Page 99 of Never Bet Against A Hockey Player

Once that was taken care of, I moved on to the next item on my list. Getting Gavin back into hockey. I hated that my mother had stolen that from him.

As soon as the guys headed to the gym and Gavin climbed onto the bus for school, I drove to the arena, hoping I’d catch Coach before practice.

Maybe I’d even be able to convince him to give me my job back. Though, the guys weren’t eager for that to happen.

Since my mother never got her hands on my last two paychecks, I’d managed to save enough to at least get Gavin started again.

I’d find another job afterward if I had to. Whatever it took. My brother was going to have a future. One she would never get a chance to ruin again.

The arena was quiet when I stepped inside. It always felt strange seeing it empty instead of packed with cheering fans, shouting players, and workers rushing from one task to another. Even after working after-hours I never quite got used to it.

As I walked down the brightly-lit administration hallway, little sounds of life drifted through the offices. I passed the front offices and headed straight for Coach’s door.

It wasn’t my first time here. I’d interviewed for my job in this very office.

I knocked on the wood door and waited to face the coach. My bruises had faded to pale yellow and green, though the swelling around my eye still hadn’t completely disappeared. I knew I looked like a mess.

“Come in!” Coach stood the moment he saw me, concern filling his expression. “Dhara. I’ve been worried sick about you two.”

“I’ve been granted emergency custody of Gavin,” I said. The words still felt surreal. “I was hoping my job might still be available. And I’d like to get Gavin back on the juniors if possible.”

“Of course.” He waved the concern away immediately. “We hired someone temporarily, but didn’t fill the position until we had a chance to speak to you.”

Relief hit so hard it nearly knocked the breath out of me.

“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much that means. I would’ve understood if you had replaced me. It’s just been⁠—”

He lifted a hand with a gentle smile. “Don’t worry. Your pack gave me the basics and told me you might be back.”

“What can I do to get Gavin started again? He belongs on this team.”

Coach nodded immediately. “He absolutely does. That kid has a future. Now he actually has a chance.”

I smiled. “He won’t be pulled away again.”

“I’m glad to hear it. The other boys have been asking about him. They’ll be excited to see him tonight. We’ve got practice at six. Will you both be there?”

“We will.” I hesitated. “Is his gear still in the locker room? I didn’t see it at the house when I was packing up to leave.”

Coach frowned. “No. Your mom picked it up the week she unenrolled him.”

My stomach dropped and I had to fight tears again. Even now she was fucking-up our lives. God… I’d worked so many extra hours to afford that equipment. Most of it had been bought secondhand after weeks of searching for deals.

Now, it was gone.

I closed my eyes for a second. “Okay. I’ll replace it.”

“You don’t have to rush,” he said, catching on that I was trying not to panic. “We’ve got extra gear here. You can borrow what you need until he has more.”

“Thank you.” I smiled weakly. “Could I get a list of everything he’ll need? I don’t want to miss anything.”

Coach nodded as he turned toward his computer. A few moments later, the printer hummed to life, spitting out a stack of papers. He handed over the list and offered me a fatherly smile.

“That’s everything. And seriously, take your time.”

“Thanks, Coach,” I said as I tucked the pages into my purse.

“We’ll see you both at six.” He smiled warmly. “We’re glad you’re back.”