“Look at you getting soft,” she swoons. “Anyway, I thought I could come to see your first game as a Peacock later this week. Shall I bring Vivian with me?”
“She’d love that. But be aware that she doesn’t know anything about hockey.”
“How bad can it be?”
“She called periods innings the other night,” I groan.
“I mean, it makes sense if she watches baseball.”
Even if she can’t see me, I shake my head. “It really doesn’t.”
“She’ll learn from me and Haisley.”
“You’re bringing Haisley Lavigne with you?”
“Why not? She’s a good friend of mine, and it never hurts that Vivian will meet the daughter of your new GM.”
“You three will turn heads.”
Haisley Lavigne, the daughter of the Peacocks GM Jeremy Lavigne, is a well-known figure in the New York hockey scene. I met her during my rookie year at one of the fundraisers when she used to date one of the former Woodpeckers players. Since then, we’ve met at different events once or twice a year. She’s something else, so I already know Vivian will love her and Em.
“I’ll text you Vivian’s number so you can invite her yourself and let her know how to get there,” I tell Em. “Then I need to get her a new updated jersey to wear to my games as she can’t wear the Woodpeckers one.”
“You already got her a jersey with your name and number?”
I huff. “Of course I did, but I never had a chance to give it to her. We arrived last night, and it’s waiting at the arena.”
“It’s getting serious then.”
“Yeah, Em, I think she’s the one,” I admit, surprising both myself and Em for being able to reveal the truth. “I really do.”
“I never expected to hear those words from your mouth before you retired from the League.”
“That makes two of us.”
“But if she truly makes you happy, then that’s all that matters.”
“She does that and much more.”
What I don't tell my agent is that I feel like a different person when I'm with Vivian, like I can conquer anything. It's like she has some kind of magical power over me. It's a thrilling but intimidating feeling all at once.
Em’s excitement is genuine as she says, “I’m beyond thrilled for you, Jas. I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Thanks. But now I better get ready and get my shit.”
“Try to stay positive. It can’t be that bad,” Em says playfully, although there’s still a hint of sincerity in her voice. “I think you and the rest of the Peacocks team will be an amazing fit. I just have this feeling, you know?”
“Let’s hope you’re right about that.”
“I’m rarely wrong, my friend.”
I can’t fight back a smile. “There’s the first time for everything.”
“No way,” my agent scoffs as if it’s impossible for her to be wrong.
“Anyway, I’ll text or call you when I’m done to let you know everything went smoothly.”
“Good. Now, you must remember to stay calm and not show your emotions publicly. Remember that, and we’ll be fine. Okay?”
