Page 94 of How We End

“Nope.”Cole stood.“I’ll be talking to my agent.”He glared at McGrath before he left.“I hear it’s beautiful in Vancouver this time of year.”

“Julian, please sit.”Coach Murry nodded to the chair.I did only because my fucking hip hurt.“You are the captain.The team looks at you for guidance.”

“You’re also the oldest fucking player on this fucking team.Your father didn’t play this way.He played a clean game and was respected for it.”McGrath nodded.

“Good news.I hear he’s looking to come out of retirement.Maybe you could draft a sixty-one-year-old man.I’m sure the fans would love that.”

“You got all the answers, don’t you?”McGrath threw up his hands.“I can’t deal with him.He’s your problem child.Get him reeled in or else.”McGrath slammed the door on his way out.

Murry scrubbed his face.“Do you have to be my problem child?”

“You really want me to listen to him?You want me to stop?”

Murry sat back in his chair.“My hands are tied, Julian.I tried.I warned them what would happen.But they won’t listen.The team is changing.The owners want a cup, and they will get it any way possible.Besides, it looks like you could use a little break.”

“Don’t you start too.I’m fine.”I stretched my legs out in front of me, hoping for some relief.

“Julian, you are a great player.I would argue a better player than your father.That’s why I wanted you on this team.We are finally where we should be, and this could be our year.”

“But?”There was always something.

“I can’t do it if you’re suspended or injured.And if we don’t bring the cup home this year…” Murry exhaled, looking around the perfectly curated office.Photos of players, past and present.“You and I will both be looking for new teams.And I don’t need to remind you, at thirty-four there are very few teams that are going to want you.Fewer if you’re hurt.And even fewer if you’re a liability when it comes to penalties.”

“Anything else?”

“No.I suggest an ice bath after the game you had.”Murry went back to the papers on his desk.

This game always took.It had taken sixteen years of my life.It was the reason my knee and shoulder were shot.The reason my marriage failed.I gave it so much, and in return I got nothing.

January 29

6:22 p.m.

Margo:

Mav is canceling tonight

Wyatt:

Why

Margo:

Work

Wyatt:

Okay

Can you please schedule dinner for next week

Margo:

Are you ending it

Wyatt:

Nobles would be good