Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
After enjoying a lunch buffet, most of the players head off to their rooms for a nap.
I have work to do, so I settle in a small conference room the hotel provided for the coaches and find my crew waiting for me—my three assistant coaches, Gage, Sam, and Maurice, as well as Baden, the goalie coach, and Jack Hanson, our senior video coach.
We spend the next hour discussing final thoughts on lineups, special teams, and other odds and ends, but I pretty much rubber-stamp their ideas. They’re doing exactly what they’re paid to do, and I have the utmost confidence in them.
When our meeting finishes and the men start to leave, I call out to Baden. “You mind staying behind a second?”
“Not at all. I had something to talk to you about as well.”
That catches me by surprise as I detect a note of unease, and I hope to fuck he’s not about to give me his resignation. So I can clear that worry off my plate, I say, “You first.”
“It’s not a big deal,” he says, an almost sheepish smile on his face. “I was going to try to catch you later this week, but I guess now is as good a time as any—”
“I’m not accepting your resignation.” Figured I might as well cut to the chase.
Baden blinks in surprise and then chuckles. “I’m not going anywhere. In fact, looking to solidify my ties to the area.”
I frown slightly. “How’s that?”
“I’m going to propose to Sophie.”
A grin splits my face, and I reach across the table to shake his hand. “Congrats, man. That’s awesome.”
“Well, she’s got to say yes first.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s a given.” I’ve had some occasions to observe Sophie and Baden together, and of course, their history before they even started dating is a tale known worldwide by anyone who follows hockey. They were fated to be together. “But what do I have to do with it?”
Baden rubs the back of his neck, levels me another abashed look, and says, “I want to propose to her during a game.”
“Come again?” I ask because I’m not even sure how that would work.
“During a TV timeout, I was thinking a pre-recorded message on the Jumbotron. I wanted to run it by you first because I don’t want it to be a distraction.”
“I think it’s a brilliant idea.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I do. It’s not going to distract the team, and all the guys would love it. The fans will go nuts. Word of advice, though… don’t do it if you think there’s a chance she’ll say no. You do not want to be humiliated on national TV.”
Baden snorts. “I’m confident she’ll say yes. I just wanted to do it in a shout from the rooftops sort of way.”
“As you should when you love someone,” I reply. I remember what that felt like, even though it was a long damn time ago. “When do you want to do it?”
“I’m ready to go whenever. The ring was bought awhile ago.”
“Do it at the next home game.” I love spontaneity.
“Yeah?”
“Absolutely,” I say with a resounding nod.
“Okay… I’ll do it.” Baden looks like he’s about to burst wide open with happiness, and I’m thrilled for him. But he tucks the smile away and goes into game mode. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“I just wanted to give you a heads-up that we’re working on a trade to get Bain Hillridge here.”
“No shit?” Baden exclaims. “What’s the trade?”
“Nolan and a second-round draft pick is what we’re aiming for.”
“He’ll be an excellent addition, not just to the defense, but he’s an incredible motivator.”
“So I’ve heard. We looked at him hard. I wanted to give you a little forewarning since you two played together.”
Baden may be a goalie coach, but he was an integral member of the Arizona Vengeance and was incredibly beloved there, especially after he was attacked and left temporarily paralyzed. Every one of the Vengeance players mourned the loss of their goalie, not just from his injury, but once he made the decision to come to Pittsburgh as a coach.
“I’ll give him a call tomorrow,” Baden says, and we both stand from the table. “Anything else you need from me?”
“I’m good.” I follow him out of the conference room. “Going to head up to my room and chill for a bit.”
“Same,” Baden says.
I’m not a napper by nature, my body used to functioning on only five or so hours a night. But I do like to relax, so I’ll usually read a book, watch some mindless TV, or surf the web.
When I get to my room and kick off my shoes, I have a different idea about how to spend my time.
I call Ava.
When she answers, the gentle lilt of her voice as she says hello sends a wave of memories slamming into me.