Gage (Pittsburgh Titans 3)

“He’s young, but he’d be a good choice,” I reply, and Stone nods as well. I played with Cannon years ago on the Toronto Blazers. He left the game when his wife got breast cancer so he could care for her. After she died, he didn’t return to playing but instead went into coaching. He coached in Sweden for a while and was a minor league coach for one of the Titans’ own farm teams, the Greenville Mudcats.

He’s been a coach to watch, transforming losing teams into winners with the unique, positive vibe he brings, including positive reinforcement and offering constructive lessons through review of on-ice mistakes. Lots of different coaching styles, but his has proven results. Brienne has shown she’s willing to take risks on players, so why not coaches?

“Now if we can only get Coen straightened out, the team will be golden next year,” I say with a laugh. My gaze moves to Stone. “Any idea how he’s doing?”

“Nah,” Stone says somberly. “He texted that he arrived at the cabin and all looked good.”

“I sure hope he’s able to figure his stuff out… get some help,” Baden says.

“Same, dude,” I reply. “He can be such an asset to the team. I think he can move back into a leadership position.”

“We’re just fine with you as the leader.” Stone claps me on the shoulder. “Everyone wants you as captain.”

“But I might not be here next year,” I point out. “I never intended to stay long term. Just help get the team going.”

“You could coach here,” Baden says, and both Stone and I blink at him in surprise. “I’m not a fortune-teller, but I think there’s going to be a shake-up of coaches for next season, especially if Cannon comes on board.”

“You don’t think the other coaches will respect him because he’s young,” Stone hypothesizes.

Baden shrugs. “They’re old school. Bill, Maurice, Sam… I think it would be tough on them, especially if they’re not considered for the position.”

That’s something to think about. Because while I’m not sure I want to continue playing, I definitely see myself staying in Pittsburgh. During the short time I’ve been here, I’ve come to love this city, but moreover, Jenna is here. She’s starting a career she’s enjoying, and I would never ask her to leave. There’d be nothing for her back in my small hometown, and I’m not all that tied to Seattle.

But those are thoughts for another day. While I hope to fuck I’m wrong, there’s a chance I could lose Jenna before I even had her. If she’s too afraid to step into this fully with me, there’s no way we can grow.

Regardless, I’m a patient man, and I’ll give her time. Love may have bloomed quick and strong between us, but it’s also an adjustment. For Jenna, she must learn to accept how I feel about her and understand that nothing else matters. For me, I must get used to the strength of these feelings and slow down on wanting everything right at this moment.

Again… patience, but it’s hard when I want to experience everything with her right now.

“Assuming you’re going to Darius’s party tonight?” I ask the guys as we head out of Baden’s office.

“Yeah, we’re in,” Baden says. “Sophie’s not overly excited to have to socialize with Aneta and her group, but she’s excited about dressing up. She’s been cooped up far too long in her house, and I dare say she’s sick of wearing comfortable clothes.”

“I can imagine.” Stone chuckles. Sophie had her own demons to conquer after the attack she and Baden suffered last year, but she’s slowly coming out of her shell. That means there’s hope for Jenna.

“Harlow and I are going,” Stone says.

“First major outing as a couple,” I remark. “It’s good… the team getting to know our significant others. It’s just another way to strengthen bonds.”

“Speaking of couples and significant others…” Baden playfully punches my shoulder. “I assume you’re bringing Jenna?”

“I don’t know,” I admit glumly. Baden and Stone stop in their tracks to turn toward me.

“Why not?” Stone inquires.

“She’s still pretty bothered about the thing with Keller.”

Baden frowns. “The comments he made about her?”

“Yeah. It’s made her more self-conscious and unsure of herself. She’s got to work through it.”

We start walking again, heading for the exit to the parking garage. Baden says, “She knows we’ve all got her back, right? She obviously knows you do and trusts you, but she has to know Sophie and I are in her corner.”

“Harlow and I too,” Stone says.

“She knows it. Brienne has been really great too. She’s offered a lot of positive reinforcement. But it’s more than just Keller. A lot of people abandoned her after her injuries. Jenna’s learning to trust again, but it’s fragile. I think Keller just dinged it up a bit, is all. But I have faith in her.”