Page 27 of Hockey Halloween

Josh

“We’re not flying the team to Los Angeles,” I repeat for what feels like the hundredth time.

Ollie nods, folding his hands. “So, what you’re saying is, you like Booker more than Will.”

Next to me, Coach Van laughs, and Coach Baylor holds back a smile. “I’m not saying that at all,” I tell our team captain. “Come on, guys, back me up. They were both great players. We don’t pick favorites.”

“And yet,” Ollie counters, “we took a team trip to Vegas to watch Booker’s first pro game. And it was an exhibition game. But we can’t fly out to see Will? He’s on fire right now.”

I rub the back of my neck. “Will’s game is tomorrow night. In L.A. And we play in Maine a day later. So, the answer is no. Also, this isn’t elementary school. We don’t take field trips.”

“Fine,” Ollie grumbles. “It was worth a shot. Besides, I figure you owe me one, seeing as I’m pretty much the reason you and Ms. Grim are dating.”

Now I’m the one laughing, even though I can tell by the look on his face that Jablonski is one hundred percent serious .

Van shakes his head. “Olls, I love you, man, but how can you take credit for Coach Novotny’s love life?”

I’m curious, too. And I just realized Ollie’s a blond. There’s no way he saw Val and me that day in my office, right?

“I’m on the charity committee with Ms. Grim. I play for Coach Novotny. Obviously, they had to talk to each other about how amazing I am. And then, instant sparks. So, you’re welcome. Now, Will’s team plays in Kansas next week. Who feels like barbeque?”

Between our jobs at the university and taking care of a precocious five-year-old, our lives are never boring. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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