Page 6

CHAPTER 6

Caitlyn (Cat)

Mel kicked me out of the restaurant early so I could get more rest before the game, but I tossed and turned. Eventually I left and came to the arena early. Tonight is so important. I have to do well. Show them I can play. I can’t lose my team probation. I want this so much. I love being on the ice. It’s the one place I get to be me. Be free.

I need this money. Leaning forward, I cup my head in my hands. If I could just get ahead. Pay off that stupid debt to Slack

“Hey girlfriend. How ya’ doing?” Tatum says, holding out a Caramel Macchiato Latte from where she works. I never knew they existed until her and now I am so addicted.

“OMG. Queen of the world right now. Thank you.”

She laughs, tapping her cup to mine. “To besties and big wins.”

“Amen.”

Sitting next to me, she scans the near empty locker room. We’re both here two hours early. The rest of the team will slowly trickle in. “Psst. Between us, they hired Leslie. She’ll be announced to the team after the game tonight and start practice immediately. She’ll be at the road games. This is it. I can feel the change going in our direction.”

So can I. “That’s great.”

“I’m sure there is one more change coming. If Steph could just get some ice time, she’d get better.”

I nod. “While we’re on the road, maybe we could do some extra warmups with her before the rest of the team shows. You, Teddie, Leslie and I. Hell, Missy doesn’t show up until the last minute anyway when we’re on the road. She won’t even realize.”

She smiles. “Neither does Fuckwad.”

“Who?”

She snorts and leans closer. “I just found out that’s what Coach Parley calls Baylor. But keep it between us for now. I’m hoping the team miraculously loses both Missy and Baylor. It would do a lot for morale.”

The two losers choose that moment to walk in, one behind the other. Everyone knows what they’ve been up to. It’s why one of the men’s bathrooms is always locked.

Tatum nudges me. “Let’s suit up and get on the ice.”

I notice Turk immediately as we get close to the rink. He’s with the new owner here to watch the warmups and the game. Already it feels like they love the sport too and it’s not just a pastime or investment. The last owner never even came to our games.

“Own the ice. You got this,” Clark says as we pass him to glide onto the ice.

I meet Turk’s gaze, and he nods with a slight smile. Damn, even that little attention has my blood pumping. It’s been so long since I’ve had any interest in anyone that it feels as foreign as it is exciting.

We’re well into warm up when Missy and Baylor show up. Coach frowns at both but doesn’t say anything.

Within ten minutes, Baylor is snapping out criticisms to everyone but Missy. After my third smackdown, and the fifth for Teddie, I slap the puck toward Missy. She makes no effort to go after it.

“Forget how to use the fucking stick, Missy? You might want to figure it out before the game starts,” I snap as I skate past.

“Time to huddle,” Coach calls out before Baylor can say anything. The stink eye Baylor gives me warns that there will be retribution. I know I’ll pay later, I’m just so tired of the threats, both off and on the ice.

We’re ahead by one at the end of the game with two minutes to go when Missy makes a terrible play, basically handing them the tying score. How the hell did she do that? I glance at Tatum and she has the same look of disbelief. The clock runs out forcing us into sudden death.

Teddie has two great saves and in the last thirty seconds I’m able to get the puck to Tatum and she scores the winning goal. Relief washes over me knowing we made our new owner proud.

Clark and Turk are by the door as we approach. Both men are congratulating us and patting our backs. “Great job,” Turk smiles and gives me a high five.

Another voice reaches me, and I turn to see Mel’s massive form striding my way. I almost didn’t recognize him in his chambray shirt and jeans. He’s always dressed in his cook’s uniform of white T-shirt and apron with his dark hair and beard covered with hat and netting.

He gives me one of his bear hugs, lifting me from my feet. “You did good, little girl. I’m damn proud of you.” He leans closer to my ear. “Don’t you worry about coming in tonight. Everything’s covered. Go enjoy your victory.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

I feel a presence behind me and turn to see Tatum. I’m so surprised, I almost miss Turk behind her. Tatum sticks out her hand toward Mel. “Hi. I’m Tatum. And you are?”

Mel just kind of stares at her hand and I have to nudge him to shake. He’s not anti-social or mean. He just gets nervous and closes down around strangers. It’s why he stays in the kitchen and cooks.

“Mel. Name’s Mel.” He tentatively shakes Tatum’s hand as if he’s afraid he’ll hurt her. Then glances up and shakes with Turk.

“Hi Mel. I’m Turk. Did you enjoy the game?”

“Seen games played on TV before, but this was my first time in person. Yeah, I liked it.” He clears his throat before glancing at Tatum again. “I best be going.” He grins at me. “You did good, kid.”

Before I can say anything else he’s gone.

“Is he your boyfriend?” Tatum asks as she watches him walk away.

“No, he’s just a friend. We’ve-ah-worked together on and off for years. I see her next question forming but I can’t tell her where he works. “Come on, we’re missing the celebration.”

In the locker room everyone’s pumped and high fiving. Coach, Clark and Turk file in smiling in joy. Baylor no more than hits the room and he has to be the downer. “What the fuck were you doing out there Teddie? You were missing passes all over the place. You almost lost the game for us.”

I’m tired of Fuckwad picking on everyone but the real problem. I’m trembling with anger and can barely stand. They voted me team captain and someone needs to speak up for the team. “Teddie wasn’t the issue. What the hell was that give away shot by Missy that really almost cost us the game? You need to get on her to get her act together and do her job. She’s not some princess that gets to do what she wants. The rest of us play like a team.”

“That’s it. You’re suspended.”

Suspended! Oh my god. I can’t be. I have to pay Slack. What have I done? Every damn time I grow a pair this happens.

Coach turns on Baylor. “Enough. That’s not your call. And this is not the time or place for this conversation. You and I are meeting with Mr. Davies in the morning. We’ll discuss changes and game plans then.”

Tatum reaches over and gives my hand a squeeze, mouthing ‘ not going to happen ’. Damn, I hope she’s right.

Coach turns to me. “Cat, you did great today! You kept the team in the game and played your part as leader perfectly. Your position on the team is solid.”

Glancing up, Turk’s gaze is locked on me. When we make eye contact, he winks. My mood instantly lightens.

“Catering is set up. Be sure to grab food now or make a to-go box to take with you. You played hard and need to refuel,” Clark says.

After my shower I open my locker and there’s a folded paper taped to the back wall.

You’ll be out of town Friday

you know what that means.

You better pay two weeks in advance

or you’ll be delinquent $$$$.

Pickup Tuesday night.

How did they get in here? Past security?

I glance around. How will I ever be free of this?

Hands shaking, I stuff the note into my backpack and slip out before Tatum comes back. I can’t be around anyone right now.