Page 116 of Check the Halls
“Agreed,” Austin pipes up next to him. “Maybe less of a diva.”
“Oh, but Ben already volunteered Foster to host next year’s gala,” Maddy says with a nod at my best friend.
The table falls silent as all eyes turn to a visibly shell-shocked Foster.
“I’m just screwing with you,” Maddy says with asheepish smile causing an uproar of laughter from the table.
Soon, we’re joined by a few of the Ottawa Minks players in attendance, including Bailey Gates. The conversation turns to hockey as we exchange congratulations on the banner season both our teams are having. Before they leave, they ask for some selfies, which Will and Austin are especially happy to oblige. Bailey takes the pictures on her phone.
“Don’t you want to be in one?” Austin asks her as his eyes rake over her appreciatively.
She looks at him like she still has no idea who he is. “You don’t mind?”
He stands straighter, unable to hide his excitement. “Not at all.”
“Great,” she says without missing a beat as she holds her phone out to him. “Can you take one of me with Foster James?”
No one even attempts to stifle their laughter at this. Even Austin chuckles as he begrudgingly takes a photo of the two goalies.
As the women leave to go back to their team table, Austin remains completely transfixed by Bailey who continues to completely ignore him.
“I think I’m in love,” he sighs, dazedly.
Will gives him an incredulous look. “That woman will destroy you, man.”
“I know,” he replies dreamily as he watches her cross the room. “I can’t wait.”
Coach Stetson approaches the table and every player present straightens. Not out of fear, but respect.
“Ms. Michaels,” he nods at my sister before addressinghis players. “At ease, boys.” He turns to Maddy next and extends his hand. “Thank you for including our organization in such a wonderful event, Ms. Clairmont.”
Maddy pushes herself to stand and accepts his hand. “Thank you for coming. Your team’s involvement has made this our most successful fundraiser to date.”
He nods again. His smile is a bit stiff, like that of someone who doesn’t do it often. “Well, we look forward to supporting it for years to come.”
“That’s amazing.” Maddy’s grin is brighter than the spotlights shining down on the band. I can’t help smiling, too. She’s worked so hard to pull this together and it’s easy to see how happy she is with the results.
“Can I borrow Michaels for a moment?” Coach asks her.
She glances at me over her shoulder and winks. “As long as I get him back.”
We take a few steps away from our party before he speaks. “I wanted you to know that in the new year, I will be officially recommending you as the next captain of the Otters.”
I blink up at him. How much champagne has the man had? “Coach?”
“I still believe you’re the right man for the job.”
I just spent the entire evening under the spotlights in front of hundreds of people and only now do I start to sweat.
“Coach, I thought after our last conversation in Tampa…I thought after what I said–”
“I remember what you said, Ben. I spent a lot of time thinking about it. You communicated clearly. I regret not doing the same. I never meant to minimize your commitmentsto the people you care about. You showed a lot of maturity and courage by saying what you did. I think you’ve proven your leadership skills and the team would be lucky to call you Captain.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll think about it.” He extends his hand and I shake it.
“I will, Coach.”
