Page 1 of Pucking Strong

Six Years Ago

Is it possible to lose your job before you even start it? Because if I don’t get my coffee in the nexttwofucking seconds, I’m officially gonna be late to my first day of work. It’s a busy Monday morning, and this coffee shop is slammed. People are pouring in through both doors like bees into a hive.

“Americano for Evan,” shouts a lavender-haired barista.

An insurance salesman–looking guy elbows me as he passes. Cursing under my breath, I step back. In this cramped space, I don’t see the dog on the floor behind me. He sure lets me know he’s there when I step on his tail and he howls.

“Hey,” his owner cries. “Did you just step on my dog?”

I raise both hands. “I’m sorry! I didn’t see him, I swear.”

The woman and her dog both give me death glares as she tugs him away.

Yeah, I don’t think I have what it takes to frequent the Bright Bean. No caffeine jolt is worth this hassle. Groaning, I bounce on the balls of my feet, trying not to check my phone again. I know what time it is. I know exactly how late I am. “Fuck, come on.”

One could say this is all my fault. I’m the one who hit snooze twice on my alarm this morning.Iforgot to stock my mini fridge with canned cold brews.Igot lost driving in this confusing downtown full of one-ways and detours.

In my defense, I only found out I was selected for this internship, like, two weeks ago. I tried for it back in the spring. All my friendsmatched, but I didn’t. Imagine my surprise when, months later, I got an email from my advisor saying I matched with an NHL team in Jacksonville, Florida. And—oh, by the way—could I start in two weeks? I didn’t even know there was an NHL team in Jacksonville. Turns out this is the Rays’ first year in the League.

They had two open internship positions for their brand-new PT program, and I snagged one. But that meant I had less than two weeks to change all my plans. Instead of moving back to my university, I moved into temporary housing at the local Jacksonville community college three days ago. I’m rooming with my friend Colin, who matched with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Iced latte for Teddy!”

Rushing forward, I claim my coffee with a hurried “thanks.” I clutch the cup in both hands like a dragon with his egg. This isn’t just an iced latte. It’s an iced oat-milk honey latte with a double shot of espresso and vanilla-sweet-cream cold foam with a drizzle of caramel on top. It’s basically an orgasm in a cup.

Elbows out, I barrel my way towards the exit, all but stumbling into the free air. It’s a muggy September morning, already eighty degrees. But I was born and raised in the South. I can do heat and humidity all day.

I’m still two blocks away from the practice center. Thank god I’m in amazing shape, because I’m about to Usain Bolt my way down this damn sidewalk. I break into a jog, ducking around a couple headed for the coffee shop. Traffic is busy with everyone going to work. Up and down the street, trucks stand open as workers unload morning deliveries. I slink past a guy walking two corgis, trying to cross the street, but the pedestrian light is already flashing in warning.

Fuck, I’m not gonna make it.

The red hand glows bright, and I’m forced to stop. I’m still one block away. I can see the corner of the building beckoning to me. Huffing for breath, I take a sip of my coffee. The flavors hit my tongue like a sweet, creamy kiss. It’s soft and cool, with just a hint of nutty espresso. I let out a contented sigh. “God, that’s good.”

If I lose my job, at least I’ll have this drink to savor.

Waiting for the light to change, I pull my phone from my pocket. My phone has been buzzing nonstop from my family group chat. Not surprising, seeing as I have three sisters. Threeoldersisters. Three nosy, noisy, very needy sisters. They’re always in my business. Always offering advice whether I want it or not. But that’s family. And I’ve got a damn good one.

SHAE:

Good morning, Teddy!

JAYLA:

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