Page 29 of Full Strength

“Yikes. Please don’t tell me you stepped in.”

“I paid it.”

“What are we talking? Like a hundred bucks?”

“Three months’ rent.”

“Grant! Dude, you can’t just throw that kind of money around.”

“I wasn’t trying to show off. I saw a need and I took care of it because I could.”

I listened to him sigh. “I get that you have money at your disposal, but not everyone does, especially not a single mother working to make ends meet. That probably felt like a slap in the face to her.”

That wasn’t what I’d wanted. That was the very last thing actually.

“Yeah, I screwed up.”

“Again.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, again.”

“Ever wonder if you’ll run out of tries with her.”

“I’m pretty sure I already have. Last night was supposed to be our first real date, but she was too sick to go. I don’t think I’ll get another chance.”

“If it’s meant to be then it will all work out.”

“Thanks Mom.” She told us that daily when we were growing up. Hearing that got frustrating when things didn’t work out the way we wanted, or not on our schedule.

“I’m beginning to see she was right.”

“Well thanks for the wakeup call. I should head in to warm up.”

“Are you sure you can play after a night of no sleep?”

I smirked. “I’ve done it dozens of times before. I’ll be fine.”

“We’ll be watching.”

“Thanks. Tell the gang I love them.”

After hanging up I laid back down and tried to fall asleep for another hour, but it was futile. I showered and got dressed in a grey suit before heading out. I grabbed a pair of sunglasses off the table and slid them on as I made my way across the street. The press would be hanging around and the last thing I wanted were images of me with dark circles around my eyes right before a game. The fans would tear me apart. They didn't understand the adrenaline that coursed through your body during a game. It was like your body was charged with electricity. I’d be fine once I was on the ice.

I passed a few reporters in the tunnels on the way to the locker room and made sure to wave and smile.

Coach Rust grabbed me at the next turn. “Coach wants to see you in his office before you warm up.”

I nodded and changed direction while he continued passed me. It wasn’t too unusual to get called in for a talk but I was still a bit nervous. I always was when any of the coaches wanted to talk unexpectedly.

I peeked into his office through the open door and relaxed when I saw Nikolay and Erik sitting in front of Coach Romney.

“There you are.” The guys turned and nodded in acknowledgement before facing Coach again.

“Yeah, what’s going on?”

Coach eyed each of us before relaxing. “We’re putting in your line.”

Erik shook his head. “Already? We’ve only been practicing together for a week.”