Page 98 of His Jersey

I flinch because even though I want my father to apologize to me, I want her to accept my apology more than anything. “Are you upset?”

“Of course I am. This has all happened so fast. It’s confusing and I don’t know what to think.”

“Did you like the car? Any of the houses?” I ask, wanting to rewind to all the good things that happened before this family showdown. But I can’t just throw money at this to fix it.

“Are you flexing on me again?” she asks.

“No, that’s not what I meant?—”

“I know, I know, you’re so rich. Filthy rich. Hearing what your father and Aston did makes me feel dirty. It’s all just money, power, money. For once, I’m glad I don’t have any. Happy not to be rich.”

But I was ready to give her everything. All of it, including my heart. But maybe that’s not good enough. Anger and a sense of helplessness turn my words ugly. “Do you think that you’re better than me because you’re not rich?”

She winces. “That’s not what I meant. I think we both need some time.” She lets out a long exhale.

“What are you saying?”

I recall her comment early on about the value of time. I want to spend all of mine with her, but perhaps she’s too good for me. There are only so many blemishes money can hide. My family is a mess. My career could be over at the click of a button, with no thanks to Aston.

But I remember that I’m not a quitter. “Ella, I want to be clear. To me, this isn’t about money, hockey, or anyone else. It’s certainly not about my father and Aston.”

“Then what is it about?”

“It’s about us.”

She shakes her head slowly and the motion shatters my heart. Pieces splinter off.

She glances at Bark Wahlburger and then looks up at me. “Don’t even try those puppy dog eyes. I should go.”

“No,” I say loudly, startling her and causing the dog to bark. “I mean, no, you stay here. I’ll leave. Just give me a second.”

I duck into the other room, leaving her a note and something of mine. Then, without a backward glance, because I’m afraid I’ll lose my resolve to give her time to process, I exit the suite.

Once downstairs, I have no idea where I’m going until the Raptor pulls up at the arena. A few guys are in the weight room and someone in the hall laughs loudly. I need silence except for the slicing of my skates on the ice and my breath in my ears. I’m afraid if I don’t move, I’ll no longer feel my pulse.

I warm up with some laps then get a puck and do a few drills. One by one, my thoughts float away like clouds. I need a break from analyzing and trying to guess how things with Ella are going to work out.

I’m hardly paying attention to my surroundings until someone intercepts the puck. He wears a helmet and I can’t see the back of his jersey. If this were the Storm, I’d tell whoever it is to get lost. I’m angry playing, but the puck zooms in my direction with a dominant thrust that makes me wonder who’d put that much pepper on it.

I reposition and send it back. Whatever player it is challenges me with his accuracy and speed, but it silences my mind because forget about me being the secret weapon. This player has got to be ranking MVP. Strange because I don’t recognize his style. Having played against the Knights and now with them, I’ve skated with most of the guys.

He keeps the puck tight and barrels toward me like he’splaying chicken before dodging to my left and then slapping the puck into the goal.

He wheels around and takes off his helmet, beaming a smile. It’s Coach Badaszek. “I knew I made a good decision. Nice edge work.” He taps his temple. “Your rebound block could use a little sharpening. Also, always remember that your opponent has a blind spot if their back is to you. If you’re up against the boards, be stealthy.” He claps me on the shoulder. “You’re still young and have room to grow.”

I chuckle. “Lately, I’ve been told that I’m old.”

He laughs this time. “There are some formidable young players. They’re fresh and hungry but can be careless, especially in their personal lives. After you’ve been on the ice for a while, it becomes a part of you and you realize what truly gives life meaning. That’s a gift only time can give as long as you don’t lose track of why you’re playing the game.”

I think of Ella trying on my watch in the pool the night we officially met.

Badaszek’s gaze flits to mine. “Why do you come out here season after season?”

I slide to a halt. “Had you asked me that years ago, it was because I had something to prove.” Using Ella’s one thing question, hockey was always mine—not my father’s. But it’s changed. I finish my thought, “Now, it’s because I love it.” And I love Ella.

He nods as if he understands.

“Sir, thank you for this chance.”

---