Page 16 of The Rebound Play
Why are all roads leading back to her?
“Only every practice and half the games. I practically grew up on this ice,” I reply.
“I bet you did,” Troy says. “It’ll be amazing for the townspeople to see you out on that ice again. I got some PT lined up for your wrist, as promised.”
“Thanks.”
“Yeah, I heard about that. How is it?” Scotty asks.
“It’s improving,” I reply.
“Do you think you’ll be good for the first game in about a month?” Scotty asks.
“I sure plan to be. That’s why I’m here,” I reply. “Hey, thanks for smoothing things over with the team,” I say to Troy. He had spoken with the Blizzard’s management, getting them to agree to release me to play the charity games for the Ice Breakers.
“My pleasure. We’re just glad we could make it happen. These games mean a lot to the town, and to the kids at the Happy Horizons Ranch.”
I nod. “It’s an honor to be here, captaining the team for the cause.”
Movement in my peripheral vision grabs my attention. I look over to see Benny holding a hockey stick that’s almost twice the length of him, pushing an imaginary puck around the floor. He’s concentrating hard, as though he were on the ice, playing on a team.
I smile as an idea begins to form in my mind. He seems like a good kid, and he wants to learn how to play hockey. Sure, he’s only six and a half, but that’s not too young to start. Maybe I could give the kid a lesson or two? I glance over at Keira once more and to my surprise, I catch her watching me. Quickly, she averts her gaze, pulls up her hood, and immediately concentrates back on her book.
She may have moved on, but I could at least do something nice for her kid.
Yeah, that’s what I’ll do. I’ll make Benny’s day and offer to give him a few lessons. And, if by some wild chance Keira is no longer married to the father of her kids? Well, hope springs eternal. Not for her husband, of course—but for me.
“Cooper Montgomery is due here any minute,” Troy says, pulling my attention back to the guys. “He wanted to get the feel for the place before the first practice. Or at least, that’s what his publicist told me. Do you want to join? Just don’t go compromising that wrist.”
I gesture at my bag with my skates, pads, and sticks. Anything to get my mind from Keira. “Ready and willing,” I say with a smile. “I’ve played against Cooper a few times in the past. He’s a good player. But tell me one thing, does the guy ever smile?”
Both Scotty and Troy laugh.
“He’s not known for his easy charm, but he’s a solid right wing. He’ll give you a run for your money on the ice, that’s for sure,” Scotty says. He focuses on something over my shoulder. “Speak of the devil. Cooper! Over here!”
A big guy who bears more than a passing resemblance to Travis Kelce trudges toward us, a thunderous dark cloud sparking above his head.
Cooper Montgomery.
“Cooper!” Troy exclaims, as he pumps his hand. “It’s great to be working with you.”
“It’s good to be here,” he replies, his positive words in stark contrast with the scowl on his face.
“Hey,” I say, giving him a fist bump. “It’s great to have you on the team. It’ll make a nice difference from beating you in the League.”
It’s a facetious comment, and I flash him a grin as I say it.
But Cooper simply continues to scowl at me. “Yeah, something like that,” he replies.
“Did you bring your gear?” Scotty asks him.
Wordlessly, he pulls his bag from over one of his shoulders.
“How about you guys head into the locker room and I’ll meet you on the ice,” Scotty says.
“You’re gonna skate with us, Coach?” I ask.
“You know me. Frustrated player,” he replies with a laugh.