So,” Coop said, knocking his shoulder into mine, “is Riley excited? She joining our coaching staff now or what?”
I exhaled,“I don’t know, man.”
Coop blinked. “What do you mean, you don’t know? That girl is all in, right? You’re all in.”
I shrugged, shifting my weight. “She’s been the best thing to happen to me. But I’m not sure she feels the same way.”
Coop stared at me like I just told him I was considering a career in figure skating. Then he scoffed.
“Okay, well, before you make life-altering decisions based on vibes, maybe be sure first.”
I didn’t say anything.
He lifted his hands. “Seriously, dude. If you walk away without knowing for sure, you deserve a slap shot to the ribs.”
"Thanks for the unsolicited life coaching.”
Coop laughs, dragging me into a brief, half-hearted headlock before shoving me back. “Seriously, dude. Think about it.”
I looked over the administrative areas. The light in the coach’s office was on.
The door was open. No turning back now.
He looked up as I stepped in, setting down whatever paperwork he’d been reviewing.
“All packed?”
I nodded. “Yeah. Bag’s ready to go. I returned all the gear I had at home, too.”
Coach gave a slight nod.
I cleared my throat. “I just wanted to say thanks. For everything.”
His gaze sharpened. He waited.
So I kept going. “I know I wasn’t exactly the easiest guy to deal with when I got here.”
That got a dry chuckle. “Not exactly.”
“But I learned a lot.” I exhaled, rolling my shoulders. “Not just about hockey. About…” I hesitated, then shook my head. “Life, I guess.”
Coach leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. Studying me like he was weighing his words before he spoke.
“Hockey’s important,” he said finally, “but so is knowing what you’re fighting for. You’ve worked hard to prove yourself. Don’t stop fighting now.”
I knew he wasn’t just talking about the game.
The rink was quieter now, only a few guys still lingering. That’s when I spotted Ryan.
He looked up as I approached, giving me the usual nod.
I exhaled. “Just wanted to say thanks.”
Ryan’s brow lifted slightly, but he didn’t interrupt.
“For introducing me to Riley,” I added. “Of all the coaches I’ve had, she was one of the better ones.”
That got a short chuckle. “She’d like hearing that.”
