Page 229 of Cross Check

I am going to miss her, and I’m goddamn certain a weekend of hockey and Amelia is going to be the death of me.

I have no time to relax on Friday.

After breakfast, I’m whisked away for interviews and photoshoots with some of my favorite brands. Microphones are shoved in my face. My hair gets brushed. I pose next to Alice Berkshire, the PWHL phenom, in my DC jersey to show off an eco-friendly line of watches.

I shake a lot of hands. I meet new people whose names I won’t remember. I go through a practice with my team for the weekend, and by the time the Skills event rolls around, I’m exhausted from the socializing.

So much so, I think I’m hallucinating.

I rub my eyes and stare at the row of seats near the glass, confused when I drop in an empty chair and find Brody Saunders with a notebook open on his lap.

“Uh.” I squint in his direction. There’s a pen stuck in the brim of his backward hat, and I push my finger into his bicep. “Are you real?”

“Hello, Everett,” he draws out, not bothering to turn my way.

“I didn’t know you were in San Diego,” I say.

“Surprise.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Working.” Coach pulls the pen from his hat and uncaps it with his teeth. He jots down a couple of notes, attention unwavering from the rookie who plays for Phoenix. “What are you doing here?”

“Working too, I guess? I was going to watch the Skills event, but now I’m not sure if I should be⁠—”

“Hey, Brody.” Amelia drops in the seat on Coach’s right and stares out at the ice. “Everett.”

“Hi Am—Coach Green. Hang on. You two hang out?” I rub my forehead. “Am I in an alternate universe?”

“We don’t hang out.” Coach makes another note then finally looks at me. “I’m doing research, and Amelia is offering me her opinion on the Baltimore players participating tonight.”

“Research?” I ask. “Are we looking to make a trade? Fuck. Am I being traded?”

Amelia disguises her laugh as a cough. “You haven’t told your guys what’s going on?”

“They don’t need access to my personal life,” Coach mumbles.

“Pretty sure that went out the window when you fell in love with my sister, dude.”

“Fine.” He closes his notebook and folds his hands over the front. “The league let me know I’m a frontrunner to be the head coach for the men’s team at the Olympics next year. Your darling sister told me it would be smart to make an appearance this weekend so the commissioner knows I’m taking the possibility seriously. Figured I’d work on hypothetical rosters while I’m here.”

“Holy shit, Coach. That’s amazing!” I give him a hug he doesn’t reciprocate. “Congratulations.”

“It’s not a sure thing. Just a maybe.” Coach sighs. “But thanks, Everett. I appreciate it.”

“Think Everett will make the Olympic team?” Amelia asks.

“Whoa. Hey. You don’t need to have that conversation when I’m around.” I hold up my hands. “I’m happy with my role in DC, and while it’s a dream of mine, I’m not⁠—”

“Yes. He’s versatile and can play both left and right winger.” Coach caps his pen and stands. “If you’ll excuse me, I have the unfortunate task of talking to people I don’t like.” His eyes narrow when he looks down at me. “Are you doing anything that would get you in trouble, Everett?”

“What? No. Nope. No way. I’m planning on watching a couple of skaters then going back to my room.” My ears turn red, and Amelia laughing at me isn’t helping my case. “Perfectly normal. Nothing to worry about.”

Coach leaves with a grunt, and I blow out a sigh of relief. Amelia scoots into his vacant seat and drops her elbow on her thigh.

“What kind of trouble does he think you’re getting into?” she asks.

“Saunders had to deal with Maverick before our captain fell in love with Emmy. I’m afraid to know some of the things he’s seen.” I shudder and toss her a grin. “But he doesn’t have to worry about me. I’m a perfect angel.”