Davis:
Drumroll, please
Petrov:
Welcome to CC Youth Hockey! The CC stands for Cody Clements
Cody’s phone fell to the floor, his hand flying to his mouth. “Fuck,” he whispered. “Fuck.”
“Hey.” I wrapped my arms around him, stroking up and down his back. “They’re right. You put your own money into investing in equipment and upgraded facilities for those kids, and you deserve to be credited for it.”
He shook his head helplessly. “I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it because those kids I was coaching deserve every chance they can get, and—” A sigh fell from his throat. “It was partly for selfish reasons. I knew I wasn’t coming back to Calgary, and I felt guilty about letting them down. I wanted to make it up to them in a small way.”
“You have nothing to feel guilty about,” I assured him. “Think about it—Petrov and Davis enjoyed coaching enough to want to make it a regular thing, and the guys who ran their summer camp liked the idea enough to make it happen. Everyone involved in this coaching scheme is there because they want to be, and the kids aren’t missing out. I mean, they are, because you’re you, and you’re fucking incredible, but they’re getting to be mentored by people at the same professional level.”
“Yeah. I guess you’re right.”
“I’m always right.”
“Debatable.” He kissed me and then leaned down to swipe his phone from the floor. Returning to the message thread, he typed out a reply.
Cody:
I don’t know what to say except thanks. I appreciate this more than you’ll ever know
Petrov:
So polite. England has changed you, man
Davis:
No, it’s the regular dicking
Cody:
I hate you both
Petrov:
Seriously though, you’re welcome. Anytime you want to come back for a visit, we’ll welcome you with open arms. I know the kids would like that too
Cody looked at me, and I read the question in his eyes. “Yeah, I’ll come with you. We’ll make it work. I get a couple of breaks when the international matches are happening, and I’m sure Ross would be okay with you missing one or two sessions if we can’t get our schedules lined up. Scott will be there to help out.”
“It’s that easy, huh?” His lips curved upwards.
“It can be.”
Cody:
We might take you up on that
Davis:
Make sure you do
Petrov:
Almost forgot. Marcus said to say he’ll miss you, but he thinks you’re doing the right thing. Apparently your international incident impressed him
