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“Exactly.”
“I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.”
“It’s very new, but I’d say it’s serious.”
My bum hand twitches with nervous energy, my palms sweaty as I tell someone out loud how I feel about Violet for the first time.
“How’s that hand feeling?” Coach asks, noticing the spasms I can usually hide from most.
“It’s coming along,” I bullshit. “I think the physical therapy is helping.”
“There will be a physical exam required by any team you sign with. You aren’t going to be able to hide what’s going on forever. The Suns are happy to have you here, twitchy hand and all, but for millions of dollars the NHL is going to want guarantees.”
“I know.”
“It’s time you think long and hard about the surgery before it isn’t even an option anymore.”
I give a heavy sigh because Coach knows full well that I don’t want to go under the knife.
“If it’s meant to heal, it will heal.”
Coach’s mouth flattens into a thin line. “No disrespect, son, but that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. You’re not destined for healing. You’ve got to go seek it.”
“Yes, Coach.”
“Now I know it’s a big decision, Neo,” Coach says gently. “But whatever you choose, know that I’m behind you. You’ve got to do what’s right for you. It’s simply my job to let you know the offers are there.”
He pulls a file folder containing several papers, each pile representative of the teams’ offers, and hands it to me.
“Here are the official offers. There’s no rush. Read them over. Talk to your parents. I can even arrange for you to have conversations with the head coaches from each team. Honestly, I advise talking to them more than once and visiting the teams at their home stadiums. Go to a practice. Get a feel for the culture of the locker room. That’s how you’ll really know where you belong.”
I stand up, feeling a sense of gratitude for Coach Mike. He’s always been a straight shooter with me.
“Thanks, Coach,” I say. “I’ll need some time to think.”
“Take all the time you need,” he replies, standing up with me. “And remember, whatever path you choose, make sure it’s the one that makes you happy. You can’t live your life for anybody else.”
We shake hands, and as I leave the office; the decision weighs heavily on me. The future I’ve always dreamed of is right there for the taking. The choice isn’t going to be easy, but it’s mine to make.
“Oh, and Neo, I put another copy of the surgical referral in there, too. At the very least, you can get a consultation. It won’t affect any of your offers. All they’ll see is a young man serious about his health and game readiness.”
“Okay.”
During my walk back to the ice house, I think hard about everything Coach has said today. The house is bustling with energy as my teammates get ready for a long practice today. We’re gearing up for our next game with the Chiefs.
Shane pulls me to the side while he makes a turkey sandwich. “What did Coach want?” He asks. “Was it serious?”
He spreads entirely too much mayonnaise on the roll he’s using.
“Not especially.” I don’t want to discuss the offers right now, even with Shane. I want to keep them to myself until I’ve decided.
“What did I miss on New Year’s? Everyone’s talking about the kid you mopped the floor with.”
“Slice those tomatoes thinner,” I tell him. “You make a horrible sandwich.”
“Fuck the sandwich, bro’, what happened at the Gamma house?”
Bass walks in and sits at the counter right in between the two of us, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
