Page 14 of Gamechanger

"I know how to get to the point—one of my many talents."

I started to button the shirt. "So, answer this question. Why am I taking clothing advice from a guy who owns a pair of Crocs?"

"Hey!" Quinn suddenly spoke louder. "Those are the shoes Axel had me buy for gardening. They protect my precious athletic feet from all those critters living in the dirt."

"Keep telling yourself that." I laughed as I buttoned up the shirt. "I sense you might have a little fetish going on. Anyway, accessories? Watch? Tie?"

"Ditch the tie, but watch yes. You don't want to look like an accountant. Trust me."

I looked at myself in the mirror on the back of my bedroom door as I slipped the watch onto my wrist. "Should I, um, do something with my hair?"

There was nothing but silence on the other end of the call.

"Quinn?"

He wheezed softly, and I knew he was trying not to laugh. "I'm sorry, I was imagining you trying to tease all 1/4 inch of that buzzcut into some kind of man bun."

"You know what? Sometimes I hate you," I growled, running my fingers across the top of my head.

"Come on, big guy, you know you love me." He was right, but I couldn't give him the satisfaction. "Now, it's time to breathe deep. You've got this. You know these guys, and you have a heart the size of Manitoba. They love you, too."

"Now you're sweet. Do you want something?" We both laughed. "Honestly, I appreciate it. I owe you one."

"And don't forget it. Next time we're out, you'll buy the first round. And the second."

"Deal." While I listened, I straightened my collar. "Wish me luck… please?"

"Man, you don't need luck. You've got the skills. You're Moose Moretti. Go get 'em."

When I ended the call, I took one last look at myself in the mirror. The guy staring back at me appeared almost confident. I could go with that.

***

With Coach Fraser's permission, I gathered the players in the after-game press room at the arena. So many of them looked different in street clothes. Everyone was silent as they expectantly stared forward. I spotted Sergei's usual stoic gaze, Finn's bright-eyed focus, and a slight encouraging nod from Quinn.

"Gentlemen, I brought you all here to describe what we've planned for the next two weeks as part of the team's holiday charity drive." While they continued to stare, a few picked at threads on their shirts. "The schedule is packed with events while you're in town. That means children's hospital visits, after-school clubs, and food bank volunteering. I trust you'll all bring your A-game like you do on the ice. The Portland kids deserve our best."

Blaise's hand shot up. "Please tell me we don't have to wear the mascot costume. Larry, the mascot guy, had me try it, and damn, after just a couple of months, it's ripe."

A few chuckles spread through the room. I did my best to remain serious, remembering one time in high school when I filled in for a sick mascot. "No costumes. Don't worry. I just want to see your jerseys and your bright, shining personalities."

"Thank the fuck for that," Axel mumbled while Quinn elbowed him in the side.

"Moving on. I'll split you into small groups. Sergei, I want you to lead the hospital team. Your unique brand of humor is a hit with the kids."

"Thank fuck for that," Axel muttered, earning a sharp elbow from Quinn.

A smile nearly broke through his stoic gaze. "I'll tell them the joke about the bear and fish. It's very funny, and they love it."

"That's a good thing." I moved on, not wanting to think too hard about what kind of vodka-infused jokes Sergei might toss out for unsuspecting kids. "Quinn, I've got you down for after-school duty. Do you think you can handle a crowd of adrenaline-soaked pre-teens?"

"I've got a few tricks up my sleeve." He smirked. "I'm gonna blow 'em away with holiday-themed science experiments."

"Just please don't blow anything up," I requested, thinking about the Mentos and Diet Coke incident in college.

"Umm, can't make any promises there."

I turned my attention to Finn for the next project. My stomach fluttered when our eyes met. "Finn, I'd like you to lead the food bank initiative. Your speed will be useful while you pack all those donation boxes."

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