Page 58 of Cross Checks

“Okay, okay,” I gasped, struggling for breath. “You guys are gonna crush me before I even get a chance to play in the NHL. Free tickets if you let me breathe.”

They all laughed as they released me. We wiped our eyes, and I felt lighter than I had in years. “Hank’s coming with me to Florida,” I shared, wanting them to know all the puzzle pieces were fitting together.

Finally, one of my teammates put two and two together and came up with four. “Wait. Isn’t Hank the firefighter who dragged you out of the locker room fire? I remember hearing his name was Hank.”

I grinned as I remembered the choking smoke and how Hank’s strong arms wrapped around me, bearing me up and carrying me to safety. “Yep, same guy,” I confirmed. “He saved my life, and now…he’s at the center of it. He visited me in the hospital, and things just sort of snowballed from there.”

The room started buzzing with my teammates breaking into individual conversations to share stories about their loved ones. I heard comments about Florida, too. They’d all taken the news in the best way possible. It was just more information about me and the backdrop for celebrating my call-up to the NHL.

Waller clamped a hand on my shoulder. “We’re all proud of you, buddy. I don’t mean just about making it to the big time, but congrats for being so gutsy and open with us. It takes a lot of courage to do what you did.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. “It felt awful keeping a secret from my brothers on the ice, particularly since Hank is so important to me.”

The usual humor and banter started to take over. “So, Taylor,” began one of the guys, “how do you plan on keeping your ice legs intact down there in Florida? The heat might melt them right off.”

I screwed my face up into a fake serious expression. “Thank you for the concern, but I think I’ll manage. They do know about something called air conditioning.”

“Are you sure they don’t use water skis instead of skates?” another asked, earning a new round of laughs from the guys.

As I looked around, the warmth and support of my teammates was almost overwhelming. I’d underestimated them. My fears were unfounded. I should have known they would take me coming out in stride. Everybody embraced Coach Z and Coach Hoss and the announcement of their relationship without missing a beat.

Coach Hoss, who had been watching my entire speech with a smile, winked at me. “First round’s on me when you return to this seaside oasis. We’re on our way to that second championship, and you’ve been a big part of the effort so far.”

“It’s a deal,” I grinned, “and if I can swing it with my new team, I’ll be back for that championship game.”

As the conversation wound down and everyone started to return to their regular post-practice tasks, I took a deep breath. My anxiety was gone. It was time to worry about impressing a new group of teammates as I was about to experience being a rookie all over again.

Some of the guys headed to the showers while others packed up their gear. I stuffed my skates and stick into my locker for one of the last times. I’d have to clean it all out in a couple of days. I dreaded that moment.

I paused and toyed with the laces on the skates. When I first walked into the Cougars arena, I never would have dreamed I’d go to the NHL with somebody like Hank at my side.

“Hey,” a voice called out, snapping me back to reality. “You okay? That was quite a speech.”

Jensen sidled up to me with a massive grin on his face.

“Hey, thanks. I appreciate it. You already knew most of the news.”

“Yeah, but heading down there with your future in-laws in tow was a bit of a zinger.” He chuckled under his breath.

“They’re awesome. When you talk to them, it’s not hard to figure out how Hank came out the way he did.”

“He is a good guy, saving people and all. By the way, I’ve got some private news to share with you if you have a minute.”

“Yeah, definitely. Why don’t we amble over to the weight room? It will be quiet there.”

As we entered and the heavy door clanged behind us, I thought about the countless hours I’d spent there, building up muscle. I got to know Coach Hoss a lot better in the weight room. He taught me a lot of new routines.

“Listen,” Jensen started. “I just wanted to let you know that I talked to Beth last night…about my sordid past with guys.”

“Sordid?” I raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t share that part. Do tell.”

Jensen laughed. “I’m just joking. Don’t be an ass about it.”

I poked him. “I’m not. You brought up sordid; that always catches my attention.”

“Such a perv,” he laughed. “Anyway, now she knows, and we’re still a thing.”

“So it went well?”

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