Page 64 of Sporting Goods

“Nah, I haven’t played in a while, but it’s fun out there, isn’t it?”

Josh laid a bunch of items down on the register and I did a quick scan. Old habits died hard.

“Hey, good choices.”

“Thanks, I wanted the blue mesh gloves, but Dad said these are better.”

I scoffed. “What does your dad know about hockey?”

“Um, everything?”

I leaned in and whispered. “Then you probably better listen to him.”

Josh grinned. “I knew I liked you,” he joked, pointing to me.

“I’ll ring you up. Hey Brody, help yourself to the sticker and magnet box over here.”

When the elated kid ran off a few feet away, Josh stepped up with his wallet.

“So have you given it any thought?”

Immediately my grin faded. “Thought to what?” I asked, eyes on the task at hand.

“Joining the Gaters.”

This time I looked him in the eye. “I don’t play anymore.”

He leaned in. “Stroyken said Rayne examined you and you’re fine. What’s the deal man?”

“Last I checked you don’t need anymore on your team.”

“Not at the moment, no.”

“So who are they cutting?” I only knew a handful of players on that team but was curious. Not that it mattered. I wasn’t going back. I made up my mind years ago.

“Could be anyone.” He shrugged. “Could be me. No one knows. But it sounds like the execs want you now that they know you’re able.”

I pointed a finger at him as though he’d said the key word. “Able. Not ready. Not willing.”

He laughed. “You know they don’t care about you being ready or willing. They’ve got figures to throw at you for that kind of stuff.”

I nodded, remembering the numbers being dropped when I was being scouted. Then I looked at Tisch eyeing me from the bike rack corner. And immediately, I knew my decision. But it was still none of Josh’s business.

“Hey, you guys got a game this afternoon, right?”

“Playing against the Lions.”

I nodded. “Good luck. Oh and hey,” I held up the duffle bag they just bought, “if you can leave this here for a few days, I can get it initialed for you. No charge for kids I like.” I winked at the kid.

“Oh cool. Hey can we, dad? Jax has his initialed too.”

I smiled proudly, taking care of my kid.

My kid.

I mentally shook my head at how I let something like that slip. Even in my mind.

But he felt like my kid. I sure as hell would have done anything for him.

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