Page 212 of Cross Check

“I take it he’s universally hated around here?” I ask.

“Loathed is more like it,” Thorne says. “And since he brought it up, let’s talk about it. We recognize and respect that you’re a woman, but we’re not going to treat you differently than we would anyone else in your position. You’re not a distraction. You’re not unqualified. You deserve to be here, and we’re excited for the opportunity to learn from you.”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence,” I tell him. “At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: To put together a successful team and win. This roster has the potential to go far this season, and I’m excited for us to get to work and take the first steps toward our shared goal. If at any point you have any questions, comments, or concerns, my door is open.”

“And if any of you want us to paint your nails—because apparently some talk show hosts think that’s all we’re good for—we’re happy to,” Emmy chimes in.

The team finishes getting dressed and grabs their gear to hit the ice for the first practice of the season. When the locker room clears out, Thorne stands in front of me.

“Thanks for the pep talk,” I say.

“You could never be a distraction to me.” His grin is conspiring, and he drops his voice low. “I have a boyfriend of three years I love very much. And I cry more than anyone on the team.”

“You know what, Thorne? We’re going to get along just fine.” Pride blooms in my chest. “Don’t tell the others, but you just became my favorite.”

“It’ll be our secret, Coach,” he says, and I carry that excitement with me for the next two hours.

SIXTY-FIVE

GRANT

“I’m in so much pain.” I groan and sit in front of my stall. “Hey, Lexi,” I yell. “Is it possible to break your butt?”

“Nope, but I’ll give you some exercises to try at home to work out that stiffness,” she answers.

“First day of training camp is done.” Ethan drops his stick on the floor and yawns. “Proud to say I didn’t puke.”

“Wait until tomorrow.” Riley grins. “You’re not going to like what Coach has planned.”

“It’s not fair you already know the hell he’s going to put us through,” I say. “You’re supposed to be one of us, Mitchy.”

“Tell that to my prosthetic leg. The AHL is fun, but I can’t play more than one game a week. It’s too much stress on my body, and I like hanging around you guys.” He pushes his glasses up his nose. “Seeing Easy E get his ass handed to him is one of my favorite things.”

“I don’t like all this hate being thrown my way. I’m the pillar that holds this team together.” Ethan flips him off and grabs his water bottle. “You all would crumble without me.”

“Glad to know you didn’t learn humility during the offseason,” Hudson says.

“Great first day,” Maverick announces to the locker room, and we quiet down. “This is step one in our quest for the Cup. It’s going to be a long season, and I don’t want anyone to lose sight of what we’re working toward. Our vets know how goddamn rewarding it is to lift that trophy at the end of the year. Victory is sweet, and it makes every early morning, every brutal workout, every sled push and bench press worth it. If you’re a rookie, I don’t want to catch you slacking. You have a role on this team, and that means giving all your effort, all the time.” He stares at our two newcomers. They’re barely twenty, and they look scared shitless. “We succeed as a team. We fail as a team. Don’t be the one who leaves a game disappointed with a defeat because you didn’t work hard enough.”

“I love when Mav gets fired up,” Ethan says. “That’s why he’s our fearless captain.”

“About that.” Maverick moves to the center of the room. “You all are my brothers, and it doesn’t feel right to start the year without being honest with you about something.” His gaze flicks over to Coach who gives him a nod. “This is my last season, boys,” he says, and I gasp. “The final dance. The ending to a career I can’t believe I’ve gotten to share with you all.” His words turn hoarse. He stares at the floor, and his shoulders start to shake. “I came into the league a fucking mess. I was a kid who didn’t know what the hell he was doing, only that he wanted to have a good time. I made mistakes. I fucked up. I missed goals. I lost games down the stretch. I partied. But then Coach signed a girl from the ECHL, and my life changed.”

“What the fuck?” Ethan mumbles.

“Tell us you’re kidding.” Connor wipes his cheek. “This is some dumb prank you’re pulling.”

“This can’t be happening,” I say, and my eyes fill with tears.

“Let him finish,” Hudson says, and he doesn’t sound as surprised as I feel.

“For a long time, I only considered myself a hockey player. With Emmy, I’m so much more. I’m a partner. A husband. A dad.” Maverick chokes on a sob and looks at us again. “I love the game, but I love that part of my life more. I’ve been a professional athlete for a long time, and I’m tired. I want to rest, and I want to do it with my favorite girls. So.” His laugh is watery and splits down the middle. “At the end of this year, I’m hanging up my skates. I’m bowing out of the greatest job I’ve ever had with the greatest friends I’ve ever had. I’ve watched most of you grow up. I’ve seen the men you’ve turned into, and it’ll be the biggest honor to play alongside you all one more time. And we better make it a good fucking ride.”

Liam stands. He sets his mask on his stool and rests his stick against his stall. He walks toward Maverick, pads and all, and throws his arms around him. Maverick clutches his shoulders, hugging him tight, and soon we all follow. We create a circle around them, and my nose burns from how hard I’m crying.

“My butt doesn’t feel broken anymore but my heart sure as fuck does,” I say. “I can’t believe you’re retiring, Mavvy.”

“You’ll be running the show here in a couple of years, Grant. The team is in good hands.”