Page 17 of Cold as (N)ice

“Mike Janski – Sports – and I have a surprise and an exclusive treat for all of you watching today as I have the right wing of the North Texas Coyotes, number twelve, Barrett Coeur. Barrett, how are you doing, buddy?”

“Hey, Mike. I’m doing well, and I’m so excited to take a chance to share my appreciation and secret love…” he drew out deliberately, trying to work the camera.

“You hear that ladies…?” Mike interjected – and Barrett winked knowingly, directly at the lens that seemed to zoom in. “He’s got a secret love.”

“I do,” Barrett chuckled, laying on the charm. “Anyone can hold a conversation,” he began and then held up his hands and saw the camera pan downward slightly almost as if rehearsed. He signed and spoke, knowing he wanted it to be known to Stephen and Irene, what he was doing. “But being able to communicate in another form is a treasure few understand. There is a complexity in thinking differently, outside the box, and while I’m not as good as some, it’s encouraging to know thatextraordinarily bright children have the same opportunities as others to learn and be a valued part of society.”

“Barrett, I had no idea you knew sign language…”

“It was something I wanted to learn long ago becausae I had a friend in elementary school who was deaf,” Barrett admitted, still signing for the camera. “While my signing is slow and awkward, I practice with a couple of friends. I am starting a donation fund to support alternative schools that accept deaf children, fostering their learning, just like this location…”

Barrett knocked on the classroom door and didn’t hesitate, opening the door. He immediately signed and spoke quickly, unsure what was waiting for them.

“My apologies for barging in,” he began – and saw Stephen’s shocked face in the middle of the classroom, waving quickly at him and nodding to the interpreter beside him. “I wanted to come by Stephen’s class to say ‘hello’ to everyone and give away a few gifts. The North Texas Coyotes Hockey Team champions all sorts of charities – including support of the American Society of Deaf Children. Do you mind if I say a few things?”

He laid on a charming smile as the teacher gawked at him, nodding awestruck. It probably wasn’t every day that some famous sports person just appeared out of thin air – much less a news crew with zero notice. Yeah, he was pushing the Coyotes big time just so he didn’t get his butt chewed for this stunt that was going to be all over the news shortly.

Unauthorized, too.

“Hey, Stephen,” Barrett began, speaking in both forms. “Wanna help me pass out a few goodies, buddy?”

You came to see us? To see me?

“To see you,” he smiled, kneeling as Stephen rushed forward with the brightest smile, throwing his arms around him. He always had a weak spot for children, and that was part of the reason he volunteered for the little league stuff.

He wanted a family someday of his own and knew deep down he’d never meet someone who liked him for who he was on the inside – and not his uniform or team he played on which is why he shied away from relationships, lurking at home, playing video games instead.

Mario Cart after dinner tonight, buddy?he signed.

Are you ready to lose again?

“Yeah,” Barrett laughed easily – and so did some of the children. Gosh, this made him feel so good inside to see the smiling faces and the way Stephen was looking at him like he was some sort of idol.Now, no bragging at how many times you’ve beat me in the game…

I stopped counting at twenty.

He chuckled again and waved over the children, gesturing to the box. “Come grab a treat. I’m due on the ice for practice very soon. Even I have to learn and apply myself as an adult. You never stop learning… and this kid right here is my friend. Aren’t you Stephen?”

Yes!

Stephen hugged him again as Barrett tugged a Coyotes cap on the boy, smiling at all of their eager faces as a flurry of excited hands spoke to him – and he tried to answer each one, each child, knowing it meant the world to one particular person who was beaming at him brightly.

Yeah, he kinda liked this gig, and the thoughts swirling in his head were slightly terrifying but awfully tempting at the same time. He was going to have to speak with Irene because if Jimmy paved the way like he imagined his agent had done… this little stunt was only going to help solidify that contract.

Oh man, Coach Côte was going to kill him – and Boucher.

Barrett considered accepting the offer.

6

IRENE

What happened?

Irene motioned again, completely taken aback as she looked at her son’s beaming expression. Her standoffish, grumpy boss had gone to her child’s school, speaking to the classroom about sign language?

Mommy, Barrett showed up at my school today. I’m going to be on television!Stephen said quickly, jumping slightly up and down and practically coming unhinged with his enthusiasm as he continued on, unphased.

It was so cool, Mommy. The classroom door opened, and Barrett was there talking to everyone – but especially me – and even Devin came to say hello on the playground, asking if I could get Barrett’s autograph for him. Do you think he would sign something for me if I asked nicely? Do you? Huh, huh? Mommy? Mommy, are you watching?

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