Page 4 of Icing on Top

“Come back! I’m going to make you stinky, too!”

Chapter 2

Zoe

“How were the little tikes?” Uncle Cal asked.

Even if he’d decided to give up the title of coach, he’d never stop loving those kids. Not that I could blame him. I’d only spent a few hours with them, and they’d all but stolen my heart. They just looked so damn cute skating around the ice in their tiny gear.

I pinned my phone between my ear and shoulder as I rummaged through the fridge. There was a jar of sweet and spicy pickles in it somewhere. Surely I hadn’t already eaten all of them.

“They were great! You weren’t kidding when you told me how talented they are. And that little Charlie? I’ve never seen a kid snag pucks out of the air like that.”

Nudging the milk carton to the side revealed the jar of pickles. While they weren’t completely gone, there weren’t many left. I’d have to remember to go to the grocery store soon to get more.

“Ah, Little Langfield. You met her father, right?”

I popped open the lid and then brandished my fork.

“Um, yeah. You failed to mention that I’d be coaching the child of a former NHL player.”

I could just imagine the innocent look he was undoubtedly wearing. The ‘Who me?’ look.

“How were the other parents?”

I groaned before biting down on a pickle slice with a satisfying crunch. “Just as I expected, honestly. You left me with big shoes to fill, and they aren’t so sure I’m up to the task.”

“They said that?”

“They didn’t have to say it. The looks they gave each other said enough.”

“Did you tell them you’ve played your entire life? All through college? That you were dra—”

“I shouldn’t have to lay out my entire hockey résumé in order to be taken seriously as a coach,” I grumbled as I leaned back against the counter. “It’s Mite League, for crying out loud.”

“I agree,” Uncle Cal amended. “Just give them some time, and they’ll see that you’re a thousand times better than me.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but he didn’t allow it, already changing the subject. Again.

“Aunt Peg wants to know if you’ll be coming over for dinner tomorrow. She’s got a whole meal planned out.”

When I first moved to Denver for college, my aunt and uncle had me over at least once a week for a homemade meal. While I obviously benefited from it, I knew it meant a lot to them as well. They’d never been able to have children and were up here in the mountains alone, so I became a surrogate daughter of sorts. Even though I was now nearly eleven years removed from college, I still did my best to visit as often as I could.

“Of course.” I glanced over at the Tupperware container on the counter next to me. “Tell her not to worry about dessert. I stress-baked way too many snickerdoodles today before practice.”

“You should’ve taken them with you. Won over the parents with your delicious cookies.”

It was definitely a thought. Maybe for the next practice I could bring a healthier option, like muffins. It’d be easy enough to make mini muffins in different flavors for the kids.

“Next time,” I promised. I nudged the pickle slices with my fork. “Thanks again for trusting me with the team.”

“I can’t think of anyone better for the job.”

My phone buzzed against my ear, signaling that I had another incoming call. I set the pickle jar down so I could check the screen. A picture of my best friend’s son smiled back at me.

“Jada’s calling,” I explained to Uncle Cal. “I’ll see you tomorrow with snickerdoodles in hand.”

“You’re the best!” he called out. “Tell Jada hi. We miss her and the family.”