Page 269 of Cross Check

Of course! I’m on my way to the arena now. Be up soon.

The coaching staff for the Olympic team is picked before the players are announced. I haven’t heard from anyone this morning, and my heart knows that means I won’t be making the trip to Italy.

Am I disappointed?

Sure.

There’s never been a woman on the sidelines for a men’s Olympic team, and I selfishly wanted to be the first.

My suspicions are confirmed when a text from Brody lands in my inbox as I head upstairs to meet Darcy. He was named the head coach for the team a few weeks ago, and I know what he’s going to say before I even open the message.

Brody Saunders

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Wanted to share the coaching staff with you first before it’s posted publicly.

I also wanted to let you know I fought for you. You deserve a seat at the table, and I’m sorry I couldn’t give you one.

I chew on my bottom lip. A weird mix of feelings settle in my chest. I’m grateful he’s letting me know ahead of time, and I’m even more grateful he went to bat for me. But it still hits like a punch to the gut when I read the other names who will be representing our country overseas.

Me

No worries! There’s a lot of talent out there. I knew it would be a tough to snag a spot.

I have another shot four years from now.

I tuck my phone away and ride the elevator to the administrative offices. I say hello to the receptionist and wave to Simone, my personal assistant, and make a left down the hall in search of Darcy.

I find her in the first conference room with a group of people I’m not familiar with. They’re all in business casual, wearing blazers and heels and button-ups while I’m in a pair of joggers and sneakers. I brush my hand over my shirt in an attempt to wipe the crumbs from the bagel I ate in my car off my jacket, but I’m not sure it helps.

“Amelia.” Darcy greets me with a warm smile and gestures me inside. “Come on in and take a seat.”

I return her smile and glance around the room. The faces staring back at me are mildly familiar, and when my gaze slides to the brunette at the head of the table, I recognize that it’s Brenda Lovesmith, the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for the PWHL.

We must be doing a partnership with the Crush, the new women’s expansion team in town, and I take a seat in the chair to Darcy’s right.

“Morning, everyone,” I say, and they all murmur back a greeting.

“Thanks for taking the time to meet with us. Today is a big day for Olympic announcements, and it’ll be shared soon that Thorne is representing the United States over in Italy,” Darcy says, and I beam.

“Amazing news, and I’m not surprised. His experience will lend itself to being comfortable on such a large stage.” I rest my elbow on the table, glad for the segue to be curious about other roster announcements. “Anyone else from Baltimore?”

“No, but DC landed a few players, of course. Hudson Hayes and Grant Everett are representing the U.S., while Ethan Richardson is taking a spot for Canada.” She taps her phone and reads from a list. “LA also has two guys on the roster.”

My heart swells in my chest.

Grant made the team.

He’s gone from a rookie on the fourth line who wasn’t sure about his future in the league to an Olympic athlete in only a few years. I’ve seen how hard he works to perfect his craft. I know how much he wanted this, and I’m so happy for him, I could burst.

I can’t wait to get home and tell him how proud I am.

“I was holding out hope Emmy might make the roster,” I say, and Darcy hums in agreement.

“So was I, but hope is not lost.” She gestures to the people around us. “These are the folks in charge of putting the women’s team together, and they’re designating Emmy as their captain.”

“Oh my god.” I cover my mouth with both hands. “That’s incredible. She’s going to be ecstatic.”