Page 9 of Pucks and Books
“Only speaking the truth. And because of your hard work and dedication, I want to offer you the captain position.”
My heart stops dead in my chest. Chills run down my spine, and emotion clogs my throat. “Really?”
“Yes. Your leadership is impressive and seems as easy as breathing to you. You are what I want the boys to look up to. You are my captain, and I would like to congratulate you for being chosen as the first captain of the Knoxville Bears.”
I can’t breathe. I can only blink as I hold his gaze. He smiles widely at me, and I find myself returning the gesture. “Really?” I ask again, and he laughs.
“Really, Carter. You are the first one in the rink and the last to leave. You are always there for the guys and always out to help people. Truly, we couldn’t think of a better captain for this inaugural season.”
“I’m sorry. I’m speechless,” I laugh, almost choking on my words.
He laughs with me. “No worries, son. I get it. And while I know you’ll more than likely get picked up by the Assassins in no time, I want you to know how proud we are of you and that you’ve earned this title.”
I feel as if I float out of the office, so fucking proud, I can’t stand it. The first thing I do as I walk to the coffee shop is call my mom. I don’t even get to finish my sentence before she is whooping and hollering for me.
“My baby! I knew you were on the road to better things! Phoenix wasn’t it, baby. But Knoxville—this is it!”
I smile proudly as I get in line. “For sure. I’m stoked.”
“You should be. I’m so proud of you, my love. The captain! The first ever! No one will ever forget your name!”
“Right? God, I feel good.”
“You should! I wish I were there to celebrate.”
“Me too,” I say sadly, hating how far away Michigan is. It’s closer now than Phoenix was, but still, it isn’t like I can go home for dinner and to celebrate. “But I’ll see you for Christmas?”
I had hoped she and my grandma would come for my first game, but my grandma isn’t up for traveling and Mom doesn’t want to leave her. It doesn’t upset me…much, mostly because I bought them the streaming pass for all my games. Knowing they’ll be watching is enough for me. I’m used to being alone at this point.
“Absolutely. I can’t wait.”
“Me neither.”
“That reminds me, though. Guess who came by the other day.”
My stomach clenches because I don’t even have to guess. “Mom, don’t take away my high.”
“You’re right,” she decides, clicking her tongue. “We don’t need to bring up the bad when we’re flying so high, my love. I’m so proud.”
I swallow and wonder why my ex came by my mom’s, but I don’t really want to know. “Thanks, Mom,” I say, annoyed, but then my eyes settle on the muffin of the day.
Pomegranate-Orange.
I smile as thoughts of Lou take the place of my ex in seconds. What a coincidence that’s the muffin. But then, is it? I haven’t stopped thinking of my pomegranate cutie, even if that’s a really bad idea. I can’t help it. I want to know more about her.
I’m on my way to the shop next, and I can’t help but wonder if Lou would want one.
“What can I get you?” asks the girl behind the counter.
While I know I shouldn’t, I say, “A cinnamon latte and two pomegranate-orange muffins.”
CHAPTER 7
Louisa
My sisters left for Nashville an hour after we finished at the coffee shop, and when Austen found out I wasn’t coming, she called right away.
“I shouldn’t be offended that you’re choosing your shop over me, right?”