Page 147 of Edging Coach
“I’d like to think there’s a reason they made me captain.”
I sniffed as I nodded. “Yeah. That.”
We headed into the locker room where several guys gave me enthusiastic waves. We’d practiced this morning—and a couple of them had given me high fives—but this felt more real. We were heading out to a game. Nothing was more important than a game.
Well, except Jack.
Two guys wouldn’t look me in the eye. That stung, but truthfully, if only two were going to be this way, I could deal.
I’d deal.
As we warmed up, a few fans who were already in the stands waved.
When we took to the ice though, and my name was announced, I could’ve sworn the crowd was just a little bit louder.
Or maybe that was my imagination.
But as the national anthem played, and I was able to look out over the crowd, I saw a bunch of the team’s special-edition pride jerseys. And a few fans waving rainbow flags.
I struggled not to tear up. Vancouver was a more accepting town than many others. That said, we still had homophobes, and some of those bigots were also hockey fans. Those things intersected. As did most things in life. And racists. Lous faced some of that—overt and underhanded. Most fans knew they’d be in trouble if they used slurs, but there was always talk of how good he was—especially because he was one ofthem. Like somehow Black kids shouldn’t be capable hockey players.
The anthem ended, and I pointedly didn’t look out over where Jack was in the stands.
He’d wanted to stay away—for fear of drawing attention to himself.
I told him I needed him.
He bought a seat in the nosebleed section and wore an IceHawks hat. He also had the second keycard to my hotel room and promised he’d be waiting there.
I’d wanted him to stay and greet me, but he insisted now wasn’t the time—too much attention. He was right, of course. Hockey first. Especially since he’d given up everything for me.
In the end, I managed two assists, which was way beyond what was expected of me. I had real chemistry with Ricky and Tays. The third line center and left winger had amazing timing, and I hoped we’d get more ice time together.
Vancouver won. By three points.
Two Nashville players made a point of giving me nods. Of approval, I chose to believe.
“You want to go out?” Wheels held my gaze.
“Uh…no. I’m going to take a pass.”
“You just look like you need a drink. Or at least an ear and—” He rolled his eyes. “He’s waiting for you at the hotel. Or are you driving to Abbotsford?”
Heat raced to my cheeks.
“All good. Have fun.” With that, he disappeared.
Several members of the media were waiting for me.
So was a member of Vancouver’s public-relations team. Clearly she’d step in if needed. Leila might be petite, but she knew her stuff and—most importantly—didn’t take any shit.
From anyone.
A reporter I recognized from the National News stepped forward with a microphone. She offered what I hoped was a genuine smile. “Two assists? That wasgreat.”
“Uh, thank you.”
“You seemed to have supporters in the stands. Did that surprise you?”
