Page 56 of The Rebound Play
“Zach. You got it.”
“You can call me sir, if you like,” Troy says, resting an arm on his brother’s shoulder.
I laugh. “Never gonna happen, man,” I tell him with a grin. I give him a hug. “Thanks for including me in this. It’s been … life changing.”
His brows pop up toward his hairline. “Life changing? High praise indeed.”
I grin at him, confident in the decision I’ve made, a decision that will see me back in Maple Falls more often, and, one day permanently. It’s an idea that began forming in my mind over the last few weeks as I’ve spent more and more time with Keira. It’s an idea that feels so right, I wonder why I never thought of it before. I guess I was so busy building my hockey career, always driving forward to be the best player I could be, to be captain of the team, to make a name for myself, that I forgot to stop and be with the people who matter the most. To be in the place that matters the most.
“I’ll see you ’round a bit more. I plan on spending more time here as my schedule allows it,” I say.
“Your wrist is okay now?”
“Like new.”
“In that case, you’ll be needing to get back to the Blizzard, but I hope you do come back here more often. It’s been good having you around, and the fans? They sure do love you.”
“What can I say? I’m the Maple Falls hometown hero.” I throw him a wink as we laugh together, because as much as it feels good to have the love of the crowd, there really is only one person whose love matters to me the most.
As I make my way to my car, I pull out my phone and message Keira.
Me:
Everything okay? I didn’t see you at the press conference. I’m heading to the wrap party now. xoxo
I hit send and wait for a reply. The three little dots appear on my phone, telling me she’s responding. Then they disappear.
Weird.
I climb into my car and send her another message.
Me:
Are you already at the party?
This time there aren’t even any little dots, telling me she’s tapping out a reply. I figure she’s probably busy talking to somebody at the party, and I take the short drive to the Rustic Slice Pizzeria, which has been booked out for us tonight.
Pushing through the door, I’m hit by the warmth of the restaurant, the delicious smell of pizza filling my nose, laughter and chatter in the air. I search the place for Keira, but don’t spot her. Instead, I find Mom and Dad, who wave me over.
I greet them both with warm hugs.
“We are so proud of you—do you know that?” Mom says as she reaches up to smooth out my hair. Such a motherly thing to do.
“I do know,” I say kindly. “I owe you a lot. Both of you.”
“We’d do it all again, son,” Dad says, clasping my shoulder. “All of it.”
“Thanks,” I say, choked up. “It’s like I invented a cure for cancer or something.”
“Winning a hockey season comes a close second,” Dad jokes.
“Mimi wanted to be here for the after-party, but she was a little tired after the game, so we took her home, but she said to give you this.” Mom places a kiss against my cheek.
“Thanks. Hey, have you seen Keira around? I figured she was here,” I say.
“If she’s not already, I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Half the town’s here tonight to celebrate, and we know she’s your special someone.” Mom’s eyes sparkle as her face creases in a knowing smile. “I always liked that one, you know.”
I beam back at her, my heart full. “Yeah. Me, too.”