Chapter 26 #2
His look was as if I was eating a canary in front of him. “Right. I barely want to talk to you. Stop being an asshole. This whole brooding thing you have going on is getting old. The lack of communication is the problem, but until you get your head out of your ass, you’ll never discover the truth.”
Why the hell was everyone offering the same advice?
Because you’re a dumbass.
“Whatever.” All the chiding in the world wasn’t going to make the situation any better. I yanked on my clothes, grabbing my duffle bag and heading to the coach’s office. The door was partially open.
A quick knock and I walked inside.
“You wanted to see me, Coach?”
He studied me as if this was it and I was getting canned. “Sit down.”
“I’m fine.”
“I said, sit.”
Wow. He was in an even worse mood than normal. So I sat, rubbing my sweaty hands on my jeans. “I’m sitting.”
His eyebrows knitted together. “You can follow orders. Sometimes I wonder.”
“If this is about how I’ve played lately…”
“Cut it right there. I’ve heard all about the issues with your girlfriend.
I’m sorry. Your mate. I still can’t wrap my head around that.
Now, I think Roxanne has done a good job of trying to make things a little easier on you by handling the press, but at some point you need to put your jockstrap on and act like a man. ”
“Sir?”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Anyone can see how much you adore that girl. And I understand because you’re her mate, you’re going to be a useless mess of flesh until you’re with her permanently.”
“That can’t happen.”
“Yeah, yeah. She betrayed you. I don’t know the details.
I don’t need to. What I’m going to tell you is that it’s your time at the big boy’s table and it’s up to you if you can handle the pressure.
When you were with her, you were the kid I remembered from hockey camp.
Not only in coaching but in playing. But damn it, son.
The chip on your shoulder is ridiculous. ”
“Duly noted. I’ll carve it off.”
He cocked his head. The man hated when I joked. “You’ve got a make it or break it opportunity. I’ve already told you that you’re one of the best players I’ve ever worked with. Hell, that I’ve ever seen. But this shifter shit is still holding you back. Now, for all the right reasons.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Yeah, I think you do. It’s complicated. Love always is.”
“I don’t love her.”
“Bullshit,” the coach chortled. “I know love when I see it. You forget I lived through Ford and Georgia. Lord, that was entertaining at best. Anyway, you’re right in that it’s none of my business, but this is.”
He tossed an envelope across the desk.
“What’s this?” If the owners were cutting me, I honestly wasn’t certain what I’d do.
“Maybe you should open it.”
A whistle escaped my lips and damn it if my fingers weren’t shaking. I hated it when I got like this. But I opened the damn envelope, half chuckling as I did. “Is this serious?”
“Much to my chagrin, yes, it is. You earned it, Cole, but I can’t lie and tell you that I won’t miss you. Even when you can be an asshole.”
I half laughed because I wasn’t certain I was ready for this. No, the truth was I wasn’t certain I wanted this. Maybe I’d question my sanity later, but I thought about Jagger and pushed the envelope across the table. “Is there any chance the offer can be extended to Jagger instead?”
Both eyebrows lifted this time. “Why would you suggest that?”
“His dad is an asshole. He bought Jagger’s way onto this team to keep him close, holding it over his head.
I know you were told to sack him this year, destroying all his chances of making the NHL.
Now I can’t believe you’d honor the request, which I admire you for.
But I can only imagine the pressure you’re under.
Jagger deserves the chance more than I do.
So I’m asking for one favor. I’ll be okay. But this means everything to him.”
The coach said nothing for a few seconds before pushing the envelope back across his desk.
“Congratulations, son. You just proved why this opportunity is well deserved. What a selfless request. Yeah, you’re right in that I’ve had tremendous pressure to ensure Jagger doesn’t excel or go forward.
That will never happen. If there’s one thing I will maintain, it’s my integrity. ”
“I know, Coach, but—”
“I’m not finished. I know people in this industry, Cole. Trust me. I’m not worried about my career and my players will not be treated like property. Did you know I played on the same team as your dad?”
“No.”
A slow and steady smile crossed his face.
“A long time ago. I knew then he was a shifter. I didn’t give a shit.
He was a damn good player. Just like you are.
More important, he was a good man. Just like you are.
Jagger is being offered a deal as well. While there was a near tragedy with the NHL team taking two players out of commission, that allowed for two opportunities.
And it would seem they were very impressed by the Dynamic Duo. ”
I could feel myself beaming. “That’s great.”
“Now, I will assume you’ll keep your damn mouth shut.”
As I fake zipped my mouth, I could barely contain my excitement.
The coach seemed relieved. “Just remember not all things are as they seem, son. Some of the best moments of your life will be after you’ve gone through struggle. But the sweet reward will be well worth the angst.”
“Maybe you’re right,” I told him. “When do I need to decide?”
“You’ve got a couple days, but you know how it goes. Don’t wait too long.”
“Yes, sir. I won’t.” My legs were shaking as I stood. As I left his office, I tried to figure out if I was happy or what. I honestly didn’t know.
I carefully avoided the guys, heading out the back exit. I needed time to think. No, I needed something else. I needed her.
Shit. Shit…
Before I jumped into the truck, my phone rang. Seeing Beck’s number, I almost didn’t answer it. But I also had to worry something was wrong. “Beck. What’s up?”
“I don’t know, bro, but Dad is pretty fucking insistent we head to the house.”
“What? What’s going on?”
“He wouldn’t say. Ford is driving and we’re on our way. I will tell you this. He didn’t sound like himself. Samantha is on her way.”
Jesus.
He’d done everything he could to push off the decision, including going to the city council, who had forced a meeting with the owner. With the away games, I’d yet to talk to him.
In truth, I’d been a terrible son. I’d known having a single conversation would further enrage me.
And make me think about Chelsea.
The last thing I needed.
“I’m headed there now.”
To find what? That my entire childhood was about to be destroyed?