Page 19 of Cross Check

“You too, Green.”

She turns, jogging down the hall, and I decide that spending time with her was worth the headache from all the smiling.

Later in my hotel room, content and happy after a meal with the coaching staff, I post the photo Emmy and I took to social media. I caption it women in sports and tag her, smiling at the notifications that come pouring in.

It’s rare I share my personal life with the world. I’ve long believed I don’t owe anyone any insight into moments that don’t pertain to my job, but this photo is different. It’s the merging of both parts of me, and I want any of the women out there watching my story to know you can be more than one thing.

You can be the coach of a men’s professional sports team, but you can also be the woman who roots for other women in your field. There’s room for Emmy and me to coexist without it turning into a competition, and I’m going to fall asleep knowing I have a new friend I can call when I need help navigating any of the shit directed my way.

One notification in particular catches my eye, and my grip tightens on my phone.

GMoneyEverett18 liked your photo.

It’s the first real trace of him anywhere on my social media, and I stare at it. Spontaneity races through me as I tap over to his profile.

There’s a photo with a blonde girl who has the same cheekbones and smile as him.

Another of him and Ethan Richardson, shirtless and standing on the back of a boat. Grant is caught mid-laugh, sunburnt with freckles littering the bridge of his nose. His body looks leaner than it did last season, with soft skin giving way to muscles in his biceps and chest.

The next is him with Riley Mitchell. They’re wearing matching glasses and holding up a Lego set.

A team shot, Grant sitting in Hudson’s lap and resting his hand on Connor McKenzie’s thigh.

My heart rate kicks up. I click over to the message icon, and my thumbs fly across the screen. I type out a message and pause to read it back.

@AmeliaGreen

You’re quick to dole out likes. Please tell me your life is more exciting than sitting around waiting for me to post on social media.

I hesitate. If I send this, I’m opening the door of communication. It’s no different than the messages I have in my inbox from other players. The ones that say great drill idea, AG, and a drunken go Badgers!!!! after our alma mater beat Minnesota last week, but it feels different.

A friend.

He can be a friend with a mutual interest in hockey and good sandwiches. That’s allowed. I hit send before I have the chance to second-guess myself.

I don’t have to wait long for his response. It comes back almost instantaneously, and I sit up.

@GMoneyEverett118

I’m going to say yes, only so you don’t think I’m pathetic.

How did it go with Emmy? That’s a great pic.

@AmeliaGreen

It was lovely. She’s amazing. We’re planning to take over the world.

@GMoneyEverett118

That’s a leadership team I can get behind. I’m going to make Green/Hartwell pins and hand them out.

I smile and lie back down, turning on my side.

@AmeliaGreen

Wonder if you’ll still think that when we beat you all tomorrow.

@GMoneyEverett118