Page 8 of Playoff

“Jesus. I’m sorry I bothered you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Yeah, no worries. I’m a little tired, and my fiancée’s freaking out, but otherwise, I’ll be okay.”

“I’m relieved.”

“Me too.”

“Hey, uh…” I hate to be too nosy, but I just want to know she’s okay. “Is, uh, Rowan okay?”

“Oh, that’s right. You guys dated in high school.”

“I mean, we’re not in touch anymore or anything, but I figured she was on the bus. Just thought I’d check in.”

“Yeah, she’s good. She was a fucking rock star, man. She took over for Gene, got him his nitro, which saved his life, by the way. She and Coach Vanek were like real-life superheroes.”

I smile to myself, because that sounds like the Rowan I remember.

“I’m glad she’s okay. Anyway, I’ll let you go. But, one more thing… I, uh, just wanted you to know—I got the call.”

Jensen knows exactly what that means, and he lets out a small whoop of excitement. “Fuck yeah. Good for you. You come up here and show these fuckers that a little bus accident isn’t going to sideline the Phantoms.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Bodi coming too?”

“Yup. Dylan Hayes, Warren Franco, and Mikey Stevens too.”

“You guys’ll get it done. I have faith in you.”

“Thanks, man. I wish it hadn’t happened this way but?—”

“Nah, don’t do that. Bad things happen. You didn’t make the bus hit black ice. So you take this opportunity to show them who you are. I, for one, couldn’t be happier it’s going to be you. And Bodi too. I don’t know the other guys personally, but if Mr. Riser made the call, then I trust his judgment.”

“If I don’t see you in Alaska, hopefully I’ll see you back in L.A.”

“Yeah, the league made an announcement that they’re changing up the schedule to 2-3-2.”

The playoffs consist of best of seven game series, where you play two in one city, two in the other, and then alternate back and forth until someone wins four. Because of the distance to Alaska, and now the accident, they’ve obviously opted to minimize the amount of travel.

“I guess that’s fair, all things considered. I’m not looking forward to this flight.”

“It won’t be too bad. Bring headphones, get some sleep.”

“For sure.”

I’m suddenly regretting all that beer last night.

And I have a million things to do.

“Take care, Blake. See you soon.”

“You too, man.”

I disconnect and stare at the phone for a second.

I have to call my mom and finish packing, shower, and make sure I have everything I need for a week.

I honestly wouldn’t wish an accident like that on anyone, but now that I’m getting a shot at the big leagues, I can’t deny I’m excited.

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