Page 68 of Wake Me Up
Before he has a chance to answer, the waiter comes to our table to take our order. And as I look at my friend, I can’t stop thinking about how good and healthy he looks. When I saw him years ago while he was playing as a Wolf on the Brooks University hockey team, he looked like hell, and I was really worried about him. It’s nice to see him so happy.
“All right, so we got a little sidetracked with the food and then talking about the Sharks’ and Brooks U’s season,” I say, taking a sip of my Sprite. “You never did tell me what the hell you’re doing in Maine.”
The corner of his mouth tilts up in his signature crooked grin, and he leans back in his chair a bit. “Well, the reasons why I’m here are also the same reasons why I wanted to see you. I mean, don’t get me wrong; I’m always down to catch up with you, but I sort of have an ulterior motive tonight.”
Now it’s me leaning my back against my chair as I eye him over suspiciously. “What are you up to, Huff?”
“NE University offered me their hockey team’s head coach position.” He says the words almost like he can’t believe them. “And I love Brooks—I really do. But LaConte isn’t going anywhere—and he shouldn’t. He’s the best coach in the league. But I think I need this next step. And LaConte agrees actually.”
“Holy shit, dude. That’s fucking awesome.” I hold my hand across the table, and he shakes it. “That’s a D1 college, Huff. That’s huge!”
The grin spreads across his entire face, and his eyes squint because he’s smiling so damn hard. “I know, right? I mean, I never thought we’d leave the South. My and Haley’s families are there, but I don’t know, man. She’son board with coming to New England. She thinks it would be a great place for our family to live.”
“She’s right.” I shrug. “I miss Alabama sometimes, but I love Maine. I don’t think I could leave the New England area. So, I think you’ll be happy here too.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” he drawls, strumming his hands on the table lightly.
I frown, narrowing my eyes. “Why? And why’d you want to meet me?” I tilt my head to the side. “Did you want to pick my brain on the area? Because I’ll be honest; it’s good, but the winters fucking suck.” I wave at his sweatshirt. “But you figured that out today, I guess.”
He looks off in the distance for a second, like he’s trying to craft his words before they come out. “I don’t want this to offend you because I think you know I respect the hell out of you, man. Not just as a player, but as a person too. But on the ice? You’re one of the greatest.”
I raise an eyebrow warily. “Get on with it, Huff.”
“There’ve been some rumors that this may be your last season.” He quickly shakes his head. “Not like I think it should be. You’re still killing it. But I know your team drafted that new goalie, and you know by now how the sports networks work. They spin things.”
“I guess.” I shrug.
“Well … hypothetically, if you were going to retire, would you ever consider—oh jeez … I don’t know—coaching college hockey?”
It finally clicks what he’s brought me here for and what he is trying to ask me about. I feel honored, but I also feel dumbfounded because this isn’t something I ever saw coming, nor did I think it was in my cards. But I can’t ignore my body’s aches and pains forever. Not if I want to leave the ice with a little of my health left.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Well, fuck, Huff. You caught me off guard.”
He cringes. “I know. I just … I had to have the meeting today to sign my contract, and when I was there, I got to pitch the idea of hiring you and make sure they agreed—”
“And?”
“Fuck yes, they did,” he barks out. “You’re Tripp fucking Talmage. Why wouldn’t they want you?”
“Well, for starters, I’ve never even coached.” I shrug. “Seems like a valid reason to not want to hire me.”
“That’s not true because I saw some clips of the clinics the Sharks have been putting on, and you look right at home, working with those kids.” He picks up his Coke, taking a sip. “NEU hasn’t had a championship win in a long damn time. If these kids had a good coaching staff, they’d have a shot. You and I both know that.”
I toss my head back, squeezing my eyes shut for a second before looking at him again. “When do you need to know by?”
I expect him to look annoyed that I’m not instantly giving him a yes, but instead, his face lights up, and his eyes widen.
“That’s not a no. I’m so fucking pumped right now,” he says, gritting his teeth. “By a week from today, if possible.” He points toward me. “But if you need more time, you just let me know. I’ll make it happen. Whatever you need.”
I chuckle, relaxing in my seat. “I just need to check with someone first.”
A knowing smile tugs at his lips. “A woman, huh? You finally got caught, didn’t ya, ol’ boy?”
“Something like that.” I look at my friend, and I grin cheesily. “Cade Huff, head coach of a D1 college, and here to recruit me.” I shake my head, holding up my Sprite. “I’m proud of you, buddy. You put in the work. You got yourself here.”
He clinks his glass to mine. “I can’t take all the credit. My wife and kid are the real reason I’m here.” His expression grows somber. “Haley saved my life, and I just try to be the best version of myself. One day, I hope I can repay her for everything she’s done.”
“I’d say you’re well on your way, my friend.” I nod once.
