Page 67 of Puck Love

“I know, but they’re looking for a story…any story. McD warned me. I’m sure he warned you too.”

I scoffed. “McD is preparing for my downward spiral.”

“What are you talking about?”

“He’s alluded that they may shake things up in Boston. I’ve been there for over a decade. We’ve got new talent asking forbig money and…” I shrugged. “I don’t feel as safe as I used to. I told you about that meeting in LA. Total waste of time. Great organization, but they don’t need me.”

“Boston isn’t going to let you go,” Denny said firmly. “No chance.”

“Thanks, but you’re five years younger than me, and your team made it to the championship game. My story is a little different.”

He smacked my biceps playfully. “No one is sending you anywhere, dumbshit. Especially now that they’ve got a rivalry to cover.”

I wiped sweat from my brow, clandestinely checking for witnesses in the El Rink parking lot before flipping him off. “That’s old news.”

“Wishful thinking,” Denny singsonged.

I tossed my cup into the bin, frowning at his cryptic tone. “What do you mean?”

He grabbed my shirt and pulled me under the eaves, away from the kids and parents queuing for early entrance into the rink. “You didn’t hear this from me, but…Trinsky is coming into town early.”

Screech.

“What? When?” I asked, grateful my voice didn’t rise five octaves.

“I don’t know. Tomorrow or the next day, I think. Vinnie was short a coach when Galmers’ wife delivered their baby early. He spoke to McD about a replacement and…”

“He suggested Trinsky,” I finished, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Yep. The only reason I know anything is ’cause Galmer was supposed to stay at my old house…next to Grams. She loves Trinsky, so she’s already stocking up on pancake mix and syrup.”

“Oh.”

Nice, Milligan.

I couldn’t come up with any more words, though. I’d been blindsided. We’d been texting less than fifteen minutes ago and every evening for over a week. Why wouldn’t Trinsky have mentioned it?

Hehadwanted me to call him later. That wasn’t something we did often. I should have asked what was up. I should have?—

Now Denny looked concerned.Shit.

He squinted as if that might help him read my mind. “You don’t really hate him anymore, do you? It seemed like you struck a truce after your TV appearance.”

You might say that.

I pasted a neutral smile on my face. “Yeah…whatever. I’m just annoyed McD didn’t bother telling me first.”

“As you know, McD is kind of a dick. However, he’s a dick who’s made us both a fuckton of dough, so trust the process, man. He makes more money when you make more money. If an overblown rivalry is the key to you getting what you want in Boston, go with the flow.”

“Uh…right.”

“That’s the spirit.” Denny squeezed my shoulder and guided me toward the entrance. “Let’s go. It’s time to greet the fans.”

The second we walked into the lobby, we were swarmed by hockey enthusiasts of all ages. Some stood in a registration queue while others lined up for orientation by the rink doors. And in the middle of the chaos were a dozen or more pro athletes talking to parents, posing for photos, signing autographs. It was the usual first day of a camp session melee—a little manic and frenzied but still well organized.

I shook hands, greeted familiar faces, took a few selfies, signed some jerseys, and completely forgot that I’d told Smitty and Nathan I’d meet them for early ice time before the doors opened. In fact, I didn’t remember until I spotted Nathan dryingtears and Smitty watching him from the coaches bench a few rows in front of me.Fuck.

Logically, I knew Nathan had a case of first-day nerves and I knew that Smitty worried ’cause he was a good dad who gave a shit.