Page 45 of Cross Checks

“Hey, were you there?” he asked and then smirked.

Waller tossed in a zinger. “The only thing Jensen ever saves is his last slice of pizza.”

We all laughed, and I made my way to my locker. The familiar routine was comforting after my emotional night. It was like slipping on a well-worn glove.

I headed onto the ice with my teammates after we were all suited up. The arena was quiet without a crowd in the stands. The sound of skates cutting into the ice filled the air as we launched into our regular drills.

“Okay, men, look alive out there!” Coach Hoss shouted. Coach Z stood at his side while they looked over plays on a clipboard.

After we were all suited up, we headed onto the ice. The arena was quiet, the stands empty, the ice pristine and untouched. The sharp sound of skates cutting into the ice filled the air as we began our drills.

“Alright, men, let’s see some energy out there!” Coach Hoss’s voice boomed across the rink.

We passed pucks back with precision and speed. I made sure that all of my movements were fluid and sharp. As the practice progressed, Jensen and Waller zeroed in on me with curious glances.

Finally, during a break, Jensen skated up next to me. “So, Taylor, you’ve been looking extra sharp today. Did you, uh…get laid last night?”

As Waller skated up, I took a deep breath and looked around to ensure we were out of earshot of the rest of the team. “Actually, guys, I have some big news, but you have to swear you’ll keep it to yourselves.”

Their expressions turned serious, and they nodded. “What is it, Hot Shot?” Jensen asked.

“I got a call from the Florida Panthers yesterday,” I whispered. “They’re offering me a contract.”

Both of my buddies were silent for a moment. Then Jensen grinned. “Damn, Taylor. That’s huge news! Congrats, bud!”

Waller clapped me on the shoulder. “Yeah, big congrats, but Florida? Do they know we play on ice?”

I chuckled. “Thanks, guys, but listen, you can’t tell anyone yet. It’s not official until I talk with them again tomorrow.”

“Mum’s the word,” Jensen promised.

After practice, I looked around the locker room and felt a whirl of bittersweet emotions in my gut. My fate would be sealed in a little over twenty-four hours, and I’d be leaving Cold Pines behind.

Lost in thought, I didn't notice Jensen coming my way until his hand gripped my shoulder. “I just wanted you to know we'll all miss you like crazy when you go. Beth, too. She’s already told me how special you are. She might have a little crush,” he chuckled.

“You’re a stud, Taylor, and you'll do great things down there. Just remember the little guys up here when you're signing jerseys for your adoring fans."

I rolled my eyes and pulled Jensen into a warm hug. "Couldn't have made it this far without my brothers here," I insisted. He thumped my back and was uncharacteristically silent.

However wrenching the goodbyes would be, I knew the bonds I’d forged would never fray. Their staunch belief in me lifted me far higher than I could have ever flown alone.

Chapter14

Hank

Iapproached the fire station, a century-old red-brick building just two blocks off Main Street in Cold Pines. It had been my second home for nearly ten years. I stepped inside and listened to the heavy door close with a comforting thud behind me.

Usually, I’d be entering the station to get to work, but I was on personal business. I wanted to request a day off to spend with Chase before our lives changed overnight. A rush of emotions swept over me as I knocked on Captain Newton’s office door.

The door was ajar, and I called, “Chief, may I have a moment.”

“Of course, Hank. Come on in.” As I stepped inside, he looked up from a stack of paperwork. “This is certainly a lucky coincidence. First, what can I do for you?”

I didn’t know what he meant by coincidence, but I followed our good captain’s instructions and made my request. “I was hoping I could have the day off, Sir. I have a good friend who could use my help with some personal matters.”

Captain Newton studied me for a moment. Finally, he gave me a slight nod. “I think we can manage that. You’ve more than earned it. Enjoy the day.”

“Thank you, Sir.” I hesitated to leave. “You said something about a coincidence?”

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