Page 80 of Last Boy

This is when I wish Cade Huff were here to crack a joke.

I can hear him now; he’d probably say something like, Maybe LaConte is inviting him in for a tea party or some shit.

That guy could always lighten the team’s spirit. Even when, deep down, he was struggling himself.

Getting up, I head to his office. Every step I take, I’m racking my brain with what on earth he could want.

“You wanted to see me, Coach?”

He’s running through some plays on his iPad but glances up and nods. “I did.”

He points to the door, and I close it.

“When did you plan on telling me about that phone call you got, boy?”

I take a seat, putting my hands on my knees. “To be honest, I don’t know what to say about it.”

There’s no mistaking the frustration on that man’s face as he sits back in his seat, puts his hands on his head, and looks up.

“You don’t know what to say about it?” he grumbles. “You…don’t know what to say about it?”

I swallow harshly, knowing I’m about to get my ass chewed out. So, instead of trying to pull something out of my ass to say, I just wait for him to say something else. Because with LaConte, just when you think he’s done speaking, he adds something else.

“Kid, I don’t get it.” He sighs, his eyes crinkling as he squints to understand. “This is what you’ve wanted. What you’ve worked your entire life for.” His voice grows deeper, each word striking me in the chest. “I’m one of the few people who knows where you came from. A shithole a few miles from here, where people overdose weekly.” He cringes. “I’m sorry. Considering how you lost your parents, I should choose my words more wisely.” He pauses, stiffening. “No, fuck that. I’m not going to be soft with you. You know why? Because I actually give a shit about you, kid. That’s why. I care that you don’t end up like Cade Huff’s drug dealer and your childhood best friend.”

When he sees the shock on my face, his eyes narrow. “That’s right, James. I know everything. I hear everything.” He pinches the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes for a moment. “Tell me, what on God’s golly green fucking earth would you have to think about when it comes to going to the Bay Sharks? They are an absolutely incredible team. And I can guarantee you, you’ll walk on and be a first string.”

“Look,” I say a little harsher than planned. “There are more things in the equation than just me and hockey. Hockey…well, it’s just hockey. I have relationships here, Coach. I have people I can’t walk out on. I’ve already done that once; I don’t want to be the guy who always leaves,” I blurt out quickly, groaning as I ball my hands up. “And this team…this motherfucking team that I love so much, they’re finally—finally—treating me like I’m part of the family. We’re playing like we’re supposed to be playing.”

“Tell me about the person you’re scared to leave.” He speaks softer now, but not by much. “And tell me this: if you stay here and never get another call from the NHL, if you pass this up…where will that leave the pair of you? When you look back, five or ten years from now, you will be resentful.”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “I’d never resent Poppy. I couldn’t.” I grind my back teeth together. “She has given up so much to make sure the people around her get what they need and what they want. I won’t just leave her the first call I get.”

“Tell her that, son.” He nods. “Tell her that you’re not leaving her. And I promise you, if she’s half the woman you think she is and if she loves you as much as she should, she’ll make you go.” He inhales sharply. “But if playing as a Wolf for another year is what you want in here”—he points his finger toward my chest—“I’d love to have you. But make sure you’re here because it’s what you want. Not what you think makes you noble. Because if it’s love, you two will make it work. No matter the distance or the obstacles.”

He glances up at the clock. “Now, forget it all for now and go out there, play your game, and leave it all on the ice. Okay? Because you say it’s only hockey, but we both know…it’s never just hockey.”

Slowly, I push myself to stand. I know he’s right, but I also don’t know what I truly want right now. And it’s going to take more than a minute to figure that out.

“Thank you, Coach,” I say, heading toward the door.

“I’ve enjoyed the hell out of watching you grow as a player, James.” His voice has me half turning around. “There are good players, and then there are good players who will do whatever it takes to be great. Those players usually are the ones with grit. Grit happens when things didn’t always come easy because the odds were stacked against them, making them give that little bit more than the others.” He gives me a small smile. “Those are the players I like coaching most. You’re a key example of that.”

I smile before heading toward the door, gently slapping my palm against the doorframe as I walk into the hallway.

That’s just another reason why leaving Brooks isn’t as easy as it seems.

Coach LaConte is the greatest coach and the best man I’ve ever met in my life. Saying good-bye to him after only one year, it would be really fucking hard.

Poppy

“Look at my husband down there, looking like a snack,” Ryann says, scrunching her nose up. “Gosh, I love him.”

Rearing my head toward her, I feel her forehead. “You aren’t feverish. So, I need to ask you this one thing: who are you, and what have you done with my guys suck, never trust them, I’m a bad bitch who needs no dick to make me happy friend?”

“Har-har.” She rolls her eyes. “Soooo funny.” She waves her hand toward the ice, flashing that band with the black diamond. “Trust me, most guys do suck. But that man down there in front of the goal? He is literally an angel.” She snorts. “Guess he’d have to be to put up with my crazy ass, huh?”

“Ummm, yes.” I nod quickly. “Yes, he would.”

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