Page 76 of The Tryout

I’m a little surprised at his ability to quote my stats, although Avery is giving him a fist bump across the table.

“What? I’m a hockey dad first and foremost.”

Huh. Is this what that feels like? For years, I’ve played with guys who complain about their moms and dads being too invested in their performance. But I’ve never had that – never had someone who was watching my stats or celebrating my wins. I feel a warmth spread in my chest and a smile bloom on my face. I can’t help but enjoy Daniel’s interest, even if it’s mostly just an overflow of his interest in his own son.

“You’ll tell me when you hear from Jack, though, right?” I can tell Avery is a little salty at finding out about this email at the same time as his dads, but he manages to hold back from saying so outright.

“You’ll be the first to know.”

Avery wasn’t wrong – the second Daniel sets foot in our apartment, he starts thinking of things he wants to change or add, many of which would go against our lease. The number of times Avery says Dad or Remember what we talked about tells me he at least tried to stop this from happening.

Ultimately, we agree to let him rearrange the living and dining areas. Between the TV, the couch, and the loveseat, they’ve been feeling a little crowded. It’s not a big deal with just Avery and I here, but he’s mentioned having some of the guys from the team over and that wouldn’t work the way it’s currently laid out.

As Daniel pulls out his iPad, I can’t help but watch his work. He sketches out the space, then adds shapes for the major pieces of furniture, which he starts to move around, trying a few different configurations. He notices me watching and smiles.

“I’m self-trained, so I’m probably not the best person to learn from. I just know how I like a place to feel, you know?”

I don’t know, but I’m fascinated. I watch as he finds a few arrangements he seems to like, taking a screenshot of each. He gestures at me to sit down next to him rather than standing creepily over his shoulder as I have been. I sit down, trying to remain quiet and out of his way. Instead, he waves me closer.

“I need your help, since I don’t know how you guys use this space.”

Cuddling after blowjobs, mostly.

The thought brings a blush to my face as I shift closer to him.

“Okay, I’ve got three options. They’ve all got strengths and weaknesses; help me figure out which is best for you guys.”

He swipes through the different screenshots, explaining each as he does. According to him, one makes better use of the natural light, another creates a bigger gathering area, and a third is sort of a compromise of the two.

“I think…probably the third? I really like the light, but I also want Avery to feel like he can have people over more, y’know?”

His eyes focus in on me and I wonder what I’ve given away.

“Oh, has he been spending a lot of time out of the apartment?”

I suspect he knows the answer to this, given the number of times Avery has shouted out that his dad says hi while on the phone. Still, I find myself blushing.

“No, he’s usually here. With me. But I think he’s more social than I am, and I want him to have that.”

The corner of his lips quirks up as his eyes continue to pin me in place.

“Speaking from personal experience, I think there’s a difference between going out a lot because it’s where you’re happiest and going out a lot because it’s where you’re least lonely. Avery doesn’t do well on his own, that’s true. But I think he’s been happier this year than any time since his injury. And I don’t think more people has anything to do with why.”

I hold his eye contact, not sure exactly what he’s trying to tell me.

“Plus, he’s been playing some solid hockey here – better than he’s played since his injury.”

I nod, knowing that Daniel – Danny, I’m supposed to call him – knows Avery’s stats better than anyone. Since they’ve been here, it’s become clear that he is seriously invested in his kid – including watching all the hockey that kid plays.

“You know, I really like the more offensive play style you’ve got this season. It feels like last year you were happy to stick with assists, but this year you’re really putting up the goals.”

“I…you watched my games from last year?”

He shrugs, looking at me.

“Wanted to know who my kid was living with. There are plenty of bad influences in hockey.”

He’s not wrong. As a young guy in this sport it’s so easy to end up chasing the wrong things. Hell, just look at Briggs, plenty talented but still nowhere near the NHL.