“I guess I’m just worried about what the Nashville Wolves will do when they find out about all this,” I say. “I got drafted by them, and I’m contracted to play for them after I graduate from Hollis. I really don’t want to lose out on that opportunity. It’s my dream to play pro.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that.”
I’m taken aback at how sure he sounds. How does he know that? “Why not?”
“One of the guys on the team has an account similar to yours.”
My brow lifts. “Wait, seriously?”
He nods. “Another one of the players does a nude photo shoot every year and auctions off the pictures to raise money for charity. And a few of the other guys on the team did a shirtless calendar fundraiser for the local food bank last season. The team’s fine with all that, so they’re not gonna care that you have an anonymous social media account where you post shirtless photos and videos of yourself.”
“Oh. That’s great.” I can’t believe how this worked out. “Hang on, how do you know all that about the team?”
“I played in the AHL with a few of the guys who play for the Wolves now. We still keep in touch.”
“How come you’re not playing pro?” He’s in his thirties, and I remember Coach Sawyer mentioning that he played for several years before becoming a coach.
“I messed up my ankle, knee, and shoulder one too many times.”
“Oh. Sorry.”
I feel bad for prying, but he just shrugs like it’s no big deal. “It’s alright. This is where I wanna be.”
He stands up from his chair. I stand up too and shake his hand. “Thanks again for everything, Coach. I really owe you.”
“You’re good. See you at practice next week.”
* * *
I’m not even to the porch of my house when the front door flies open, and Briar runs out.
“How did it go? Are you still on the team?”
I smile at her. “I’m still on the team.”
She squeals and jumps into my arms. I scoop her up, and she wraps her legs around my waist.
She grabs my face and kisses me. “Oh my gosh, I was so worried.”
“It’s okay. It’s all okay,” I say between kisses.
People walking down the sidewalk in front of the house whistle and clap for us.
We both laugh, then I set her down. A second later, the guys come out of the house.
“Good news, I’m guessing?” Nick asks with a smile.
“Yup. I’m still on the team.”
“Fuck yeah, man,” Leo says. Travis pats my shoulder.
“So Coach Sawyer wasn’t mad that you have a sexy Instagram account?” Nick asks.
“No, he was. But I guess Coach Tremblay convinced him that what I do on my social media isn’t a problem as long as my performance on the team doesn’t suffer. And thankfully he listened.”
“What? That’s amazing. Coach Tremblay sounds awesome,” Briar says.
“Yeah, he really went to bat for me.” I turn to the guys. “Thanks for going out on a limb for me, guys. I’d probably be off the team if I didn’t have your support.”
