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Chapter Three

JACKSON

W e had a few days off after our Conference Cup win, but the job isn’t done, so we’re back in the training facility. We’re all fired up and ready to do whatever it takes to win the finals.

We have a solid chance this year. Our team is healthy, and it has depth. The quality of players is the best the Miami Lions has ever had, especially Chad. The kid has always been talented, but he’s having a hell of a season this year. His stats are off the charts, and if he doesn’t win the Vezina Trophy, I’ll be shocked.

He’s on fire this morning and has denied all shots on goal so far. I’m playing on the opposite team, and I thought for sure I had a goal, but Chad pulled a move straight out of Cirque Du Soleil, contorting his body in an unnatural way to make the save.

“Dude! You’ve been robbed!” Logan shouts from across the ice.

Shaking my head, I laugh. He isn’t wrong.

When practice is finally over, my team has lost, two to zero. In the locker room, everyone is buzzing about Chad’s out-of-this-world save.

“If that had happened during a real game, they’d be playing that shit until the end of times,” Alex says.

“Kids are so impressionable,” Wickham mutters under his breath.

Alex must have missed it, or he’d be in Wickham’s face in a heartbeat. The Kaminski twins aren’t known for their mild tempers. I choose to ignore Wickham’s malicious comment and keep the peace. I need the team to continue to work like a well-oiled machine. We’re in the final stretch. Only four more wins stand between us and the Stanley Cup.

“You were terrific today, buddy.” I tap Chad on the shoulder.

“Thanks. I feel like I’m on top of the world.”

He has been in an excellent mood, and I don’t think that can only be attributed to winning the Eastern Conference Cup.

“It showed. We haven’t talked much lately. Wanna grab a beer?”

He shakes his head. “Sorry. Can’t. I have to take care a few things before the craziness resumes.”

I want to ask what things, but one thing I’ve learned about Chad is that he’s very private. He won’t share anything until he’s ready. It doesn’t make me worry less about him though.

“Anything I can help you with?”

His cheeks flush. “Uh… no, it’s okay.”

“Why is Chad blushing?” Logan asks. “Jacks, did you tell him a dirty joke?”

I level the young forward with a glare, and that’s enough to wipe the smirk off his face. I’m not bothered by his comment, but I have a reputation to uphold.

When I turn, Chad is already fully dressed and ready to head out. “See you later at the party?”

I blank for a second. Then I remember the Miami Lions’ owner is throwing a party tonight for the Lions’ organization at his mansion.

“Yeah. See you tonight.”