Page 37 of Cross Check

Relaxing. I’m rejuvenated and excited for this year. What about you?

@GrantEverett

Ready to grind! I’ll see you in November when y’all come to DC and then March when we make the trip out to Denver.

@AmeliaGreen

Hope you’re ready to lose, Everett.

@GrantEverett

Can’t wait to see you too, Green.

FIFTEEN

GRANT

SEPTEMBER, FIVE SEASONS AGO

“Man. Summer is over. Training camp starts tomorrow.” Ethan rests his video controller on his lap and groans. “Guess we’re back to having our asses kicked.”

“I like having my ass kicked. Offseason workouts are never tough enough.” I set my beer on a coaster and sigh. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually miss Coach making us skate a hundred laps.”

“You need to get out of the house more,” Connor says, and Hudson hums in agreement.

“Really, Grant. We’re not leaving you alone in the summer again,” Riley adds.

“What do you think Coach does in the summer?” Ethan asks.

“Probably hangs out with his daughter. She’s getting older, which makes me feel ancient,” Hudson says.

“You are ancient, Huddy. Second oldest on the team, right?” I yelp when he throws a stack of napkins at me. “You’re killing the environment! Think of the turtles!”

“How about we talk about killing the vibe.” Riley looks around the living room. “Your apartment could use some love, G. Do you want the name of an interior designer?”

I survey the space, wondering how it looks through my teammates’ eyes. My entry-level contract earnings are on the lower end compared to other guys in the league, and with only one brand deal so far, I’m not earning the massive paycheck people think I am.

High six-figures isn’t anything to complain about. I know how privileged I am to get paid to shoot a puck when other folks are struggling to afford groceries, but it’s a far cry from what the rest of the guys are pulling in.

If I play hard this year, there could be a big payday in my future. A lucrative contract, bonuses for banking a certain number of points or making an All-Star or Olympic team. The potential is there.

It’s up to me to make it happen.

From the moment I was drafted, I knew I would have to work harder than everyone else if I wanted to carve out a permanent spot for myself on a roster. I’m not elite like Maverick, Hudson, or Riley. I’m fighting for my position every time I take the ice, and tomorrow, someone better than me could come along.

It’s why I don’t buy anything too expensive. I’m afraid if I do, the universe will snatch everything away from me. I’m happy with my Ikea bookshelves that house our book club picks and the couch I found at a thrift store with Hannah.

Modest with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, my place serves its purpose well. One day I’ll decorate with a big table where all the guys can come over and hang out, but for now, it’s more than fine.

“I’m all set.” I smile and exit out of our Halo matchup. “If I want some walls painted, I’ll hire Easy E. He needs something to do to keep himself out of trouble.”

“What fun is that?” Ethan asks. “Speaking of trouble, I need to get going. I have a livestream later, and I have to look good for my fans.”

“Hang on. What’s a livestream?” Hudson asks.

“It’s this new thing I’m trying. People pay to watch me in real time.” Ethan grins. “I can do anything I want, so I talk to the camera. I make the viewers feel special. It’s intimate, you know? My followers love it.”

“No, I don’t know.” Connor finishes his beer and sets it down. “How many people usually watch?”