Page 93 of I Blame the Alcohol

Nico gives Wes a nudge, but my favourite rookie is too busy being devasted to notice.

“It’s not going to be the same without you.”

“Of course not. Because the new captains are going to have their own approach to leadership and training.”

Nico’s eyes light up with surprise, “Captains? As in plural?”

I nod, “You and Wes will be co-captains starting next fall. That way, even if the assistant coach is a bust, the workload will be much more manageable split between two people.” I chuckle, watching Wes’ head whip back up in realization, “Plus, you both bring something special to the team. Between the two of you, I have faith there will be some balance between partying and actual practices.”

Wes snaps upright with military position, “We won’t let you down, Cap.”

Nico nods, following his example with a salute, “It has truly been an honour.”

I shake my head with a laugh, “Don’t go sending me off to the gallows just yet. We’ve still got this year’s tournament season to get through.”

“Right, right.” The newfound excitement buzzing through Wes makes it impossible for him to stand still.

Nico smirks and looks at me, “When do we find out who the new assistant coach will be?”

“My bet is the end-of-year banquet. That’s when I will officially nominate you, so I would assume USport will make a similar announcement.”

“Cool.” Nico wiggles his eyebrows at his best friend, “I already have so many ideas for party themes.”

I clear my throat and he throws me a wink, “Along with training drills, of course.”

“Of course.”

Wes widens his eyes in faux innocence, “In honour of Cap’s departure, we should make a running program that only targets Hunter.”

I laugh, “Now that would be a practice I would come back and watch.”

Wes and Nico grin at each other, their playfulness and overall lack of serious intent solidifying my decision. It’s easy to forget there are more important things than bringing home the championship banner, Mo and I have both been guilty of that, but leaving the future of Taber’s lacrosse team with Wes and Nico has me confident that the next generation will keep a healthier balance.

That’s the goal, anyway.

My train of thought derails when Wes steps forward and wraps me in a bear hug.

“I really am going to miss you, Cap.”

I squeeze him back, chuckling when he tries and fails to lift me off the ground.

“I'm going to miss you too, Wes. You and Nico are going to make great captains.”

He pulls away, green eyes shining, “You better not miss out on a single party next year.”

Nico grins, “He won’t. I know a certain platinum blonde who will drag his ass to every themed event she can find.”

“That’s true.” I smile, thinking how my own future has never looked so promising, “I’m looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with.”

“You already know I’m making a Pinterest board as soon as I get home.”

I look at Nico in surprise, “You use Pinterest?”

“Hell yeah, where do you think all my great ideas come from?”

The three of us start heading towards the changeroom and Wes nods in confirmation, “Nico has a vision board for every opportunity. Even ones that aren’t plausible.”

Nico pouts, “Just because I sleep around doesn’t mean I won’t have a mini golden doodle ring bearer at my future wedding.”

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