Page 157 of Goaltender Interference

“It wouldn’t have changed anything though, would it? In terms of ownership’s expectations?”

Gavin sighed. “Maybe not. And it all turned out well in the end, right?”

“Yeah, it did,” Connor agreed. But he still had a few questions. “We’re good though? There won’t be any issues with me dating my goalie?”

“Not onmyend. Now, I do have to be honest with you and I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. Trades happen and it’s a volatile business, but you know that.”

Connor felt vaguely queasy at the reminder Jesse could get traded. With his own no trade, no move clause it wasn’t likely to happen to him—though nothing was impossible—but Jesse was still on a bridge deal.

He was only twenty-four. He hadn’t hit free agent status yet.Fuck.

Connor nodded. “Well, if Jesse got traded, I’d retire then.”

Gavin let out a surprised laugh. “I’m not surethatwould be necessary.”

Connor straightened, squaring his shoulders. “I’m just saying, you know I love this team, this city, but Jesse … this time around, I’ve gotta do better by the person I love.”

And really, he was thirty-five. At best, he probably only had a few more seasons in him.

“Hey, I hear you,” Gavin said, suddenly looking weary. “I don’t have any reason to believe it’ll come to that. Jesse is playing well and we’re looking to build a roster around him being in net for the Harriers.”

“Even if we keep losing games?”

Gavin sighed, rubbing his forehead. “He’s doing all he can with the defense we currently have. I’m working on some trades but it’s early in the season and no one is really looking to move pieces yet, unfortunately.”

“I get that.”

“Look, there’s only so much I can promise you, Connor. I don’t know what the future will hold. Obviously, trades could happen down the road but I can assure you that, as of right now, no onewants Jesse or you to go anywhere else. Nor do I expect that to change any time soon.”

“Thank you,” Connor said.

Gavin leaned back in his chair, giving him an assessing look. “How’s your ex-wife taking all this? Or have you not told her yet?”

Connor winced. “She knows. And she’s, uh, not taking it terribly well.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s … complicated.”

“I’m sure it is. My divorce certainly was, and we didn’t even have kids.”

“Did you ever want any?” Connor asked, wondering if he was overstepping the line but Gavinhadbrought it up and considering their earlier conversation …

“No.”

Clearly that was something Gavin wasn’t interested in talking about so Connor nodded. “Well, anyway, I just wanted you to know about Jesse and I.”

“I appreciate that. Do you have an idea of how you’d like to handle it? Are you planning to come out publicly or inform the team or …”

“We discussed it and agreed to tell you, the coaching staff, and upper management.”

“Got it. And just so you know, I will go to bat for you with the ownership group if they make any fuss about it. I don’tanticipate they will, but it’s always a possibility of course. Hoyt and the rest of the coaching staff should be fine with it as well.”

Connor nodded.

“What about the team?” Gavin pressed.

“Honestly, we thought we’d let the guys figure it out based off the way we act.”

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