Page 97 of Goal Line

“The way you’re so calm and flawless in practice like this . . . ” Colt says, shaking his head as I step off the ice after skills training. “How are we going to make sure you have a handle on the emotional and mental aspect of your relationship with Eva so it doesn’t bleed over onto the ice again?”

“I’m talking to Zach’s therapist.” I have another appointment with her coming up soon, and I guess I’ll have some big updates for her.

“Ahh . . . ” Colt nods. I’m sure he knows Drew talks to her as well, but it’s not my place to mention it. “Good. Because when I retire at the end of this season, you’ve got to be ready to wear the number 1, okay? Whatever we have to do this year to make that happen, we’re doing it. I didn’t ask AJ to bring you to Boston to watch you go down in flames.”

“What?” I croak out, my throat suddenly tight. I’d assumed that it was either Charlie or Evan who pushed theidea with AJ, and I don’t immediately know how to react to this revelation.

“Which part of that wasn’t clear?” he says, clearly not understanding why this information is big news to me.

“The part about you asking AJ to bring me to Boston.Why?”

“Because clearly, our last goalie, Baker, needed some more time in the AHL, and I had already sensed that AJ was sending him back there. Your first string goalie in Calgary was at the beginning of a six-year contract, so the chances of you advancing much more there were slim. Seemed like coming back to your hometown and playing for the team you grew up rooting for would be good for you. Especially since I only had a year and a half left on my contract.”

Knowing that the best goalie in the league personally chose me as his replacement makes me choke up, but I manage to say, “Thanks, man. I appreciate that.”

“Well, I’d appreciate one more Stanley Cup before I retire,” he says as he claps my shoulder. “So let’s make that happen, yeah?”

I nod. “You think Renaud coming back this season will help us get there?”

Colt bites the inside of his cheek. “Depends.”

“On?”

“On whether he decides to be a team player.”

“He’s not already?”

Colt gives a slight shrug. “Hard to say. The team has changed a lot this year. It’ll be interesting to see how it all shakes out. Drew’s the first line center now, and Renaud’s never played with him. He does play well with McCabe and is used to being opposite him on the first line, but now thatWalshy moved up to take his place...I don’t know. That line was working really well together last season without Renaud. It’ll be interesting to see what Wilcott decides to do.”

I’m not sure why this whole situation feels kind of ominous, but it does. Because if Charlie decides to keep the current first line together and put Renaud on the second line, that could go two ways: either the second line improves, or Renaud’s an asshole about it and things are tense. And from what I already know about Aidan Renaud, it feels like the second option is more likely. Or Charlie could shake things up and give Renaud his spot back on the first line. Who knows?

“Okay, I have to get over to Longwood for Eva’s OB appointment, but I’ll see you soon.”

“Nah, you probably won’t,” Colt says. “We’ve got Jameson and Lauren’s wedding this weekend. Then Jules and I are headed to Bali for two weeks.”

“Oh shit, I forgot about that. Have fun. And don’t do anything to fuck up that knee while you’re gone.” I nod my chin toward his leg, which luckily now just needs a neoprene sleeve supporting his knee.

“I have my whole PT plan outlined, and Jules has sworn she’s going to make sure I do it every day,” he says with an eye roll. “Like I wouldn’t anyway. I’m not fucking up my last season.”

Colt heads out, and I finish packing up all my gear, nodding to the other guys as I head to the locker room. Normally, I’d head straight home and shower there, but there’s no way I can show up at the doctor’s office soaked in sweat and smelling like I do.

Twenty minutes later, as I’m pulling out of the practice rink’s parking lot, a text comes over the speakers in my car.

Zach

Finally back from Seattle. You guys around this weekend? Ashleigh and I want to meet Eva.

Luke

There’s a big polo match in our hometown that we have to go, followed by a family event. Any chance you guys want to watch a polo match? I’m sure I can snag two more tickets.

I’m almost to Longwood before Zach’s response comes through.

Zach

Didn’t realize polo was a thing normal people did. Then I remembered you’re not normal. Ashleigh and I are in. Is there anything we need to know? I assume we don’t show up in shorts and a T-shirt.

Luke