Page 142 of Unmasking Love
See? Point me.
“Good coach. I hated the forced rest but I’m feeling strong.”
He’ll nod but will just get to the point.
“I’m glad to hear it. Danielle said Harper left her job. How is she doing?”
Wait. What? I wasn’t expecting that. So, I guess, point to you. We’re tied.
“Umm, she’s okay. She’s interviewing with a few other agencies, taking her time to find the right fit.”
Okay, now he’ll move on. That’s enough pleasantries.
“And her house should be almost done right? Danielle told me it was set to be finished in April.”
Wow. Coach Mike Bradford is almost too nice. But, that’s another point for you.
“Yes, I think it’s almost finished.”
“That’s great. Danielle and I haven’t been brave enough to tackle a home renovation project together. But she’s been dropping hints now that Harper has told her about the changes she made. I think if things go our way in the playoffs I’ll be redoing my home by July.” He laughs good naturedly and shuffles some papers on his desk.
Sothat’shis tell. GMs typically fold their hands together. Coaches might nervously click pens or drum their fingers.
Here’s where I’m going to tie up our little game and then win it. He’s going to launch into some speech about how I’ve been an asset and how he’s glad to have gotten to know me. Maybe he’ll say I’d make a good coach myself someday. He’ll try to be jovial and nice about it.
But then he’ll land the crushing blow and I’ll leave the facility trying to figure out what to do next. How to tell Harper. Will she want to move with me? Is this the end of us? I just got her back and I can’t believe it’s over already.
A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts and I turn in my chair to see Gavin walking in.
“Sorry I’m late, Coach. The baby spit up all over Jenny as I was leaving so I stayed a few minutes so she could change.” He takes a seat next to me and slaps a hand on my shoulder. “Did I miss the plan?”
“The plan?” I ask. And, fine, you get a point because I wasn’t expecting Gavin to be here.
“Not yet. Tom and I finalized it last night. For the remainder of the season we’re treating it like we have two starting goalies.” Holy shit. What? “Games will be a 50/50 split. Aiden you’ll sit tonight, take one more night to rest but you’ll be on against Chicago after that.”
I’m speechless. Gavin asks a follow up question but I don’t hear it.
I’ve done it. I’ve proven my value. My worth. I’m not just a back up but a back bone.
You win this round because I didn’t see this coming at all.
Coach asks me to dress for practice but take it easy. I shake his hand and dazedly walk down the hall and into the dressing room. When I clear the door Felix's face turns out in a wide grin.
"Yogi is back!"
"Yogi?" I ask as I shake his hand.
"We're trying out a second nickname, Yogi after Yogi Berra who was an outstanding catcher and quick to see opportunities for additional putouts." Duncan says.
I laugh a little "alright, and I think my dad would appreciate the baseball reference."
"Your dad isn't a hockey man?"
"He is now, but he was born in Arizona and he moved to Minnesota in high school and developed a love for the game,” I smile. “And my mom.” I add quietly.
"How was their visit?" Emmett asks.
"It was good, and they got to meet and hangout with Harper." I smile.
