Page 79 of Hutch
He could be giving them pointers on what they’re looking for if they’re really interested in joining the team. Or how to get any team’s attention for that matter. I don’t really care that muchabout all that. I’m on pins and needles waiting to hear what he said to Hutch and Collin, the big lug. I’ve gotten as used to him as I have Hutch. He declared us besties and true to his word, he calls and checks on me as much as Hutch does. I’m allowed to be excited for them. We’re friends.
“Why am I so nervous?”
“Because this is important.” Jenny starts to pace. “They don’t even want to sign Dylan and I’m still a mess.”
I remember how excited Joseph was when he was debating which college or university to attend. He went around and around for weeks with his parents on where to go, who would give him the most playing time as a freshman, and who would help him get to the NFL the fastest. He even asked me my opinion at one point. He was never afraid or nervous. He knew what he wanted, but he was unsure of how to get there with the easiest route.
And you know, I never felt nervous for him, not like I’m feeling right now. And Hutch actually got picked up by the team he wanted so there should be nothing to be nervous about. Yet I am. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s simply because he’s nervous and a little scared.
This is ridiculous. I huff and hot foot it to the kitchen to start cleaning up. College guys sure do make a mess. We should make them clean up, but I don’t want the noise they’d create to disturb the meeting going on in the office.
I start putting things in containers and Jenny joins me. Like me, she needs something to do with her nervous energy. We have the food put away and the kitchen completely cleaned by the time the office door opens and we hear voices coming down the hallway. Looking at each other, we both let out a relieved sigh.
“Daisy, I wanted to thank you for a wonderful meal.” Mr. McClare comes over and shakes my hand. “We’ll be looking forward to seeing you at the arena during home games.”
Before I can say no, Hutch buts in. “Do you want anything to take home with you? I’m sure there’s food left.”
“No. I’m full. Two chicken burgers and those homemade fries were more than enough. I appreciate that you did what you could to make it all healthy. Got to keep these men on the proper diet. Especially since we’re thinking of changing the team diet.”
“Changing the diet?” Hutch and Collin look at each other, alarmed.
“Well, we’ve seen what a non-meat diet can do for teams. We’re considering trying it out. There will be a cheat day for our athletes, of course.”
“No meat?” Collin and Dylan both look horrified, while Hutch just appears resigned.
Mr. McClare laughs. “Don’t worry boys. Almost every single member of the team had the same reaction with the exception of Kramer. He’s a vegetarian.”
Jenny and I turn away to keep from laughing.
“Well, Hutch, Mendoza, we’ll set our first meeting up for next Friday. That should give you both time to find an agent and a lawyer. Your agent should be able to recommend a good lawyer if you don’t have one. Dylan, Carson, keep working. We’re watching and if you put in the work, it’ll pay off. Ladies.” He nods to us and takes his leave.
The boys all stand there, staring at each other.
Jenny gets impatient. “Well?”
Dylan shakes his head. “I don’t know. He seemed like he wanted us both, but…”
“But he needs to see something more,” Carson finishes. “Not sure what. I’ve been busting my ass out there every practice, every game, and in between.”
“Don’t try so hard.”
He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.
I shrug. “It worked for Hutch. When you get in your head, you stop loving what you’re doing and it shows in how you play.”
“She’s not wrong.” Hutch sighs. “It’s what I was doing. Once I stopped thinking about the pressure, it clicked and my speed came back. You’re over correcting what Coach wants you to work on and it shows in the few pucks that slip past you. It’s your only weakness and you’re over thinking it.”
Carson frowns, but nods slowly. “You might be right. I’ve spent every day for the last month trying to make myself perfect.”
“That’ll kill your career,” Hutch says. “It almost killed mine. Red over here changed all that for me by pointing out the simple truth I couldn’t see.”
Carson gives me a small smile, and I can see he’s thinking about what we all said. I hope he learns how to chill and just play to play.
“Is there food left?” Collin goes to the fridge looking for leftovers.
“I put you a plate in the microwave,” I tell him. “I know you’re probably still hungry.”
He smiles. “Good looking out for your bestie.”
