Page 161 of Cross Check

“It’s better now.”

“Glad to hear it.” I yawn. “I should try to get some sleep. We have an early flight in the morning, and I don’t need Coach on my ass about being late.”

“Brody Saunders is terrifying.” She smiles again, and I’m pretty sure I could stare at her forever. “Night, Grant. I’ll see you soon.”

“I’m counting down the minutes like always, Lia.”

We hang up, and I plug my phone in the charger. My head hits the pillows, and I fall asleep dreaming about Amelia making it to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

FIFTY

AMELIA

JANUARY, TWO SEASONS AGO

I stare at the email in my inbox and stifle a scream.

I read it a second time, and when I convince myself that the words are really real, I jump to my feet. I dash out of my office and bang on Jude’s door.

“Come in,” he calls out.

“Hi.” I push the door open and ignore the way my hand shakes on the brass knob. “Do you have a minute?”

“Of course. What’s up?”

“The Baltimore Sea Crabs fired their head coach back in November, and they haven’t found anyone to fill the open position.” I sit in the chair across form him. Taking a deep breath is nearly impossible. “The Sea Crabs sent my agent an email asking if I’d be interested in flying out to meet with them next week, and I need to know if I’m totally unqualified for the job.”

“It’s about damn time someone reached out to you.” Jude’s beam is brighter than the winter sun outside his windows. “You’re ready, Amelia. I’m grateful for your loyalty, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together, but you deserve this opportunity. You have natural talent that can’t be taught. You anticipate, you strategize faster than the puck moves. You’re passionate and by far the smartest coach I’ve ever worked with, from your hockey IQ to your ability to read the ice. The Sea Crabs would be lucky to have you as the leader of their team.”

His praise hits me with full force. I process each word, cataloguing them and holding them tight. I want to be able to replay the encouragement when I’m struggling to believe in myself or when the noise gets too loud and I forget who I am.

I’m Amelia Green, and I can do hard things.

“Thank you.” My bottom lip quivers, but I swallow down the emotion and regain control. “I’ve learned so much from you, and I’m so glad for the trust you put in me.”

“What was the first thing that went through your mind when you read the email?” Jude asks.

“Fear, but also excitement,” I admit. “I’m afraid I might not be good enough, but I’d rather try and fail than spend the rest of my career wondering what-if.”

“The cold water doesn’t get warmer the longer you wait, Amelia. Fear—of failure, of being fired, of someone out coaching you—never goes away with this job, but that’s what makes it so worthwhile. How boring would life be if we never stepped outside our comfort zone?” His gaze locks on mine. “I could sit here and give you every compliment in the world, but at the end of the day, you’re your toughest critic. You know if you’re ready or not.”

I can feel it, from the heartbeat in my fingertips to the dry scratch of my throat.

I am ready.

I want this.

“I’m so appreciative of your support and the guidance you’ve given me.” An exhale works its way free from the tangle in my lungs. My pulse quickens, the low hum of excitement brushing against the base of my spine. “I’m going to ask my agent to set up a meeting.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Jude pauses. His voice shakes when he speaks again. “I’m so proud of you, Amelia. Working alongside you has been the biggest honor of my career.”

“You’re making it very difficult not to cry.” I wipe under my eye and smile when a teardrop clings to my thumb. “Can we settle on a handshake and call it a day?”

“Professional as always, Green.” He reaches across his desk, palm outstretched. I take his hand in my hold, a watery laugh leaving me when he squeezes tight. “For the record, I’m going to be very disappointed if I don’t have a front row ticket to your Hockey Hall of Fame induction.”

“You and your jinxes. I hope you didn’t just curse me.” I drop his hand and stand. “Thank you, Jude. For everything.”

“Go make me proud, Green.”