Fortunately, my phone buzzes with a selfie from Kayla right before I turn it off.
Excitement pricks my chest. And then I laugh.
She’s got dirt on her face and a leaf in her hair, and a shirtless Lucas Fischer is in the background being walked around by none other than Eunice and Loretta.
KAYLA
You want selfies of your smoke-show wife, you got ‘em.
SEAN
Still hot.
KAYLA
Sigh. I’m *too* attractive, aren’t I? I should have known I’d distract you with thoughts of my intense beauty.
SEAN
Nah, it’s not a distraction, it’s motivation. The sooner I impress these guys, the sooner I get home.
KAYLA
Miss you! You’re going to be amazing!
“Who’re you texting?” one of the guys calls from the next row of lockers. He’s still pulling on his socks, tall and wiry, his cheeks red from our early morning conditioning test.
He’s 22, just finished a college season with the lowest goals-against average in his conference. Now he’s here trying to prove he can hack it at the next level—the AHL, maybe even the NHL if he shows well enough.
Or if I don’t.
“My wife,” I say. And because Kayla really does look that good covered in dirt and leaves, I tilt the screen toward him.
His eyes go wide. “Wow. You bagged a real hottie, Coach.”
My eye twitches. “She’s definitely hot, but I’m not a coach. I’m here to be evaluated.”
“No way.” He shuts his locker and grins. The name tag above it reads RYAN HALL. “How old are you, man?”
“Thirty-three. Played with the Arsenal last year on a professional tryout?—”
“No way!”
“Yup. Got the call-up during playoffs. I’m here to earn a full contract.”
Hall lets out a low whistle. “Good luck, bruh. You got any advice for a rookie?”
He holds out a fist to bump, and I oblige, even though part of me hesitates.
This kid’s eager. Quick. Talented. The kind of goalie coaches love to groom.
I should probably be guarding my edges.
But I’ve never been great at playing it that way.
“Stay square and make the saves that count. They don’t care if you’re flashy, they care if you win.”
Hall nods like I’ve just handed him an answer key during midterms.
