Page 2 of His Big Bad Stick

Is this what my life has become?

The man is maybe my only hope to be saved… just like all those years ago?

I guess technically at one point he was considered to be my stepbrother.

For years, he’s been a stranger.

I’ve never forgotten about him.

I’m sure he’s forgotten about me.

The bottom line here?

I need my former stepbrother - Colver - more than I’ve ever needed someone in my entire life.

2

Colver

I’m the first in the locker room.

First showered.

First dressed.

I walk into the media area and have ten reporters surrounding me as I stand over them, looking down with phones shoved near my mouth.

How did it feel to score the game-winning goal?

How about this game, Colver - two goals and a fight.

What’s the thought process for this team now that you’ve won two in a row after dropping eight?

Has the locker room changed at all since the beginning of the season?

Do you think there are any big changes to be made?

My agent Arty loves to fuck with me over these situations.

He always texts me a copy of my contract, showing off those numbers and commas. A reminder that me answering questions is part of the gig.

Now, do I have to be nice about it?

No.

I push my limits.

I curse until our head coach - Patty O’Nahn - calls me into his office and gets all worked up until his face turns red. I promise to calm down, but don’t. Then I get a fancy lunch with the GM. Michael Hondres. His sleek suits and slicked-back hair and paid-for smile, telling stories of his father playing hockey. This guy never touched a stick in his life. He can’t even skate. And he’s the one telling me there will be fines.

But I keep going.

I push some more.

Then the league steps in and threatens to suspend me.

That’s when I finally calm down.

The thing is - I’ve got it down to a science.