Page 109 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
"Yeah, yeah," James cuts in. "Just admit you blacked out and hoped for the best."
More laughter.
Coach steps in, arms crossed, a small smile on his face and the noise dies down.
"Good work out there, guys." His voice is firm, but there’s pride in it. "That’s how you fight. That’s how you finish. You played with heart. You kept your heads when it mattered.” He pauses, scanning us. “That’s what wins games.That’swhat gets you to the Cup. We’re not done. The next game is in two days, and I want you all to be ready. No slacking. No celebrating too hard."
Some groans but mostly nods.
Coach’s gaze sweeps across the room again, then he jerks his chin. "Get some rest. We’ll break down plays tomorrow." He nods once. "Proud of you boys."
With that, he leaves, and the room erupts again.
I shake out my arms, letting the adrenaline fade, and start untying my skates. The conversation shifts - talking about the game, the crowd, the plays. Then…
"You’ve been different lately."
I glance up.
It’s Noah, leaning against his locker, arms crossed.
"Yeah," Ryan adds, grinning. "Less grumpy. More…," he gestures vaguely. "Floaty."
"Like you’ve got some kind of…, happiness disease," Tomas throws in, smirking.
I snort. "Happiness disease?"
"You’re smiling too much, man," Liam says, squinting at me like I’m an alien. "It’s freaking us out."
"Yeah," Tomas agrees. "So? You got a girlfriend or something?"
The room goes silent.
I smirk, shaking my head. “Or something.”
A chorus ofoooohsripples through the room.
Jackson tilts his head. “So, you’re not denying it?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
"He's got a girl!"
"No way -who?"
"Why didn’t you tell us?"
“Who is she??”
I just shake my head, laughing. "Not telling you."
Groans all around.
Connor grins, leaning forward. "Fine, fine. Keep your secrets. But how’s Nico, by the way?"
I pause, exhaling. "He’s doing alright now."
Two days ago, Nico had come down with the flu really badly. We had to take him to the hospital, just to be safe. That’s when I ran into Connor, coming out with his pregnant girlfriend.
