Page 182 of Hat Trick
I love you, I love you, I love you,I think as I stroke her hair. We lie there for what feels like hours, only pulling apart to use the bathroom and rinse off. We drift back to each other minutes later and I turn off the lights. Our bodies slot together, and just before I lose consciousness to sleep, I throw up a prayer to whoever is listening that she loves me too.
FORTY-NINE
RILEY
Coach
Can you stop by my office today?
I want to talk to you about something.
Me
Sure thing. Everything okay?
Coach
We’ll talk soon.
* * *
Me
Coach asked to see me in his office so I’m pretty sure I’m being sent to some club team in Alaska.
Lexi
Wow. Dramatic, much?
Did he tell you what the meeting was about?
Me
Nope. Vague as always, and I don’t like when Coach is vague. Usually means there’s bad news on the other end of things.
Lexi
Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be fine. Call me after?
Me
I will. Kind of feels like I’m heading to the guillotine. Wish me luck.
Lexi
Good luck. Xoxo.
* * *
“Hey.”I slip into Coach’s office and shut the door behind me. “What’s up?”
“Why do you look like you just saw the Grim Reaper?” he asks, glancing up from the whiteboard on his desk. “I’m not going to bite.”
“Sorry, but you asking to see me is the equivalent of being sent to the principal’s office.” I laugh and take the chair across from him. “Is everything okay?”
“How are you feeling?” Coach caps the dry erase marker he’s holding and stares at me. “Physically? Mentally?”
“I’ve been back on the ice five times now, and it feels like I never left. I’m going to my therapy sessions, the boys are in the playoffs, and, I don’t know. Am I allowed to say things are pretty fucking great right now?”
