Page 95 of Wrong Pucking Player

I can’t help but look up at him, our eyes locking as we share a look.

“You failed, too,” I state while pushing his glove away. “Now you guys can enjoy doing rounds around the rink for ten minutes.”

He arches an eyebrow at my command while the rest of the team is coming our way.

“We’re doing what now?” one of the players with platinum blonde hair asks. I haven’t gotten his name yet, but his eyes are black.

“TEN MINUTE SKATING ROUNDS,” I order. “GET TO IT!”

They’re all surprised by what I call my “play around and find out” voice. To my shock, they follow my command.

“You owe me, Andrews,” Armani whispers as he takes the lead.

He’s gone a second later, followed by Kane and Diesel, who groan but obey. Soon enough, everyone but Winchester are starting their drills, leaving me to stand there with my arms crossed while Caren flicks some of her short locks.

“C’mon, Winchester. You heard her.” Caren encourages.

“You’re not even my coach,” Winchester snarls.

“True,” I admit. “But if Coach Johnson had a problem, he would have said something by now.”

Speaking of Coach Johnson, he’s skating toward us with Dr. Francisco, who’s basically our “medical leader” for this internship. At least, that’s what it feels like in my mind.

“Winchester,” Coach Johnson begins, looking serious. “Didn’t you hear, Andrews?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Winchester grumbles and gestures to me. “She’s not a coach. She’s just a team nurse. Why the fuck are we taking orders from her?”

“Because I said so,” Coach Johnson barks with seriousness. “Andrews and Ross are medical professionals. If they tell you to do skating rounds, you do it. You will take their opinion seriously unless stated otherwise by myself or Dr. Francisco.” He glances over to the man in question, who looks strict as fuck with his glasses sitting low on his nose.

“The drills will get the blood pumping in your muscles. They will also allow us to have an overall grasp of your current stamina levels,” Dr. Francisco states in a matter-of-fact tone. “Excellent suggestion, Andrews. I heard you have years of experience in kinesiology due to your contribution to the Strattonville Gym down on 17th and Bullock.”

I’m left speechless that he knows that.

“Uh… yes. I’ve been contributing to the gym since it opened. I stopped being a coach, but I did specialize in movement, recovery, and competition prep,” I add.

“I’m aware,” Dr. Francisco notes. “Oliver DaCosta has a few good words to say about your performance and execution of various strategies to determine a good workout plan for various teams in different fields of sport. I hope you will be applying such during your internship for us to put to our team’s advantage.”

Wow. Oliver actually put a good word for me?

“I’ll do my best, Dr. Francisco.”

He nods and glances at Caren.

“Ross. I’m sure you’ll continue to support Andrews as you did in this instance. I’ve also been told to forward a message from Weasley that she’d love to learn more about your photography experience for a side job revolving around the social media build for the team.”

“I-I’d be honored!” Caren beams before she quickly flicks her hair to try to look sophisticated. “I’ll be in contact with her once we’ve done our assessments.”

“Excellent.”

We look at Coach Johnson, who’s still staring at Winchester.

“Jayce,” Coach Johnson uses his first name, prompting him to snap out of whatever baffled daze he’s in. “I won’t repeat myself.”

“Got it, Coach Johnson,” he groans and joins the group, who are already on their fourth rep.

I quickly find Armani, noticing that despite all the equipment he’s carrying, he’s the fastest among them.

“Why is Armani a goalie?” I inquire. “He’s the fastest. Wouldn’t he be forward or even captain?”

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