Page 31 of Cross Check

“You’re the most unpredictable person I’ve ever met. I pay attention to things, particularly things that involve my friends. That’s you now, right?”

“Right.” Inhale. Exhale. A man eight years younger than me shouldn’t be scrambling my brain like this. He’s not allowed to scramble my brain like this. “I should get back to my team. Until we meet again, Everett.”

“Coach Green,” Grant calls as I head down the hall. I turn to look at him over my shoulder. “The season might be over, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting rid of me.”

“I didn’t think I’d be able to. You’re like a lost puppy trying to find a home.”

“Let me know if you hear of any good places accepting strays.” A wider grin, with a dimple that’s showing off. “See you in the fall.”

Another year down, I tell myself when I slip in my office. You’re going to be fine.

A whisper at the back of my mind tells me those are famous last words.

FOURTEEN

@GMoneyEverett118

Happy postseason!

@AmeliaGreen

My life is pointless.

@GMoneyEverett118

Sucks, doesn’t it?

@AmeliaGreen

You all had a nice playoff showing. First time the Stars have made the postseason in, what? A decade?

@GMoneyEverett118

Something like that. A conference final exit stings, but we’ll be back and better than ever next year.

@AmeliaGreen

So will we.

@GMoneyEverett118

Facing off against each other for the Cup would be fun.

@AmeliaGreen

I’d send the hotel monsters after you.

@GMoneyEverett118

Amelia. I’m so disappointed in you.

@AmeliaGreen

Did you change your username, or am I losing my mind?

@GrantEverett

I did. RIP to GMoney.