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"Go for it," I replied.
"Taking a special interest in Eddie, are we?" Pete's voice carried a note of skepticism.
"He's got potential. Just needs a bit of guidance, that's all."
Pete raised an eyebrow. “Do me a favor, and don't turn him into an egomaniac."
I glanced at him, and the look said it all—unsaid words, unresolved feelings, and the collision of personal and professional lives.
"We clear?" I asked, taking the plunge.
"Yeah, we're clear," Pete responded, but his eyes told a different story.
With that, he skated off, and I was left staring at his retreating form, my thoughts a scrambled mess. What was going on between us? And why couldn't I shake off this...whatever it was?
Snap out of it, Hoss. I redirected my focus back to a team scrimmage. The clock was ticking down, and the score was tied. The tension ratcheted up another notch. Eddie took possession of the puck and wove through the defense like they were standing still. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the puck sailing into the top corner of the net.
"Whoo!" Eddie screamed as his teammates mobbed him.
"That's how it's done, men.” I couldn't contain my excitement. "Nice work, Eddie.”
He skated over to me, cheeks flushed with victory. "Couldn't have done it without you, Coach."
As the team started filtering out of the rink, I watched a few of them give Eddie nods of approval. The kid had earned his stripes, but when I looked over at Pete, he was expressionless, as if still weighing his judgment.
The last players left the ice, and I found myself alone with my thoughts, save for one other presence.
As we were picking up sticks and pucks, Pete aimed a puck toward the storage bin and missed.
"Nice shot," I said sarcastically.
"Hey, I've got to miss sometimes to make you feel better about yourself," he shot back.
"Ah, so you're a philanthropist now?"
"Exactly, it's all for the greater good," he said, finally landing a puck in the bin.
And then he was gone, leaving me to ponder what the hell was happening, not just on the team but between us.
I finished picking up my gear and headed toward the locker room when my phone buzzed. The screen displayed a message from Pete.
"Got a sec? Meet me in my office?"
Uh oh, it’s time to go to the principal’s office. This should be good.
"Sure, be there in 5.”
I dropped my gear on a bench in the locker room and headed for Pete’s office. I hesitated momentarily, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.
"Come on in," Pete said, looking up from his laptop. "Close the door."
I did as he asked, taking a seat across from him.
"You wanted to talk?" I broke the silence, uneasy but curious.
"Yeah," he leaned back, locking his eyes with mine. "First off, good job with Eddie. He's coming along."
"Thanks," I said, surprised. "But something tells me that’s not all you wanted to discuss."
