Page 62 of High Sticks

Eddie seemed to consider Pete’s words. He looked at his hands before turning back to me. "But what if I regret it? What if I go, and it's not what I expected.”

This one was mine. “Regret's a part of life," I said, keeping it real. "The question is, what will you regret more? Going or staying? And remember, either way, you're taking a risk."

As Eddie stared at me, I could almost see the wheels turning in his head. The weight of his decision was settling on his young shoulders.

"We can't make this decision for you," Pete added, "but whatever you decide, make sure it's for you, not for us, the Cougars, or anyone else. You've got a promising path ahead. Maybe even greatness.”

Eddie nodded, and I sensed the tension easing a bit. “Thank you. I’ve got a lot to think about."

Pete slapped him gently on the back. "Take your time. And remember, no matter where you end up, you've got two coaches in Cold Pines who are damn proud of you."

* * *

Later that evening, it was nearing midnight, and Pete and I were sprawled on the couch together, half-watching a silly rom-com, half wrapped up in our own individual thoughts. Empty beer bottles and a pizza box littered the coffee table in front of us. The day had been long. The decisions were hard, and we’d chosen to end it relaxed and basking in the knowledge we’d made the right choice about Cold Pines.

Pete's phone buzzed on the coffee table, and he glanced at the caller ID before picking it up. "It's Coach Benton," he said, looking at me as if asking permission to interrupt our quiet evening.

"Go ahead," I nodded. I could never force Pete to reject a conversation with the man who'd been like a father to him in the hockey world.

He tapped the phone, putting it on speaker. "Hey, Coach. I hope it’s okay to talk to Hoss, too. It’s another late night for you, isn't it?"

Coach Benton's hearty laugh came through the speakers. "You know me, Pete. I'm a night owl, and of course, I’m glad Hoss is listening in. I'll make this quick—I heard the two of you decided to stay with the Cougars."

Pete glanced at me. “Damn, word travels fast, like a lightning flash.”

"In our line of work, it always does, but that's not why I called. I wanted to say, from one coach to two others, I'm proud of you, and you too, Hoss.”

"Thanks, Coach," I said, grateful for the acknowledgment from such an influential figure in Pete's life and, by extension, my own.

"You know, I've been around long enough to see talented coaches make both good and bad decisions. Going to the NHL, that's the glitzy path. It's what everyone expects you to aspire to," Coach Benton continued.

Pete leaned forward, fully absorbed in his mentor's words. "I get that. It was probably my last aspiration in the hockey world.”

"But you found something more, didn't you? You found something that made you willing to put those dreams on hold.”

Pete looked at me, and I gazed back at the man I loved. "Yeah, Coach, we did. We found a place where we can make a real impact, not just chase a title."

Benton chuckled softly. "Cold Pines is lucky to have you, and I dare say you're lucky to have Cold Pines—and each other. Take it from an old man: there are many ways to leave a legacy in this sport. Trophies gather dust; people remember how you made them feel."

A gentle smile filled Pete’s face. "Thanks, Coach. I can’t tell you how much those words mean to me.”

“You’re still young, too, Pete. This doesn’t mean you’ll never decide on a second dance with the NHL.”

“He’s got a point,” I whispered.

Well, don't let me keep you up. You two celebrate your decision. And for heaven's sake, Pete put a ring on it already."

Pete choked on his beer, coughing as he set the bottle down. "Uh, noted, Coach."

"We'll catch up soon," Coach Benton said, lightly chuckling at his good-natured jab. "Good night to both of you."

"Night, Coach," we said simultaneously. Pete ended the call and set his phone back on the table.

We were both silent for a moment. The only sound I heard was laughter from characters on the TV.

"So, put a ring on it, huh?" I grinned from ear to ear.

Pete groaned, playfully throwing a cushion at me. "Don't you start."

---