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Luca is the first to wake up and immediately starts helping by making toast.
The rest of the guys trickle in and set the table.
There’s at least ten of us waking up for class or training this morning.
I get a couple of pats on the back and a few “thanks mom.”
I let those comments slide.
It’s a quick eat and run, and I’ll have to address them before the game tonight. Breakfast won’t fix everything, but it’s a start.
I shoot a text to Lenny before class making sure she got to the airport ok. I don’t even know what time the flight is.
Lenny:I’m in the car, almost there. Thanks for taking my mind off things last night. I figured out that was your plan. I needed it. Thank you.
I smile. She’s smart. I could tell she was freaking out just through her texts.
Me:Anytime. I’ll see you at the game later.
Lenny:I’m sure you’ll be too busy to notice us, but we’ll be cheering you on.
I’m grinning like an asshole while jogging to class. Little does she know, I got perfect seats for them. They’ll be close to the bench, but closer to my side where I’ll be during the first and third periods. I’ll have a perfect view of her.
The calm before the storm.
That’s what the locker room is like before a game.
We had a quick practice this afternoon followed by dinner and now we all get ready for the game.
Boston wasn’t too hard to beat last year, but they’ve gotten better under their new coaching team.
Expect a hard team to beat every game.It’s what my granddad used to say and it’s how I think every time.
Right now, is the perfect time to address the team while our coaches are in their office doing their own game prep.
I step to the middle of the floor and clear my throat while raising my arm to get everyone’s attention.
It’s hard with all the side conversations, and some still have earbuds in for their own mental prep.
Luca places a crate by me and stands on it.
“Heyo! Listen up dipshits!” He claps loud to get everyone’s attention. “Our captain is demanding your attention.”
Where did this kid come from?
Knocking him back, he steps off pretending I got him good.
I clear my throat to address everyone.
“I just wanted to apologize for not being such a great captain this year,” I admit, solemnly. “You all deserve better. I’ve been more focused on my own game, after what happened last year.”
“And Cora,” someone mutters, but I can’t tell who.
“Hey we don’t say that name in this room!” Greg shouts, pointing in the direction it came from.
“Yeah, Cora was a mistake and has become a distraction.” I motion to Greg to stand down. “I’m sorry, but this whole thing with her has opened my eyes that this team is my family. We won’t let her come between us. That’s all she wants. Is to get in our heads. She wants to hurt us and our game. Messing with me is fine, but no one messes with my team. A girl with claws and a short temper is not going to come between us, and it sure as hell isn’t going to mess with our game.”
Some of the guys are cheering, except the ones I’m not as close with. I haven’t addressed them yet.
