The Hockey Player's Heart

by Will Knauss

  Grant joined him for the third period since the three seats next to Aaron were empty, as were several others in the section. Apparently the people who could afford tickets in this section liked to watch from the lounge area, where it was warmer.

  As the clock wound down to only five minutes left, New York was up by a goal and pushing hard to secure the win. It had been a tight, back-and-forth game against Boston.

  Aaron, Grant, and the rest of the crowd suddenly stood as Dimitri took off with the puck, followed closely by Caleb, who skated hard to catch up. Aaron couldn’t believe how fast Caleb actually was. It seemed he’d never fully turned his speed on for the kids at practice, and it was impressive to Aaron every time he did it.

  As they drove down the ice, the Boston defense worked to cut them off. Dimitri and Caleb had their give-and-go down, though, and the puck passed easily between them. Caleb drove deep, leaving Dimitri, the other wing, and the two D to set up. Caleb hard stopped and spun, looking for a pass. Before he got it off his stick, he was checked into the boards and ended up grappling for the puck with a Boston defenseman.

  Caleb won the scuffle and sent the puck sailing around the boards. He’d barely gotten the black disc away before the D cross-checked him, causing Caleb to drop to the ice. The crowd erupted in boos and catcalls as the ref at the goal line whistled play to stop. Aaron had seen Caleb take hits before, but this one seemed particularly vengeful. He was thrilled that Caleb bounced right up as soon as he had space to do so. The last thing he needed was to get hurt again.

  Boston called a time-out as their player got a two-minute penalty. Aaron watched as Caleb and the rest of his line came back to the bench. He didn’t look into the stands, focusing on the coach instead. When the ref blew the whistle to line up for the face-off, Caleb, Dimitri, and their line mates took a seat as another line went out for the power play.

  “Why they’d do that? Why not let them play?” Aaron looked to Grant, who he hoped knew more about the strategies of the game than he did.

  “Most likely they want to keep the first line for the final minute in case Boston pulls the goalie. The next two minutes will be okay, but it’ll get dicey once the power play is over because Boston isn’t going to let this go easily.”

  The penalty passed with no goals, but a lot of shots on net from the Rangers. As the penalty ended, there was just over a minute left. Caleb and Dimitri headed back out, and the home crowd went wild. Aaron was on his feet, as was most of The Garden. If New York held the score they’d win. If Boston scored, it’d mean the risk of overtime, where anything could happen. The play was intense and, sure enough, as soon as the puck got into the Rangers’ zone, the Boston goalie darted to the bench so a sixth attacker could to take the ice.

  The way the players moved reminded Aaron of bees buzzing around—Boston looking for a score and New York looking to prevent it. With twenty-three seconds to go, Caleb, who was positioned in the slot, intercepted the puck, shrugged off the Boston defenseman who was near, and took off down the ice. The defensemen who’d been on Dimitri gave chase. Once Caleb was over the red line at center ice, he shot, and the puck sailed unobstructed into Boston’s net.

  The New York fans erupted into cheers as the Rangers players spilled off the bench and everyone rushed Caleb. He hadn’t won the game—technically that goal happened earlier in the period—but he had all but sealed the win. It was possible in twenty seconds to get two goals and force overtime, but it was highly unlikely Boston would get even one.

  When the final horn sounded the score was four to two. Aaron and Grant shared a high five while Caleb sent a warm smile to Aaron before he left the bench and headed for the locker room.

  “Come on,” Grant said. “I’ll take you where you can wait for him while he does press and gets cleaned up.”

  They headed back the way they’d come, through the lounge where some of the people didn’t even seem aware the game was over as they talked and ate. Aaron felt like questioning eyes were on him again as he passed through with Grant.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  THE activity around Aaron was dizzying. He’d been in a waiting area, deep inside Madison Square Garden, since Grant escorted him there after the game ended about twenty minutes ago. He’d dropped into a chair along the wall so he’d be out of the way in the packed room and hadn’t moved in almost half an hour. The walls were lined with hockey and basketball action photos. There were stylishly upholstered couches and chairs along the perimeter, as well as a table set up with food and a bar with drinks. Lots of space was left open for people to mingle.

  Even when he’d gone to Tyson’s games, where he was always just a friend, there’d never been anything like this. Anaheim Stadium had deluxe seating, but Tyson had never put him there. Plus, Aaron had never had waited for Tyson in a room like this. He usually had to meet him somewhere away from the ballfield for anything they did after a game.

  Just like during the game, Aaron was sure everyone was looking at him and wondering why he was there. Thankfully security didn’t show up again. And no one said anything, but they didn’t have to because Aaron’s mind made up plenty of stories on its own. To add to his discomfort, there were celebrities present.

  What the hell was he doing here?

  On a large TV across the room, the press conference played and Aaron’s heart soared at seeing Caleb next to the coach. He was in his black undershirt, and the suspenders that held up his pants were over his shoulders. His hair was a sweaty, rumpled mess. And he was totally adorable.

  Caleb had played great, with two goals—including the one that clinched the game—and two assists. He’d had a hand in every goal the Rangers scored. It was like he hadn’t been away for two months. Aaron had watched him have fun—there was no other description for it—for more than two hours. Even on the bench, he seemed animated and happy with his teammates.

  The sound on the TV was down, and Aaron suddenly wished he could hear because Caleb was taking questions from the press. While they were probably only about his return and the team’s chances at going all the way to the championship, he wanted to hear Caleb’s voice. The sooner he finished, the sooner they’d be on their way from here.

  Grant made his way through the crowd and squatted down next to the chair Aaron sat in. “Sorry this is taking a while. First game back and first playoff game make it a perfect storm of everyone wanting a moment with him.”

  “It’s fine. He’s got a job to do.”

  Grant smiled and nodded. “You doing okay here?”

  Aaron shrugged. “It’s kinda weird, but yeah.” He leaned in so he could whisper. “Is that Taylor Kitsch over there? It looks like him, but—”

  “Yeah. It’s not the first time I’ve seen him here. I think I saw Matthew Perry earlier too.”

  “Oh my God, that was him. I wasn’t sure. That’s crazy.”

  “You get used to it.” Grant leaned in a little bit more, so Aaron did as well. “The first game Caleb had me here with him, Justin Timberlake was in here. I’d come in to get Caleb’s guests because they had a locker room visit, and there’s Justin, looking all cool and incredibly handsome. I about died.” They chuckled as Grant stole a look at the TV. “They’re wrapping up, so I need to go to make sure he doesn’t get hijacked by overzealous reporters.”

  Aaron watched the action on the screen. “How can you tell it’s almost done?”

  “The coach is clutching his papers. That’s a sign he’s had enough and is about to call it a night.”

  “That’s kinda funny.”

  “It’s an interesting quirk for sure.” Grant stood. “I’ll get Caleb to finish up as fast as possible. And feel free to have some food or something. You don’t have to stay rooted to the chair.” Grant clapped him on the shoulder, and Aaron smiled up at him.

  Grant was stopped at the door to the waiting room by someone in a well-tailored suit. They talked briefly, and it looked like Grant had gestured in Aaron’s direction, but that had to be wrong. He didn’t kno
w anyone here except Caleb and Grant.

  To stop fixating on what was going on around him, Aaron decided to take Grant’s suggestion and get some food. He extricated himself from the chair and went to the table, where it looked like a sports bar had exploded. Wings, sliders, and lots more covered the surface. He grabbed a plate, a couple of sliders, and a Coke.

  Turning away from the bar, he almost ran right into the guy Grant had been talking to. Great, now he would be the guy who couldn’t manage to get food without making a scene.

  “Oh, excuse me.”

  “No problem. We avoided disaster. I just wanted to introduce myself. Phil Strauss.” He extended a hand, and Aaron had to get his small plate perched on top of his plastic glass so he had a hand free. “I’m Caleb’s agent. I figured I should meet the man who’s caught Caleb’s eye.”

  “Pleasure to meet you.” Aaron had a bad feeling about this, but he couldn’t put his finger on why. The guy had to be okay since Caleb seemed to surround himself with good people. Although he remembered when Caleb hung up on his agent too….

  “Walk with me for a moment?”

  “Uh. Sure.” Was this when he’d be murdered in some dark corner of The Garden? It suddenly felt very horror-film.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll have you back before Caleb’s changed.”

  Aaron sat the food down, untouched, but kept the soda because his throat had turned into a desert. He was at Phil’s side as the agent guided them from the waiting room. Phil stayed quiet for a few moments, until they turned down a hall that had no one else in it.

  “I understand that you and Caleb have known each other since high school.”

  “Longer, really.” At least Aaron’s voice worked despite the dryness. “I’ve been best friends with his sister since grade school, so he was always around.” He took a drink.

  “So you know he’s played hockey most of his life.”

  Aaron nodded, keeping his expression neutral even while his annoyance grew. “Of course. I went to lot of his games back in the day, hanging out with Pam. I was there when he made his decision, after his last game playing for Foster Grove’s youth league, that his number was forever going to be twenty-eight because of Gordie Howe.”

  “Then you know that hockey is his thing,” Phil said, crossing his arms. “He’s easily got a good five, maybe ten years left in the league if he can stop breaking bones. So, I’m curious what the plan is for you two. Are you planning to move down here and spend the off-seasons in Foster Grove? Is this going to be more of a long-distance thing? Or is it something that was just a fling that’s ending now that he’s recovered?”

  Who did this imperious jerk think he was? Aaron was furious and struggled to keep his anger in check. “We’re figuring out what’s next.”

  “Since my job is looking out for Caleb’s interests, I wanted to know what your answer was. Caleb doesn’t need any unnecessary distractions. In my view, if this is serious, the sooner you move down here, the better. Spouses and serious girlfriends or boyfriends all live around here. Or you can end it and Caleb does what he needs to, to forget about you. Whatever it is, it needs to happen soon so Caleb doesn’t want to constantly go upstate. He’s been back two days, and he’s already said he’s looking forward to a couple days off so he can go there.”

  Anger gave way to hurt. “This is really none of your business. I understand that you—”

  “Aaron, there you are,” Grant said, coming up from behind. “I was afraid Taylor Kitsch abducted you.” He chuckled at his joke. “Phil, do you mind if I take him?”

  “Not at all.” Phil’s intense glare made Aaron uncomfortable, but he met it head-on. He’d never see this man again anyway. “I think we’re good here.”

  “Great.” If Grant felt the tension between them, he didn’t let on. He sounded as upbeat as always. Aaron was surprised when he took hold of his forearm and led him away. They were silent until they rounded a corner. Grant looked back before he said a word, and even then, he spoke softly. “What did Phil say? You look like you’re about to explode. I mean, I don’t know you all that well, but—”

  “He was… making his concerns known.”

  Grant sighed. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have left you two alone. I should’ve just introduced you and made sure he left with me. Sometimes he can be a little gruff.”

  “That’s one way to put it.”

  They passed the waiting room Aaron had been in. Where were they going?

  “Caleb will be ready to go in just a few minutes—and believe me, he’s ready to get out of here.” Grant opened a door and gestured for Aaron to enter. “You’ll be out of the crowd here, and Phil shouldn’t look for you here either. If anyone asks, just tell them I put you here.”

  This room was nicer than the room he’d been waiting in. It didn’t have the catering, but there were more places to sit. One wall was taken up with a long mirror and a counter with chairs in front. Aaron assumed it must be a dressing room used when concerts played here.

  “I don’t want to get you in trouble.” Aaron looked to Grant. “I can deal with Phil.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Grant smiled, and Aaron tried to relax. “I know I shouldn’t—” He stopped short, looking conflicted. “Let me just get Caleb so you guys can be on your way.”

  Grant turned to go, but Aaron caught him by the arm. “What? Tell me.”

  “I shouldn’t have opened my mouth, but… here it is—I think he really wants to make it work with you. He hasn’t said anything directly about it, but I’ve never seen him as happy as when he talks about you. He was practically jumping up and down when you agreed to come for the weekend. I heard some of what Phil said. Don’t let him sway your decisions.”

  Aaron gave a weak smile. “Thanks.”

  Except Phil was right. He was a distraction to Caleb and that was the last thing he wanted to be. He’d seen how happy Caleb was tonight—on the ice, with his teammates. He couldn’t stand in the way of that.

  Grant’s phone chirped, and he smiled as he checked the screen and typed a quick message. “Caleb’s on his way. I hope you guys have a good day tomorrow. I promise I’ll have him back from the radio gig by ten. Unless you want to come hang out?”

  Aaron quickly shook his head. “No, thanks. If I’m there, it may lead to more questions about us.”

  “Fair enough.”

  Before Grant could say more, Caleb entered, and Aaron was momentarily breathless at how handsome he looked in his game-day attire. The dark blue suit had been expertly tailored to accentuate his muscular frame. The sky-blue dress shirt set off his blue eyes perfectly. The red tie was the perfect accent, given New York’s colors. Since Aaron had arrived after Caleb was already in the locker room, it was his first time to see this dressed-up side of Caleb in person.

  “It’s so good to see you.” Caleb went right up to Aaron, wrapped him in a light embrace, and kissed him. It was brief, and the step back made Aaron’s body ache for more. It had only been a few days, but he hadn’t realized how much he missed him.

  “Great game. You were incredible out there.” Aaron stuck to the game since he wasn’t sure what else to say.

  “Thanks. I loved seeing you behind the bench. I’d love to have you there all the time.”

  Aaron struggled with what to say next because so many thoughts vied to get out. He shouldn’t be nervous around Caleb, but this getting was insane.

  A knock at the ajar door made it so he didn’t have to speak.

  “There you are! Get in here.” Grant stepped to the side as Caleb pulled in one of his fellow players. The handsome man’s dark hair was slicked back, and he wore a well-tailored suit similar to Caleb’s. “Aaron, this is my best friend, Dimitri.”

  Dimitri smiled rakishly and extended a hand. Aaron hesitated for only a moment before his manners kicked in. He hadn’t expected to meet any of Caleb’s teammates, at least not yet. “Good to finally meet you,” Dimitri said. “I thought we could go grab a late dinner and hang out for a whil
e.”

  “I’m up for that if Aaron is.” Caleb raised his eyebrows and looked expectantly at Aaron.

  “Sure.” Aaron couldn’t say no to Caleb’s silent request. The weekend was supposed to show Aaron all about New York life, and time with one of Caleb’s closest friends should be part of it.

  “I’ll bring the car to the loading dock so you can get out without too much fuss.” Grant was almost out the door before he stopped and turned back to them. “Do you need reservations anywhere?”

  “I got this.” Dimitri looked proud of himself. “I’d hoped Aaron would say yes, so I rang up one of my favorite places on the Lower East Side, where we should be out of the postgame fray.” Dimitri clapped Caleb on the back before saying his goodbyes. “I’ll meet you guys there.”

  “Give me five minutes, and I should have the car in place. I’ll text you when I’m there.” Grant headed out too.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” Caleb said, wrapping Aaron in a tight embrace. “Are you having a good time so far?”

  “I guess.” Aaron’s entire body seemed to shrug. “The game was amazing. Watching you in person is so much better than on TV. All of this back here”—Aaron gestured around—“it’s a little much. I wish I’d gone back to your place to wait.”

  Caleb deflated a little, and Aaron wished he’d kept his mouth shut. “I hadn’t considered what all this would be like with no one to hang out with.”

  “It’s okay. You had a job to do.”

  “Let’s relax and get some dinner,” Caleb took his hand. “That should let us ease into a day that will be mostly all about us.”

  “Let’s do it.” Aaron said, managing to sound upbeat.

  “Let’s go to where Grant’s bringing the car so we’ll be ready as soon as it’s there.” Caleb led them to the loading dock so they’d be ready to go.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  AARON gazed out of the wall of windows of Caleb’s sixth-floor loft. The view of the Hudson River was gorgeous on the clear spring night. He’d gravitated to the windows when they’d come in from dinner with Dimitri a few minutes ago. Aaron had had a good time hearing all the stories Dimitri had shared. Dimitri knew Caleb at this point in his life far better than Aaron did.