Page 52 of Check the Halls
Unfortunately, the last 90 seconds of the game don’t go our way. We lose 3-2.
As much as it sucks losing a home game, I try to lighten the mood in the dressing room.
“Chins up, boys,” I tell the rookies, who coincidentally are both named Cole, as they head for the showers. “You played well. We’ll get them next time.”
The kids nod and walk away a bit taller than before. When I turn back to my locker, I notice Coach Stetson watching me as he talks to the equipment manager. He gives me an approving nod before the two men turn and leave the room.
After showering and dressing quickly, Foster and Iwalk out together. I’m not surprised to find Beth waiting in her usual spot, but I am shocked to see who she’s with.
“Hey,” Maddy greets me as I approach them. “Great game. I mean, not great because you lost. But you played great, even though you didn’t win. Winning isn’t everything. I hope you still had…fun?”
“Wow,” I laugh. “That was a helluva pep talk, Madness. I’m inspired.”
“I’m sorry.” She buries her reddening face in her hands. “I didn’t know what to say.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t know you’d be here.” I wonder if I would have played differently had I known? Better? Worse?
“Beth invited me.”
“I figured.”
“Tough loss, big brother,” says Beth as Foster joins us. “You’ll get ‘em next time.” She turns to Foster. “We’re going to drive Maddy home. She’s just on George Street.”
“Of course,” he answers.
“I’ll drive you home,” the words come out of my mouth too eagerly. “It’s on my way.”
Foster raises an eyebrow at me while Beth attempts to hide her grin.
“Are you sure? I could call a car.” Maddy offers.
“Of course.” I reply. I can’t help but notice her smile increase.
“Well, if you’re sure”
We part ways with Foster and Beth in the parking lot. The girls hug and make plans to go to yoga again on the weekend.
We’re quiet, at first. I drive slowly. I tell myself it'sbecause the roads are icy, but I know deep down I just want a few extra minutes with her.
“I am sorry,” Maddy says suddenly as I stop at a red light. “That you guys lost.”
I shrug. “It’s okay. I mean, it sucks to lose, but it’s part of the sport. I’m lucky to play with such great guys. We win as a team and lose as a team. It helps.”
“That must be nice,” she says almost wistfully.
“Don’t you have a team at work?”
“Ileada team. It’s not really the same thing.”
“Fair enough. How are things going at the foundation?” I ask as the light turns green and I accelerate.
She sighs so deeply I can feel it sitting across from her. “Fine.”
“But?”
“Things keep going wrong. I can’t understand where the breakdown in communication is. My team can’t explain it either. One or two problems are to be expected, but I feel like all I’m doing is putting out fires. It’s just frustrating. I’m the director. Everyone expects me to have the answers, but I can’t figure out where the problem lies. My mom says it’s probably just because it’s my first year, that things will get smoother the longer I’m with the foundation.”
“She’s probably right. How is Darlene?” I always liked Maddy’s mom. Probably because she was so much like her daughter.
