Page 114 of Released from the Sin Bin

I nod and quickly look away when Carter’s arm stiffens under my hold. He walked us right into Coach Higgins’ sight line.

The coach laughs at something the alumnus says before catching sight of Carter. His smile straightens out, and his normally lightly tanned skin pales.

“Let’s go this way.” I lead us away, but the alumnus, Hank Davies, calls us over to their small group.

He’s a retired NHL legend and a scout for the Drexton Hall Huskies. I’ve been in meetings with him and the other coaches about skills we’d be looking for to improve the team for next year.

“Willa,” Hank waves us over, “come meet a few guys I played with when I was a Husky.”

He introduces Carter and me to the alumni in their group that I recognize from many years ago when I first started watching hockey.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” I shake their hands in awe.

Carter’s normally stoic face brightens, meeting legends he’s no doubt looked up to as well.

“Carter Pierce.” Coach HIggins says his name, committing it to memory. I’m surprised it’s taken him this long, but there would be no reason for them to cross paths after last semester and the one class he taught ended.

“Coach Higgins.” Carter stands tall and shakes his hand.

“How’s your ankle, Tomlin?” Coach Higgins turns his resentment to me. “Last I heard, the doctor said they were working on getting you back on the ice in skates.”

Carter pats my hand that’s gripping his elbow. He’s here for me. I’m not alone.

“We’re working on it,” I say, smiling through the ripple of panicking. “I’m happy I get to work with the men’s team in the interim. Hockey is my life, I’ll do everything I can to get back out there.”

I didn’t realize how true that was, but I’ll never give up. Whatever it takes.

“I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet.” Carter goes rigid at the sound of his father’s voice as he comes up next to Coach Higgins. He isn’t talking to me. “You’re the new women’s head coach, right?”

He doesn’t acknowledge me or that he interrupted our conversation.

“I didn’t realize the Mayor’s son was on the hockey team here,” Coach HIggins smirks when he makes the connection.

“Both my sons are, but Carter’s the oldest. A senior.” He glances a sneer at his son.

“And a paramedic with the fire department, right? That’s something to be proud of.” The tension is stifling, and I need to get us out of here.

“It’s been a pleasure–” I get cut off by the gorgeous woman joining us at the coach’s side.

She smiles up at her husband, but it quickly disappears as her eyes widen when she spots Carter.

“Carter, you remember my wife, Gia, right?” He pushes his wife forward a step.

“It’d be hard to forget.” Carter smirks before turning to me. “We should go greet the other alumni.”

“Excuse my son’s rudeness,” Mayor Pierce scoffs and eyes his son, “but how do you two know each other?” His eyes roam down to the woman with platinum blonde hair in a matching silky, golden dress showing off her large breasts.

She clears her throat and brushes her hair behind her ear with her long fake red nails.

“I saved Jonah’s life.” Carter speaks up before Coach Higgins can. “Epilepsy, right? I hope you have that under control.”

Coach Higgins glares at Carter, but his wife is quick to cut through the tension.

“That’s right. I was so scared, and Carter was the first on the scene.” She pats her husband’s chest for him to back down.

“Coach Renan is looking for us,” I pipe in. “It was a pleasure. Enjoy the banquet.”

I pull Carter away to get as far from them as possible before they can say anything to keep us to there.

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