Page 62 of A Match Made In Fall

“Good night, Isabella.”

I don’t rush up to get ready for bed. I’d rather lay here and think about Isabella and how much my feelings are growing with each interaction we have.

The sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand drags me out of a deep sleep. For a second, I get excited that it could be Isabella sending one of her good morning texts. The thought wakes me up faster than an annoying alarm could.

Unfortunately, it's not from Isabella. It's a message from Coach Denton.

Be at the arena early. Mandatory.

This is an order and not a request. I know these messages all too well.

I groan as I stretch, trying to finish waking up. Tonight we play the Washington Bolts, a team with a worse record in the league than us. It should be an easy win, but I know better than to assume anything. Every team can be dangerous, especially one with a losing record and something to prove. It’s going to be a battle to show the hockey world what we can do, and the Bolts aren’t going down without a fight. Without a doubt both teams need this victory.

After a hot shower, I make a protein shake and rush out the door. Maybe showing up extra early will earn me a few extra brownie points with the coach. At this point, it’s probably a good idea because he’s not thrilled with any of us right now.

The arena is quiet when I arrive, and as soon as I get to the locker room, I spot Rico sitting beside Coach Denton on one of the benches. Their conversation looks intense, and neither of them looks happy. This causes a knot to form in my stomach. I was hoping to start this day on a positive note.

"Good morning," I say.

Coach waves me over. "Reed. We need to talk."

The tone of his voice instantly puts me on high alert. "Uh…sure."

I glance at Rico, expecting him to say something, but he doesn’t even acknowledge me.

This proves something's wrong. I sit down beside him, my pulse picking up.

"What's up?"

Coach lets out a long sigh and folds his arms.

"Well, I'm sure you've heard the whispers going around the league."

My stomach drops. I already know he’s talking about the trade rumors, and they have been impossible to avoid lately between the media, fans, and players.

"Yeah," I say quietly. "I think everyone has."

Coach exhales.

"The Bears have been talking with the Golden State Seals. They've expressed serious interest in both you and Rico as part of a potential trade deal."

Suddenly, everything goes quiet. I stare at him, trying to process the words. I might be traded to Golden State. I always knew this was a possibility because trades are part of what we do. I've watched new guys come and go season after season. Still, knowing something could happen and hearing that it might are two very different things. Coach continues talking, explaining the details, but I barely hear any of it.

My mind is only on one person, and that’s Isabella. The realization of what this means feels like a punch in the stomach. Just last night I was dreading not being able to see her after these few road games. Also knowing that she’ll be leaving in a few months. Now I might be the one leaving, and most likely it will be soon. That’s just how these trades go—quickly.

"When?" I ask, my voice shaking slightly. "Have they given a timeline?"

He shrugs. "Nothing is finalized. You know how these things go—the negotiations are still ongoing, but my guess is maybe within a week."

A week, seven days or less—which means not much time left with Isabella.

And this is the reality of this career. Your entire life can change overnight. I've always told people I'd go wherever hockey takes me and I know better than to get comfortable. That was before I met someone like Isabella. And now I can’t imagine not being able to see her all time. I thought we’d at least have a few more months.

"You should expect an answer sooner rather than later," Coach says interrupting my thoughts. "But as of today, you both still play for the Carolina Bears and your team is counting on you."

I nod. I don’t know what’s happening beyond today, but I know my teammates need me. And the fans who have supported me deserve my best effort.

As Coach continues talking, all I can think about is Isabella—and how everything between us might be changing sooner than we thought.