Page 87 of Icing the Play

“Well?” Dad raised his brows.

Shrugging a shoulder, I said, “He’ll talk with the scout and see if he’ll schedule another time to meet.” But all this waiting was killing me. I wish I could have come home next week withsomethingstarted. I glanced at my knee.

Zoma strode in from the garage. “Myles, oh my God. I heard and I’m so sorry.” He dropped his backpack on the kitchenisland and jogged to me. “How are you doing?” He glanced at my knee.

“As well as expected.” I hung my head. This sucked.

Cooper and Dad stood with Cooper, saying, “Zoma, this is Allen. Myles’s father.”

“Oh, it’s so nice to meet you and thank you for the tickets.” Zoma stepped to Dad and shook his hand.

“The pleasure is mine.” Dad eyed Zoma. “I hear you’ve started quite a coaching program for kids who want to get into figure skating.”

“Yes, it’s coming along. It helps when you’ve got the backing of a hockey team and some players.” Clasping his hands over his heart, Zoma beamed at Dad.

I stared at them. How the hell much had Cooper told Dad? He wouldn’t have known about Zoma through the league, right?

“Anyway, Zoma, you should leave to make the game. Is Leo meeting you there?” Cooper walked to the coffee table, picked up the television remote and powered it on.

“Oh, yes. I’m going to change into Ace’s jersey and head out.” With a giggle, he sauntered into the hallway.

“Son, you’ve got some good friends here.” Dad threw me a warm smile. “And I’m happy you found Cooper, eh.” He patted Cooper’s forearm.

“Thanks, Dad.” Warmth floated from my chest to my cheeks. Cooper had won Dad over.

Later that evening,the three of us sat on the couches and watched the game, with Cooper again at my feet and Dad on Cooper’s sofa. Thai takeout containers littered the coffee table. We’d tidy up after the game. The Coyotes were ahead by one and Hopkins grabbed the puck from Mackenzie.

Hodge darted toward him, smashing Hopkins into the boards and knocking him on his ass.

“Fuckin’ A, serves you right, Hopkins. Nobody gets through Mackenzie and Hodge.” I laughed and sipped a beer. This was just like old times, when I’d watched them play from the bench.

“Who do you want to win?” Cooper adjusted my ice pack. The guy couldn’t leave it alone.

“I don’t know. I’m a Blackhawks fan, but three of my old buddies play for the Coyotes.” And the game was turning into a contest between the best offense in Hopkins, Jarvis and Volkov versus the best defense with Hodge and Mackenzie. Realistically, it would come down to the better goalie, and I knew Ace was it.

Dad threw me a stiff glare. “Blackhawks, Myles. Don’t be a traitor.” He drank some beer.

“Fine, Blackhawks. Don’t want to start a family fight.” I chuckled. When was the last time I’d sat and watched a game with Dad? I turned my gaze on Cooper. Or my boyfriend. Usually, one of us was playing.

The Blackhawks center ran the puck down the ice toward Ace, passing the puck on either side of his stick.

Dashing from a corner, Carlson appeared at his side and swiped at the puck.

The center faked a pass and shot toward the net.

Falling to the ice, Carlson splayed out in front of Ace.

“Right on, Carlson. That’s it!” I shifted and my knee twinged. Damnit, I had to sit still.

Ace picked the puck out of the air and shook his head.

Pointing at the television, I said, “Ace is chirping at the center.” I freed a soft laugh. “He’s probably telling him he’s seen better shots in Mini Mites or some shit.” I drank more beer.

“What’s that?” With a grin, Cooper turned to me.

“It’s the youngest level of the youth hockey league.” With a shake of his head, Dad chuckled. “Too bad I have to go home tonight. I’d love to meet these guys.”

“Someday, Dad, you will.” I gave him my best smile. I’d never brought my friends around my family much. Now it was like a new world unfolded. I was seeing a different side of mydad. He was sort of fun to watch hockey with. “Love you, Dad.” I popped my eyes open. Holy shit, I said that out loud?

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