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I laugh but then get suddenly nervous. “I hope you don’t think… I didn’t mean to say that’s who I think you are.”
“No, not at all,” he says. “You were right. I should have thought through some of those drills a little more. I’m glad you came by.”
I look at him then turn back to the kids whirling all over the ice. Is he just saying that? “You know what? I’m glad I stopped by, too.”
I stick around for the rest of the practice. Jaromir checks with me on one or two of the other drills he wants to do, and I’m relieved when none of them are as bad as what I had walked in on. By the end, I feel confident I can trust him to make at leastsomegood decisions about the kids.
“So what did you think? Did I do a good job out there?”Ryan asks as soon as he’s off the rink.
“You looked like you were having a great time,” I tell him. “I’m glad I came out to watch.”
“Did you see that one shot I did? Right into the corner, exactly where I wanted it to go!”
“It was a very good shot.”
He takes off his gear, and we’re turning to leave when Jaromir walks over towards us.
“Melody, I just wanted to say something before you leave.” He gives a friendly nod to Ryan, then turns back to me. “I enjoyed your company at today’s practice, and if you ever want to come by again, you’re very welcome to.”
I’m a little surprised by the invitation, especially when I don’t need permission. “That’s nice to hear. I’d hate to show up and get the cold shoulder.
“You should!” Ryan adds. “You’ll get to see me do more cool shots. I’ve decided I’m gonna be one of the offensive players. Right, Coach Jar?”
I smile at the new name. Cute. Jaromir does too. Also cute.
“We’ll see where you end up,” Jaromir says. “I could definitely see you being a good left or right wing.”
“See?” Ryan practically shakes with excitement. “Coach says I’d be good at it!”
“Isn’t he cool?” Ryan asks later as we’re driving home. “It pays to be trained by a real hockey player. Like, a professional!”
“He does seem nice,” I tell him, reserving the rest of my opinion for myself.
Walking in on the whole team charging into each other wasn’t exactly a great introduction. Then again, he listened to me when I complained about it and the kids really did seem to be enjoying working with him.
Yes, overall, I think he is a good hockey coach. What surprises me is I find myself wanting to get to know him better, just as a guy. Maybe it’s just that he looks pretty great out there on the ice, showing off how quick and powerful he can be. Even in a sling. But I think there’s something else there, something I can’t identify quite yet.
We pick up Tina, and Ryan immediately delves into everything that happened at practice. She seems every bit as fascinated with him as Ryan is.
“He said he wants Aunt Melody to come to practice more!” Tina exclaims.
Ryan nods. “Yeah, and she played it off cool like she’s thinking about it, but I think she’s gonna do it. She was definitely enjoying it by the end.”
“I’m right here, guys,” I say as we pull up to the house.
“Notice how she’s not denying my version,” Ryan whispers. ”Let’s just let this sink in.”
“Homework,” I say as soon as we walk through the door.
They run upstairs to start on homework as I realize I forgot to check the mail before coming in. I find a small box made out to me with no return address.Another one, I think, used to the sinking feeling in my stomach at this point. When am I going to admit that ignoring the situation isn’t working?
I open it and find a necklace with a single pearl hanging from it. There’s a note, but all it says is one word.Enjoy.
9
JAROMIR
“Did you see the way she looked at me when I said, ‘sure thing’?” I finish my question with a wink.
