“They’ve been around for a while now. How do you think we knew about Luka before he was drafted?” David asks.
“I guess I figured it was from watching the college games,” I say and they scrunch up their faces.
“We watch you, Dad Bro. Everything else comes from the feeds,” David laughs. “Why, did someone post one with you in it?”
“I wouldn’t know if they did. I basically only use this thing to text and make calls, you know that.”
“We know,” Benji adds, climbing up from the lounge. “So why the sudden interest in the short vids? I know a guy who’s a killer at making them. I can get him to do one of you if you want. Hey, if you try that trick play of Luka’s again and nail it, I’m sure he’d be up for it.”
“That’s not going to happen. My trick play days are loooong behind me,” I say, and then my phone chimes. “Speaking of Mr. Trick Play himself.”
A message pops through from Luka.
LUKA: Be over soon. I got caught up with Alex and a few of the guys. I like mine bloody BTW.
Alex is one of the player development coaches who works with us in small groups or one-on-one sessions, focusing on puck control, catch-and-release, and a bunch of other things. It’s not just for rookies either; I’ve attended my fair share of sessions. No one’s too good to sharpen their hands.
REID: I didn’t know you had a session with him today. I think your skills are top tier rightnow.
LUKA: Aww, thanks. Yeah, he just wanted to see some of the plays I’d been working on to maybe get some of the other guys involved. Whatever gives us an edge, right?
REID: I thought you were stepping away from the trick play stuff.
LUKA: When did I say that? I thought you were open to me trying something special if the opportunity arises.
Did I agree to that? I don’t remember agreeing to that. What I do know, though, is I can’t handle this conversation over text.
REID: We’ll chat later. I need to get cooking before the boys start a revolt.
***
“Hey, wow, that smells great,” Luka calls as he walks through the door fifteen minutes later.
“I made mac and cheese,” David calls back.
“He made it the regular way, following the instructions to the letter, so it should be edible,” Benji adds.
“I’m in the kitchen,” I yell, and a second later, Luka appears in the doorway holding an extra-large sunflower.
“Have you ever seen anything so big?” Luka asks.
“That’s what he said,” I chuckle, and he shakes his head, coming to my side and pushing up on his toes to kiss my cheek as I finish the last of the steaks. Benji likes his extra well done, so I always cook it last as the others rest, loosely covered on the counter.
“I was passing my flower shop and saw these and just knew I had to get you one. Where should I put it?”
“How about in the middle of the vase, that way it can loom over the smaller ones like a god.”
“Yes, the sun king hath returneth,” Luka replies, sliding it into the middle of the bunch. “Want me to do anything?”
“No, everything’s practically done. So . . .” I begin, trying to sound all casual. “Alex wanted to see some of your plays?”
“Yeah, he grabbed me after our morning skate. Some of the guys asked him to work with them on some special moves. I guess they want to get into the spotlight a bit more this season.”
“You know what gets you into the spotlight?”
“What?”
“Playing smart and getting into the playoffs on reliable skills not flash.”
