Page 228 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

“Coach Johnson really did well raising that young girl. Now look. She’s a woman and doing such amazing things as a team nurse,” Mr. Mowakie states with pride. He’s another brand ambassador for international relations. “Mr. Champion did an excellent job recruiting Coach Johnson. He’s a superb coach.”

“To think he’d be up against his best friend, Coach Cyrus,” Mr. Campbell, the CEO of one of the equipment distributors for all things hockey, acknowledges. “Coach Cyrus has been doing an amazing job with the team.”

“It’s very clear Strattonville Vipers may head all the way to the top,” Mr. Hamilton announces. He’s the man everyone is trying to shine their star to because he has top dollars backing him up. If he recommends you anywhere, you’re guaranteed a job. Doesn’t matter what department. He just makes it happen with a simple ‘good word.’ He’s the one I’ve been sharing my accomplishments with the most.

Just to get that striking opportunity.

“Miss Johnson,” Mr. Hamilton announces and takes the few steps needed to meet her and the rest of my best friends.

Mishka has a brilliant smile on her face, her blue eyes looking extra striking tonight as she lets go of Damien’s hand so she can shake Mr. Hamilton on approach.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mikayla Cross Johnson,” Mr. Hamilton declares as he firmly shakes her hand before lowering his head to give the back of her hand a kiss. “I owe a lot of gratitude to you.”

“You do?” She seems puzzled and surprised by the gesture but doesn’t pull away from it. She’s being professional but also kind, and I love how all this attention isn’t making her cocky in any way.

As if Mikayla would ever be stuck up and walk over others. She never did it when her family was filthy rich. She wouldn’t start now.

“I’d love to know who I have the honor of speaking with,” Mishka continues politely. “My name is Mikayla Cross Johnson, daughter of Isaac Cross Johnson of the Saskatchewan Pincers.”

“It’s a pleasure to formally be introduced and meet you at such a grand event, Miss Johnson,” Mr. Hamilton begins with a wide grin. “My name is Joseph Murry Hamilton, President and CEO of Hockey Dynasty Center. We have multiple locations, mostly in Toronto and California, but our roots have always been here at our home base in Strattonville.” Squeezing her hand that’s still in his grasp, his eyes soften.

“You’re the nurse who saved my only daughter, Jessica Murry Hamilton, a few weeks ago.”

Wait… what?!

I’m not the only one with a jaw-dropping expression.

We’re all surprised by the truth as we all recall the accident that happened a few weeks ago on 15th involving Jayce and the Tesla.

I’d been with Ace doing practice drills when the news of the incident was announced by Dr. Bridgett, who proceeded to deliver the news that Mikayla not only arrived and saved a child’s life but was also rushed to the hospital for unknown reasons.

We tried desperately to get to the hospital, but the traffic was so bad, we couldn’t get very far. We met Dimitri on the way back, and once we parked, we offered to make sure he got to his dorm okay.

I was glad Damien had been at the hospital on behalf of Ace’s grandmother in incorporating her into their private healthcare assistant program. Thankfully, he found Mishka unexpectedly and stayed with her until Maddox arrived.

That led to the weekend they spent together.

The three of them.

The perfect opportunity for them to pull away the layers of doubt and uncertainty.

Like clothes stripping away from their flesh until they’re naked and bare.

I needed an opportunity like that, but I knew better.

Opportunities like that don’t just come to you.

They’re made by taking chances.

That’s the one thing I’m missing in this lengthy equation that equals my happiness.

“No way,” Mishka replies with wide eyes. “I apologize for not waiting for your arrival at the hospital. I was a bit overwhelmed by the circumstances and ended up passing out. When I woke up, I wasn’t quite sure which department or room your wife and daughter were in, but the nurse disclosed you were on the way and that they would be safe without my company.”

“When I heard you’d fallen ill after the incident, I was very worried,” Mr. Hamilton admits. “I wanted to reach out to personally thank you, but Mr. Champion suggested I wait until the Fundraiser Ball. That way, you’d have enough time to rest and recover from such a traumatic event. Giving CPR for more than forty minutes takes immense strength, stamina, and courage. It’s miraculous when done for a child. Jessica has talked about you ever since. You’re her guardian angel.”

“Aww.” Mishka is fighting tears as she blinks those glassy blue eyes. “I’m glad I was there at the right place and time, Mr. Hamilton. I’m really glad the universe had my and Dimitri’s back and gave us a push to continue all efforts to secure your daughter’s health and overall well-being.”

“Well, I’ve been talking to a few colleagues as well as Mr. Champion in regard to your internship,” he announces, and I can see Mishka’s surprise. “If you don’t mind me borrowing you from your boyfriends, I’d love to chat about a few options we have set up for your ongoing success.”

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