“No clue,” I say truthfully. “When we hit the ice tomorrow, you’ll both have a chance to show us what you’ve got.”
“What will a typical practice look like?” Jesper inquires, and I like that he’s curious about more than just the starting position. He’s asking the smart questions.
“We’ll start each practice with video. Then about half an hour of ice time to work drills and address any specifics. Then you’ll work with the team. I do expect you both to meet with the team nutritionist and fitness coach. I don’t know what you did in the minors, but I can’t stress enough how important those two components are to your overall success. And you may do this already, but if not, be ready to add in some flexibility training. I’ve talked to the fitness coach, and she has some great routines.”
“Like, yoga and shit?” Patrik asks with a grimace.
“Maybe,” I reply with a shrug. “She’s the expert, so I’d do what she says.”
Jesper nudges Patrik good-naturedly and grins. “She’ll have us doing splits in no time, huh?”
Patrik grunts in disdain. “Next we’ll be going to cheerleading camp.”
“If it makes you a better goalie, I’d expect you to do it with a smile on your face,” I say pointedly, and Patrik at least has the grace to flush.
I’m withholding judgment on who will get the nod to start Friday until I see both of them in action tomorrow, but if I’m going on attitude alone, Jesper’s going to be in goal.
Rising from my chair, I say, “I’ve got the film room reserved in half an hour. I’ll meet you both there.”
From the conference room, I intend to head down to my office to type some notes on this meeting just for me to reference tomorrow when Keller and I meet to decide on our starter.
While I’m on the way, I pull out my phone and shoot a quick text to Sophie. Just met with my two goalies. Feeling like an actual coach. How’s your day so far?
I start to put my phone back in my pocket, but it dings with a text. I don’t consider it could be from anyone else, but by the fact my pulse picks up at the thought it’s Sophie responding, I know she’s not just a roommate, and she’s not just a friend.
She’s more already, and I’m not sure how it happened so fast. But I truly want to know how she’s doing at this moment, and I want to share with her that maybe I might be able to do this coach thing after all.
Her quick response pleases me. I’ve applied for a few jobs but nothing that’s going to crush me if I don’t get it. And you are an actual coach. You were chosen because people have confidence in you. I have confidence in you.
Fuck, that gets me. Chokes me up a bit to know she has blind faith in me.
Be home by six thirty, I text back.
And yes… home was the right word for me to use. Maybe it’s temporary, but it still feels like a home, and that’s probably because Sophie has been so welcoming.
Prepare to be wowed by the dinner I’m making, she replies. And then sends a GIF of some cartoon character with its head exploding.
Christ… I’m good at GIF conversations. But I don’t have time right now, so I type back, Can’t wait.
Then I make myself put my phone away so I don’t hover over a potential response from her.
Before I reach the elevator, I run into Brienne Norcross walking down the hall. She appears to have just arrived as her purse is slung over her shoulder and she’s talking to Michael beside her who’s taking notes on his iPad.
She glances up, sees me, and lifts a finger in a silent demand for me to wait.
After issuing a few more things to Michael, she smiles and approaches. “I was hoping I’d get a chance to talk to you today.”
“If it’s about Drake,” I say, my tone heavy in apology and embarrassment, “I’m so sorry about his attitude yesterday.”
“Not your fault.” Her reply is crisp and dismissive. It’s not up for further discussion, so I’ll consider my apology enough. Her eyes are warm, though, as she pivots. “I just wanted you to know I interviewed Jenna, and she’s fabulous. I offered her a job on the spot—pending her references checking out.”
“Oh, wow.” I’m pleasantly shocked by how fast that went. “I’m happy to hear that.”
“She wants to talk it over with her sister but promised me an answer by tomorrow.”
“It would be a brave, courageous step for her. But I know she’ll be great. Is she going to work for the organization or for one of your other companies?”
“For the organization,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. “She’d be the team’s press liaison.”