15
Derrek
She wasn’t here. I scanned the Pride’s section over and over, but I wasn’t missing her. She wasn’t here tonight. I ached for my phone. Was she okay? Had something happened?
She hadn’t missed a game yet, so where was she?
I wanted to ask the guys if they heard anything, but I doubted Coach would appreciate me distracting them with a personal question. I’d have to wait for the period to end.
Malkin’s line came toward the bench, and I reached forward, opening the door for them. I got a few smiles and nodded back. Things today were night and day from the past year. The guys joked with me, rather than making me the butt of it all. No one took a cheap shot at me or threw insults as they passed. It was what being on a team was supposed to feel like. I never would have dreamed this was what would happen when I extended the olive branch.
It was a risk inviting them over last night, but after pizza and some video games, things got easy. It was like all the guys had been waiting for me to make a move. Once they saw that I wasn’t trying to be an arrogant jerk, everyone relaxed. By the end of the night we were laughing and roasting each other while racing cartoon go-karts.
It wasn’t just me inviting them over. I changed recently. Between talking to Coach Abrams and Amelia, I realized I had to stop playing the victim and prove to the guys I wanted to be there. I had growing up I needed to do, and even though it was humbling, the results were worth it. I couldn’t wait to tell Amelia about it. Another reason why I was itching to figure out where she was.
The Tigers took possession of the puck and changed direction, breaking away and charging toward Olli. I groaned as our guys took way too long to catch up. The Tiger’s center got the puck, but his attention was focused on his teammate in the corner. He turned to the side a moment too late, barreling into Olli. They both went down in a heap as the goal post shot backward into the glass. They were a tangled mess and Erik was there in a second, trying to pull Olli up.
Time froze as I watched him struggle. Olli was shaking his head. Hartman appeared next to them, and it took both guys to get Olli back to his feet. I could tell they were carrying his weight over to us. This wasn’t good.
I opened the door and hurried out of the way so the three of them could pass and move down the tunnel. Coach Abrams followed and Romney met my gaze. He gave a single nod and I pulled my helmet on without waiting for confirmation. Olli wasn’t coming back. I was in.
The moment my skate hit the ice, my stomach sank. This wasn’t what I wanted. All the grumbling I did about sitting on the bench was for more game time, but I wanted to play because Coach believed in me and wanted me in. I didn't want the goal because Olli couldn’t. That hadn’t worked well for me last season and the last thing I wanted was to go back to how bad things had been. There wasn’t time to worry about that. As soon as I was in position, the guys faced off at the other end of the ice, and it was time to go.
We scored once during the first period and I blocked nine shots. It was a mad rush to get to the locker room the second the whistle blew. Everyone wanted to know what was going on. Was he seriously injured? Was he taken to the hospital? How long would be he out?
I sat in front of my locker and waited for Romney to make his way to the center of the room. He ignored all of us, going into his normal rant of what we needed to work on and how we couldn’t get comfortable with a one point lead.
Not a single one of us was listening. We were looking around, waiting for the trainer or Abrams to show up.
Finally, Romney fell silent as Abrams walked in. He scanned the room before his eyes fell on me. His jaw clenched once before he spoke. “Letang will be out the rest of the game. The trainer thinks it’s a dislocated shoulder.”
I cringed. That was a long recovery. I hoped that wasn’t the case. Sometimes it was hard to know what the injury was until you could get an x-ray or scan.
“We’re waiting on some results, but as of right now, Aston’s in for the rest of the night.”
The guys nodded and a few gave me some encouraging looks. I nearly froze. Last time I went in for Olli when he was injured, I thought there was going to be a riot. Now, they just seemed grateful I was there.
I’d take the change.
Romney cleared his throat. “We’re counting on Aston to step up, but that means the rest of you need to as well. Defense, you need to tighten up. I don’t want any action in our zone.”
He continued with the game plan for the next period before heading out. I turned to pick up my bag so I could get my phone, but a hand fell on my shoulder.
I lifted my head to see Hartman standing in front of me. “You got this.”
Those three words were enough to light a fire in me. I stood and nodded once before following him out to the ice.
The guys played the rest of the game like it was the finals of the playoffs. They were out for blood, and made sure to pay special attention to the guy that took out Olli. We spent extra time in power plays, but it was worth it. We won the game four to one.
Each guy patted my back after the game, and Romney nearly smiled when we got back in the locker room. “Good game, Fury. I’ll update everyone once we know what’s going on with Olli. Relax tomorrow.”
With that, he walked out and we rushed through the motions of stretching and showering. I took my phone out and smiled when I saw a text from Amelia. She saw I was playing and wished me luck.
I replied, asking her where she was, before heading to the showers. When I got back and checked, I had a missed call from her, so I grabbed my bag and waved over my shoulder to the remaining guys on my way out.
“Hey!”
I smiled at her excitement. “Hi, where were you tonight?”
I tried to keep the disappointment out of my voice, but I knew she could hear it when she replied.
“I’m sorry. I was asked to work the basketball game. I can’t believe the first game I miss is the one you play.”
“Wait.” I got into my car and transferred the call to my stereo system. “Why were you at the basketball game?”
More than a little jealousy flared in me at the thought of her around those guys.
“Their assistant trainer left, so they called and asked Madi if I could work the home games until they find someone permanent.”
“That’s...exciting.” I was having a hard time being supportive which I was aware made me a complete jerk.
“It’s good experience and if I can get a referral from Darrin, their trainer, it could really help my career.”
“You’re right. This is awesome news.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I was watching on my phone though.”
I smiled at the thought of her ignoring those players to watch us. “I wish it was under different circumstances, but I’m glad for the chance to play.”
“How’s Olli?” She sounded worried.
“We’re not sure yet. They think it’s a dislocated shoulder, but we’ll have to wait to hear.”
She groaned. “That’s a long recovery. Three to four weeks at the bare minimum.”
“Yeah, we’re hoping it’s not that serious.”
“How were the guys?”
I should have been surprised by her question, but it reminded me of how well she knew me. “They were really supportive. I was shocked.”
She laughed. “I’m glad. They know they can trust you to do your job.”
It was more than that now. They respected me for the first time, too.
“Are you busy for the rest of the night?”
I knew some of the guys would probably get together for dinner, but even with as well as tonight went, I didn’t want to see them. I wanted to spend time with Amelia.
“No, I was just going to head home.”
“Do you want to come over?” I realized how salacious that sounded and quickly followed up. “I wanted to tell you about last night. I can grab some food on the way.”
“Sounds good. I’m starving.�
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I relaxed, grateful she didn’t seem put off by my stumble. “See you soon.”
I ended the call and changed direction to head to Los Gatos. I called in our order on the way so I could still beat her to my apartment.
She was waiting in front of my door when I walked up with bags in both hands.
“Hey there.” She reached out and freed one of my hands so I could unlock the door.
“Hope you’re hungry. I got you the tostada you ordered last time plus a few other options in case you were craving something else.”
I was rewarded with a smile as she set the bag in her hand on the counter. “Thanks. I’m surprised you remembered.”
I shrugged. I couldn’t tell her I remembered everything we’d said and done together. That would make me seem like a psycho.
We each made a plate and moved to my couch to eat. “I might need to get a dining table soon.”
She smirked. “That would ruin the bachelor pad vibe.”
“Well, I wasn’t expecting to have anyone over that I’d want to impress.”
“You want to impress me?” She asked with a teasing smile.
“I don’t know. I kind of like this set up too.” I gestured between us. My knee was an inch from her leg.
She let out a single chuckle. “So, tell me about the game. How was playing?”
“It was crazy. I wasn’t expecting it at all obviously. The hit Olli took was bad. I really hope it looked worse than it really is, though. The guys were out for blood after that. I swear they didn’t let the puck into our zone, except once.”
“And the guys? How did they react to you being in there?” She set her now empty plate on the coffee table and leaned back into the couch.
“Everyone was really supportive. It was completely different than the last time he was injured.”
She smiled. “Do you think that has anything to do with you inviting them over last night?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I think so. It’s like they’ve just been waiting for me to make the first move. We had a lot of fun, and I could feel the change all day today.”
“Good. I’m glad they’re finally seeing how great you are.”
I watched her. “I can’t thank you enough for listening to me. You’re the first person to do that. You didn’t let what everyone else said change your opinion of me. I really appreciate you giving me a chance.”
“I know how it feels to have a reputation that precedes you. I had to move three states away for a fresh slate. I’m glad you didn’t.”
I smiled, holding her gaze. “Me too.”
There was something in the air. I felt a sudden rush of anticipation. I wanted to lean forward and capture her lips with mine. I wanted her to know what she meant to me. That she was the first person I thought of telling when I got called in.
She sighed, a happy sound, and stood to collect our plates, taking the moment with her.
16
Amelia
“So, nothing happened?” Madi asked for the third time.
I knew it wasn’t the most professional conversation, but she was first and foremost my friend and since we weren’t at the clinic, I felt like I could tell her.
“No. I swear there was a moment when I thought he was going to kiss me but he just sat there. If he even leaned forward an inch, I would have jumped across the couch to close the distance, but nothing.”
I huffed and leaned against the car door. We were heading to the Fury arena to work with Olli, so I had a few minutes to vent to her before we had to get back to work.
“You guys have spent a lot of time together alone. You’ve stood up for him in front of the team. You’ve made it pretty clear that you have his back.” She paused and I caught her glance at me out of the corner of her eye.
“What?”
Her shoulders sagged. “I’m just wondering if maybe he just thinks of you as a friend.”
The same thought had crossed my mind since I left his apartment last night. I’d been waiting and waiting for him to give me a sign he was interested in me. He called me when he needed help. He opened up to me about things he said he hadn’t talked about with anyone else. We had a lot of fun together.
Crap. All signs pointed to that.
“I swear there’s a spark there. I can’t be completely crazy.” My heart dropped. Maybe it was one sided.
“He’d be crazy not to be interested in you, but it seems like he’s had every chance to take the next step but he hasn’t.”
I groaned. “I’m such an idiot. I developed a crush on the first guy I met here. I should know better.”
She pulled into the parking garage for the arena and parked before turning to me. “Maybe he just moves really slow. He’s never dated anyone that I know of, so I don’t know what’s normal for him. I can tell he likes you, but maybe what both of you need right now is a friend.”
I nodded and pushed the door open.
“Who knows what will happen in the future. Some of the best couples started out as friends.”
I cringed at the stupid ”f” word and followed her into the elevator.
“Okay topic closed.” I had all weekend to think about it, and as much as I wanted to talk to someone else about it, I regretted it now. Madi just confirmed my worst fear. It was time to get back to work, and I had to prepare myself in case we ran into Derrek while we were here.
She led me to the team training room, and I smiled when I saw Olli waiting for us.
“Good morning,” she greeted while Olli stared glumly at the mirror in front of him.
“Is it?” He grimaced as he twisted on the bench to face us. His left arm was in a sling, and I tried to keep my face expressionless. I hated seeing one of my friends like this, especially when I knew the cost.
She narrowed her eyes. “Yes, Olli. It is. You’re alive and the damage wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been.”
I bit my lip to keep from smiling. Madi was great at dealing with grumpy men. The clients that came in weren’t always in the best mood. I couldn’t blame them. We worked mostly with professional athletes, and if they were in the clinic it meant they were injured and not playing. Madi had a way of breaking through the tension and putting them in a better mood.
“You’re right,” he grumbled. “They said it would be three weeks.”
She nodded and took a binder out of her bag, flipping it open before sitting on the bench next to him. “If you do as we say and rest when you’re supposed to, we should get you back out there in three weeks.”
Olli glanced up at me. “You’re here to make sure she doesn’t kill me, right?”
I laughed and shook my head. “Nope. I’m here to make sure you listen to her.”
Madi offered to let me come to these sessions for more practice. She thought the Cougars might ask for more hours from me if I had experience working through a recovery plan with an athlete.
It was a chance I jumped on. Plus, more time spent at the arena meant more chances for me to be seen by the team trainer...and maybe Derrek, too.
“So, what’s the plan, Doc?” He asked Madi while nodding toward his left shoulder.
“We’ll be doing a lot of icing, so get the complaining out of your system now.”
He narrowed his eyes but didn’t say anything.
“Amelia, why don’t you go get a pack and we’ll start with that while I explain the rest of the plan.”
I nodded and went to the attached room where the ice tubs and freezers were. I grabbed one of the packs and spun around, coming face to face with one of the Fury’s trainers. His black polo gave away his title like the one I wore for the Cougars.
He shot me a kind smile. “Hey, finding everything you need?”
“Yeah, sorry for letting myself in. I probably should have asked.”
He waved off my concern. “Don’t worry about it. Madi knows to make herself at home. That means you too.”
I was a bit surprised he know who I was, or at least who I was with. “I’m
Amelia, by the way.”
He took my offered hand and shook it. “I’m Taylor. Feel free to use anything you need. I’ll make sure to check in with you guys before you leave so I know Olli’s plan.”
“Sounds good.” I awkwardly tossed the ice pack between my hands before stepping around him and back to the training room. I mentally shook myself. I should’ve been trying to make a good impression with the Fury’s training team. It was my dream job, working with the guys I knew and loved already, but here I was letting my awkwardness ruin it.
“Here you go,” I offered Madi. She stood and pressed the pack to the top of Olli’s shoulder.
She continued discussing the exercise plan we spent the morning creating before we came over. It was simple and I had a feeling Olli would be bored out of his mind after one day, but it was necessary. We had to get him moving and restoring his range of motion as soon as possible so there was no lasting harm.
Once she was done, and he agreed to play nice, we moved to the mats in the center of the room.
“Go ahead and lay on your back, knees bent.”
Olli followed Madi’s instructions. I handed him a four foot long pole. “Start with this, resting on your back, arms extended.”
We walked him through raising the pole over his head, keeping his arms locked and back to the starting position. I watched while making notes about the number of reps he completed while Madi explained that we would work up to him lying on the bench so he could extend his reach backward in a few days.
“What’s next?” He asked as he used his right arm to get himself off the floor. I fought the urge to reach out and help him. I knew that wouldn’t be appreciated by the massive man.
Pride was the most common injury with athletes. They could work through the pain and get themselves fit enough to play again, but it was their egos that took the longest to recover.
Scoring Chance (Utah Fury Hockey Book 9) Page 11