Page 79 of Trick Play

We finished our last practice until after the holidays. We’d be back on the twenty-seventh to get ready for our game on the twenty-ninth, but at least we had a few days off.

“Thanks.” I picked up my bag so I could head out once we were done. I didn’t freak out as I walked down the hall. No racing mind of all the possible things I’d done wrong. I could handle whatever came next.

“Come on in, Clarkson.” Coach Weston waved me in when I got to the open door. I sat across from him and waited.

“I debated having this conversation. I don’t want to distract you during your break, but at the same time, I believe you deserve to know.”

My stomach dropped.

No. I could handle this.

“Congratulations.”

I shook my head. “What?”

He grinned like he pulled off the best prank. “There have been three scouts here to watch you, and they’re all very interested.”

My head was spinning. “Three? And they’ve been here?”

“Yeah, I realized I made a mistake by telling you beforehand with Rodriquez. It got in your head, and that was on me. I decided to simply let them see you play, rather than meeting with you. Not until they expressed genuine interest.”

So that meant … “They’re interested?”

“Yes, they’re impressed and are coming back to see more. They want to set up meetings with you as well.”

“Who?” It shouldn't matter, but I had to know.

“Nashville, Calgary, and …” His eyes brightened. “Pittsburgh.”

“Pittsburgh?” There was no way. No. I couldn’t allow myself to believe that.

No.

My dream team. The one I didn’t let myself think about, the one I pushed down anytime someone asked me who I wanted to play for. It was stupid. Insane. No chance.

But they were interested.

They wanted to meet me.

Kennedy.

I let out a laugh.

I could end up in the same city. I could follow her this time.

“I don’t want you obsessing about the meetings or worrying at all. Hiller and I will make sure you’re ready and comfortable before anything happens. We’ll be with you along the way.”

“Thank you, Coach.”

I stood as he did, and he went to offer me a handshake, but I ignored it and pulled him in for a hug.

“Thanks for believing in me,” I said, and he patted my back.

“Right back at you.”

I stepped back and rubbed my face. “This is unbelievable.”

“I know, but remember, nothing’s a done deal. I wanted to give you some good news before you left.”