Page 55 of Second Round

“Near Saskatoon. Saskatchewan,” he added, like there might beanotherone.

“Okay, I’d like to see you getting some power skating instruction. You’re a decent skater, but you need to work on your strides and turns. I’ll call around and find out who’s good inyourarea.”

Devonodded.

“The new team’s going to be faster,” I explained, and Lucky nodded. It was something we’d discussed with the Millionaires: the style and the systems we wanted to play next season. The whole league was speeding up, and we didn’t want to fall behind. “You’ve already got some skills, and your skating’s decent. But if you could add an extra gear… a big guy like you, they won’t be expecting speed. It’ll be the ace upyourhole.”

Lucky snorted and then burst out laughing. Devochuckledtoo.

“What’s so funny?” Iasked.

“Jesus, Goats, it’s either ‘ace in the hole’ or ‘ace up your sleeve,’” said Lucky. “You’re a smart guy, but you sure mangle the English languagesometimes.”

“Merde.I blame it on being bilingual.” It was like I had no first language anymore. “Well, whatever. You get whatImean.”

Marty agreed and then helefttoo.

Lucky turned to me. “Those are the guys you want in the playoffs. People you know you candependon.”

I snorted. “Playoffs? Let’s not get ahead ofourselveshere.”

Throughout my career, any team I’d coached from the start of the season had gone to the playoffs. And a few had even won. But I preferred to keep expectations low andexceedthem.

“We need to run over the schedule where we’re going during these playoffs,” Lucky reminded me. There were a number of players we wanted to see in person. How many would even be interested in the Vice? But we were making over the training facilities and programs during the summer which would help attract and retain players in the longer run. “You want to do that over dinner? Let’s go out. My dime. Amanda can join us, and we can go over the renovation plans andtiming.”

I pulled up my calendar. “Uh, it’s Wednesday. I have plans.” I’d never dated a single mother before. On one hand, it sucked that we couldn’t get together whenever I had free time. But on the other, I liked a routine. Wednesday night was now our regular date night. Our regular sex night too, so it was something to look forward to. Tonight, Jackie was cooking at myplace.

Lucky gave me a curious look. “What’sup?”

“Uh, my girlfriend’s making dinnerforme.”

“Goats! A girlfriend already? And here I thought you were all work. Jesus, every French guy I’ve ever played with has been the same: so suave with theladies.”

“Oh, fuck off. I’m sure you never had any problems inthatarea.”

Lucky’s eyebrow went up. “Want to know something? I could count the steady girlfriends I had on one hand—actually on one finger. While I was playing,Imean.”

“That’s terrible,” Itoldhim.

“Why? I didn’t say I wasn’t going out, only that I didn’t dogirlfriends.”

“You know what I like in my players? Steadiness and commitment. Everyone needs to get laid, but if you’re wasting energy chasing women and having all kinds of drama, then that takes your focus off hockey. Guys with girlfriends make the bestplayers.”

He laughed loudly at this. “You’re kidding me, right? I had a pretty decentcareer.”

“Yeah, but who knows what you could have done—with a girlfriend.” Then I laughed along with him. “No, seriously Lucky, you were a major talent. You could have gotten blowjobs between periods and still played well. But for most players, the difference between playing well and playing their best isfocus.”

Lucky leaned back in his chair. “You know, with an attitude like that, I’m surprised you’re notmarried.”

“I was once. That was enough.” Proof enough that I wasn’t a winner at everything. But that’s why rules and structure were important, so I wouldn’t make the same mistakesagain.

“Oh sorry. I forgot, you have a kid,right?”

“Yeah, a daughter. She’s in Montréal, but she’ll be here thissummer.”

“I like kids. I’d like to meet her.” Lucky’s expression was friendly and genuine. “Hey, why don’t you invite your girlfriend to dinner too? It’s better than slaving away in thekitchen.”

“Okay. I’ll check with her.” Jackie was more than presentable. I could take her anywhere. But I preferred to stay in with her. Our little dinner was something I’d been looking forward to all day. Relaxing, eating her great cooking, and then fucking that eager body. Jackie was always full ofsurprises.

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