“Then it’s a call to say they’re watching. Which is still amazing. Remember you’ve made this call happen no matter what it is. You’ve worked your ass off and it’s showing now. Be grateful that they’re watching and noticed you. Even if they don’t end up picking you up, I guarantee someone will. I may not understand hockey, but I understand how good you are. It shows on the ice. Be confident because you’ve earned that confidence.”
“Fuck.”
“Now fuck off and make your call.”
I laugh. It’s so odd to hear her say fuck, but it’s adorable too.
“Fine. See you as soon as I can get there.”
She hangs up and I stare at my phone. Sitting down on the bench in front of my locker, I finish taking off my gear, still stunned. It’s not long before Collin comes and sits beside me.
“Fuck.”
I nod, understanding.
Carson’s name is shouted and we grimace. It’s not going to be the shocked, happy feeling we have, but it’ll be something. Theyarewatching him.
“What the fuck do we do?” Collin whispers.
“Daisy told me to fuck off and make the call, but I’m scared.”
“Me too. I mean can we even play? The season’s started.”
“I don’t know. Maybe they want to sign us for next season?”
Collin shrugs. “I don’t know.”
“We shower and then we call.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t wait that long? Might seem like we’re not interested.”
“Or it might make us look too eager?”
Fuck.
“We just make the call and hope for the best.”
I pick my phone back up and dial the number on the paper I’m still clutching in my hand. Why hadn’t I put it down? Nerves I guess.
“McClare.” The tone is gruff and he sounds like he’s smoked a pack a day for ten years.
“This is Jonathan Hutchinson. My coach told me you wanted to speak with me and Collin Mendoza, who’s sitting right beside of me.”
“It’s Hutch right?”
“Yes, sir. That’s what everyone calls me.”
“Do you prefer Hutch or Jonathan?”
“Hutch is fine. Even my grandmother calls me Hutch.”
“Is there a time we can sit down and talk? Preferably tonight? You and Mendoza.”
“Uh, my girl is making us food. We were going over there to eat with the team. She’s a good cook.”
“Free food? I’m in. Just text me the address.”
Daisy is going to be so mad. “Sure, give us a bit though. We need to shower and I need an ice bath.”
