bursts out laughing.
Coach glares at him, rolls his eyes, and grumbles out the word ‘idiots’ under his breath.
Beckett has known Emilia his whole life, having grown up on the same block as her.
He’s one of the only ones who can get away with joking around her like this.
If anyone else tried, I wouldn’t be surprised to see their name on the trade roster by the end of the day.
“I’m glad you noticed, since I can’t say the same for you, Becks,” she throws back, and the room erupts in hollers and playful quips directed at Beckett.
He starts to blush, but waves her off. “You got me with that one.”
She laughs as she moves off to the side.
Coach clears his throat to rein us all back in. “I don’t know why I still haven’t traded you, Beckett.”
“You could never trade me, Papa Davenport. You know you love me too much for that.”
“That’s the only reason he keeps you, dumbass.” Brayden snickers, and the whole room, having just settled down, bursts out in laughter once again, as Beckett walks over to Brayden’s stall to smack him on the head.
Beckett is one of the best goalies in the league and his stats speak for themselves, but he’s also a good-natured guy. He lets us rag on him all the time, but he’s always quick to give it right back. It’s always in good fun, which makes this one of the best teams to be on.
“All right, all right, sit down, you two. I swear, one day you’ll all be the death of me.” Coach rolls his eyes at us, and everyone settles down again.
“I would also like to introduce you all to our newest athletic trainer. She comes highly recommended, having graduated from University of California, Los Angeles with degrees in both kinesiology and sports medicine.”
This makes me pause. The breath catches in my lungs, and I forget how to breathe.
No.
There’s no way. This has to be a mistake. He can’t mean…
He can’t possibly be talking about the one person I think he is.
Coach keeps talking as if I’m not about to hyperventilate and pass out.
“She has interned with other teams in the league and a couple sports clinics out in California. With her extensive knowledge and history of hockey and some familial ties to the team, I believe that she is going to be a great asset to the medical staff we have here.”
Oh, no. This is bad. This is really bad—on so many levels.
My ears ring, and my heart starts to race in my chest. It can’t be her.
I’m not ready to see her, not after how she left me. Not after all this time. The twins would’ve told me if she was coming back, right?
“I am pleased to welcome Kailyn Taylor as the new addition to our team.”
Kailyn. My Kailyn.
As she walks into the room, I can’t tell if my eyes are playing tricks on me with the fuzzy haze that takes over my vision. But as I wipe at them and look up again, there she is standing right in front of me, after being gone for ten years.
I can’t believe she’s really here.