Page 30 of Frozen Play

Phin leaned forward too. “I like a challenge. We can use my reputation as a hockey player in our advertising. That would give the garage a chance to increase business with hockey fans.”

“Definitely,” Oscar agreed. I could tell by the way his eyes were glinting that he was on board with this idea.

We’d talked about what we could do if we had some money—fix the place up, a new truck, some advertising—but we didn’t think the bank would give us a loan, and weren’t sure we could pay it off if they did while expanding the business.

Phin kept going, obviously having given this a lot of thought. “I can get my lawyer started on drawing up an agreement when I’m back in Toronto. Not till the new year, but I was thinking a quarter million, for maybe a quarter of the business? Or would a half million be better?”

My jaw dropped. Our wildest dream for a loan had been a hundred thousand dollars. With the money Phin was talking about…

“How much say do you want in the business?” Riley asked. Good to have someone to bring us back to earth.

“I would only be a silent investor for now. In two days, when hockey starts up again, I’ll be busy and traveling. I can try to answer emails, but I’m not free. Once the season is over, I’d like to have a chance to learn what it’s like. I’m no mechanic, but I could learn to tow, maybe, do some promo stuff? Walk around being friendly with Duvall gear on?”

“You wouldn’t want to change the name? Have control?”

“If I’m looking for my name somewhere, people buy my jerseys. So no, that’s not important to me. I assume there’s three or four shareholders? I’d be just one more vote.”

“This sounds great—for us. But how can you be getting enough out of this?”

Phin leaned back. “I like working with a team. But it’s not always easy to know who you can trust outside of hockey, when it’s the real world and money is involved. I trust you. I knew you when you were kids, and I don’t see that you’ve changed that much.”

“You don’t know me,” Christine said.

“Riley chose you. And his siblings like you. I’m okay with that.”

“And if things go wrong?” Riley asked.

“Not to brag, but I can afford to lose this. I don’t think I will, but I’ve considered that. And if I’ve helped you, this will bring me a lot of goodwill in the community if I then try something else. I’m not kidding about settling here.”

“You really want to do this. Like, you’ve considered it.” Christine expressed the skepticism we all felt.

“I have. When something is right, you just know. My instincts have gotten me where I am on the ice, and I trust them here.”

“We should talk about it…” I suggested.

“I’m in,” Oscar said. “What have we got to lose?”

“I’m in, in theory. We’ll have to have our lawyer check the paperwork,” Riley warned.

“Absolutely,” Phin said.

Christine looked at me before agreeing with Riley.

“Um…” Everyone stared at me, wondering why I hesitated. Well, because I’d hoped he had interest in more than our business, but I wasn’t telling them that.

“Skye, why don’t we have a talk about it,” Phin said, pushing to his feet.

“You should do that,” Christine said, glaring at my brothers when they looked like they might comment.

I shrugged but stood and followed Phin to the front hall. “Let’s talk while we walk.”

“Sure.”

We walked down the porch steps in silence and turned right, past houses lit up with Christmas lights that could barely be seen in the afternoon light. The sky was a bright blue, our breaths showing in the cold air. An occasional neighbor looked out theirwindow, but most of the homes were busy with their holiday celebrations.

Phin broke the silence. “I meant what I said about trusting my instincts. I’d like to be involved with your family. But I also want to be involved with you.”

I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, heart leaping in my chest. Had he said…?

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