Page 73 of Riding Pine
Zipping my coat up against the cold, I walk to my car and slide behind the wheel. While it warms, my mind wanders to lavender, and I wonder if it’s an aphrodisiac or just something quirky with Jacob. Maybe I’ll look into it.
As I drive away and all the twinkling lights of the brewery fade behind me, I hope the next time I come back here it’s with Lukas and good news.
twenty-one
Lukas
Coach Nix slides into the booth across from me at the hotel bar.
Most of the team is in their rooms either asleep or winding down before our travel day tomorrow. But I couldn’t let this go on any longer.
“Thanks for meeting me, Coach.”
“Of course, Lukas. Great game today. I hope you’re planning to spend more time on the PK because that’s whereyou shine.”
Nodding, I agree. My shot blocks and play reading have been top-notch, and penalty killing is a favourite. Never thought I’d say that, but this season I seem to be in peak form.
“Thanks. I think our lines are well balanced, and that helps.”
My gaze drops to the drink in front of me. Unlike some of my teammates, I don’t like to drink after a game. It fucks up my sleep, and I value sleep more than anything when on the road. So, a drink in front of me now is a rare occurrence.
Coach notices that too.
“I feel like you might want to talk about something non-hockey related.”
“You’d be right.” I take a swallow of the drink as Coach waits patiently. “I need to tell you that I may have violated team policy.”
Coach sits up. “What kind of policy?”
“Um, the dating amongst the staff one. I’m assuming there’s something like that. There always is.”
He puffs out a breath. “I’d have to confirm, but usually the rule is not to date someone with authority over you. Like me or an owner.” He pauses. “A teammate would probably be allowed if disclosed.”
“Um, sort of. It’s…he’s the mascot.”
Coach remains quiet for a few moments, and I clutch the glass so hard it should shatter.
“You’re not supposed to know who the mascot is. That much I know.”
“I met him before I knew, Coach. We got involved, and he wanted to be honest. I promised to keep it a secret, but a few of the guys already figured it out.”
He huffs out a breath. “You’ve put me in a bad spot, Lukas.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. He’s already moved in. Breaking up isn’t an option. I…he’s the one.” I can’t say the other words. Not to Coach when I haven’t even told Ben to his face.
“Until I look into it, I have to make you a healthy scratch. Which means for the next two games you’re out of the lineup, Piney. I’m sorry.”
Nodding, I take another sip. “I figured you’d need to do that, and I believe in this team to get it done without me.”
Coach’s face softens, and he sits back in the booth.
“You’re a good leader, Lukas, but you’re human and made a mistake. Coming to me even after the fact tells me you want to do the right thing. I know you live for this team, I really do.” He frowns. “I can’t let you play until it’s sorted though. It will suck having you off the penalty kill after you just hit your stride.”
Sighing to myself, my shoulders sag and I stare at the melting ice in my drink.
“Yeah, I’ll miss it. But…can I say anything to the team?”
Coach immediately shakes his head. “No. Keep it quiet until I gather the facts. Until then, you’re a healthy scratch.”
