Page 11 of Rise Above

was my first big purchase after signing with the Hammers, but I tried not to make huge, expensive purchases. Fame and the NHL wouldn’t last forever. At twenty-eight, I was already getting up there for pro athletes. There was no fear around aging, but hockey was my entire life. Life after hockey didn’t seem real; it caused a whole lot of anxiety. The idea of coaching and not playing left a dry taste in my mouth. I still had some years left in me, but I was a planner. There was no plan after the NHL.

The ringing of my phone brought me out of my

bleak thoughts. Without looking at the caller, I answered my cell. “Hello?”

“Let’s chat, friend,” Davis said calmly. Davis knew

me. Zeke was the player, I was the brooder, and Davis was the calm, smart one. He had a way of figuring out where my head was. It usually pissed me off, but I knew this call was coming. Even I knew my reaction today was abnormal for me.

“Davis…” I sighed. “Is this really necessary?”

“You don’t let things get under your skin, James.”

Fuck, I hated when he called me by anything other than TJ. “And we all saw Aife got under yours.”

“I don’t know, Davis.” I slammed my hand on my

kitchen counter. “Why does this need to turn into a big deal?”

“It doesn’t need to. It really doesn’t. You just

shocked us, TJ.”

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“Nothing is going to happen,” I said, pulling a hand

through my hair. “It’s just not, and we all know why. I think I was just shocked at her talent.”

Davis sighed. “Acceptable for now. She’s a good

friend, TJ. She’s going to be around me, and she has been around me for the past three years. I have been very strict in keeping her away from you and Zeke.”

“Okay… and?” There was a coldness in my voice,

the coldness that I needed. Women were not a priority right now. My focus was this season and the upcoming ads to make the NHL more popular.

“And you’re back.” He drew out the “a’s” in and. “Fuck off.”

He laughed. “Night, man.” The other end clicked

off. I sighed. Man, Aife had managed to get under my skin which concerned me.

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CHAPTER 3: MEETING THE PROS

AIFE

Before I knew it, it was Thursday. Thursdays were

the busiest day of my week. I worked 8-4 then ran to the one lecture class I had left, and it lasted three hours. By the time I made it home, I really only had time for a shower and to sleep. Thursdays also happened to be the days when my floor in the hospital went nuts. Everyone had something seemingly go awry on Thursdays, but my bosses knew I absolutely had to be out of the door at four. Thankfully, they were understanding just like my work partner was.

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