Page 39 of His Jersey

“Isn’t the average age of retirement like sixty-five or something?”

“Not in hockey. Think of a gladiator sport buton skates.”

She nods slowly. “And with swords? You said the Nebraska team is the Knights, right?”

I laugh again because now she’s being cheeky and I’m certain Ella knows hockey is played with sticks.

But this brings to mind the very reason she’s here. I asked her to wear my jersey, but maybe I also wanted someone in my corner, even if she doesn’t quite understand that I’m fighting for my career.

She asks, “Let me put it this way, who’s courting whom?”

We’ve reached elevation and my ears pop, but I’m certain I heard her correctly. “Do you mean—?” I’m about to gesture between us.

“Between the teams. Surely, you have some leverage, given your winning history and all that. Like, maybe you’d be an asset to Nebraska. You said they’re your current team’s rival.”

“Everyone’s rival, really. They have an underdog story that’ll probably be made into an inspiring movie.”

“Could be that you’re the secret weapon. If you switch, you’ll crush the Storm and get that Cup you want so badly but as a Knight rather than playing for the Storm.”

I blink a few times. “What did you study in college? Business?”

“Hospitality.”

Not only are Ella’s brown eyes beautiful, but she’s observant, noticing everything. If she had siblings—or prankster hockey teammates—they’d never be able to pull one over on her. She’s also kind and generous, funny andhuggable.

Yeah. I said it—thought it.

“Bouchelle Luxury Properties would’ve been lucky if they’d snatched you up.”

Breezing past my compliment, she grimaces because, technically, she does work for the corporation. “Most importantly, what do you want to do?”

I stare at my hands. “I’m not sure anymore.”

The cabin attendant brings us some snacks and her eyes light up when she spots the assortment, including cheddar cheese sticks, white chocolate-covered pistachios, and cinnamon spice cookies, among other tasty top-shelf goodies.

But I’m thinking about her question. What do I want to do? This whole thing came out of the blue and is a real blow. Essentially, the coach of the team I’ve been loyal to is forcing me to turn my back on the guys and leave the league or join our rivals. I still can’t figure out why.

Is this my final lap before retirement? I’m not the kind of person to think much beyond the season. Do I wave goodbye to the team I’ve always been on and to the game I’ve always known or do I regroup and join the Knights?

I don’t have answers, but I am glad I have Ella to talk to. I’ve never asked a woman to wear my jersey or sit in the VIP area. They just appear like Sasha. Something about this feels different. Like the direction of the wind changed. Hopefully, I don’t blow it.

16

JACK

Ella sharesher sea salt and caramel popcorn with me as our conversation takes flight for the duration in the air. I temporarily forget about the decision I have to make tonight.

When we touch down, I shoot Carlos a quick message about the jersey. The guy is anything but succinct and asks me questions about “the Jersey” that I don’t have answers for. He makes suggestions that I don’t have time to think about right now. Ones that point toward this situation having the potential to be something more. The guy comes at things from every angle … and is a true romantic. Gotta love him even though I give him a hard time about his squishy lion heart.

Tucking my phone away to Ella, I say, “Thanks for doing this.”

“I’m still wondering what exactly I’m doing.”

“Just an honest exchange of your time for money.”

“And my job.”

“It’ll be waiting for you along with a place to live,” I add, even though the notion of her returning to the island makes me fear I may have to wait an entire year to see her again.

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