Page 98 of Blindside Me
“Understood,” I say.
“And stay away from her ex. We don’t need another fight, especially on the ice. That shit happens again? You’re off the team.”
My fists clench. “I will try.”
“There’s notrying. Youwillstay away from him.”
“But he texted her yesterday.”
“Was it threatening?”
“Not exactly,” Jade says.
“Then it’s not your job to handle him. It’s your job to focus on the puck,” Coach snaps.
“He’s a problem.”
“And if you handle him like last time, you’ll lose everything you’ve built.”
A beat.
“Everything your dad wants for you.”
The room goes still.
I picture my dad in the stands, arms crossed, wearing that permanent scowl. Always criticizing.
But what kind of man would I be if I didn’t protect my girl? Who am I if I let someone make a joke out of the person I care about and just stand by? Fuck that. Not going to happen. Ever
My voice comes out cracked. “I’m not promising to stay out of it.”
I can’t. Not when it comes to Jade.
Coach steps forward. “Then hear me clearly. If you screw this up, if you fight, if your play dips, if you make her cry … you’re done. No exceptions.”
“Uncle Rick,” Jade says softly.
He raises his hand, cutting her off. “You two made your choice. But don’t expect a round of applause. I should cut you right now.” His eyes pin me. “But damn it, I want you to succeed.”
I nod, feeling the weight of it. “I have nothing but good intentions toward Jade.”
“Words,” Coach says. “Actions matter more.”
He exhales hard, then turns back toward the kitchen. “Dinner’s ready. Hope you like spaghetti.”
I glance at Jade, at the stubborn tilt of her chin and the softness in her eyes, and know that whatever comes, she’s worth it.
Game on.
And I have no intention of losing.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Drew
I run my fingers along the edge of the tape, pressing it firmly against my stick. The locker room buzzes with pre-game chatter and nervous energy, but the rapid thump of my heart drowns it out.
Colorado.
