Page 41 of Cross Check

@AmeliaGreen

I lied. City adjacent.

I’m in Baltimore to speak at a Women in Sports day Emmy is doing.

@GrantEverett

That’s awesome! Makes perfect sense, too. You two are the queens of the league.

@AmeliaGreen

I’m nervous. I’m not a good public speaker.

@GrantEverett

You have no problem when you’re behind the bench, do you?

@AmeliaGreen

No. I love it.

@GrantEverett

Think of the audience as a really big team you’re coaching.

@AmeliaGreen

That actually helps a lot. Thanks, Grant.

@GrantEverett

You’re welcome, Amelia. Kick some ass!!

“Thanks for flying out and helping me on your two days off during training camp.” Emmy smiles at me from where we stand behind a large curtain. “When the Sea Crabs approached me about organizing a Women in Sports day, you were the first person I thought of.”

“I’m happy to do it. I wish there had been more things like this when I was growing up.” I take a steadying breath. “But no promises I won’t mess up all my words.”

“I’m probably going to do the same.” She laughs. “We’re paid to be experts at hockey, not public speaking.”

“Exactly. Speaking of hockey, how are things with you?”

“Amazing.” Emmy sighs, and it’s in a happy way. In a everything-is-going-right way. “Ending up in Baltimore during free agency was a gift. The team is great, and we have some stellar players on our roster. But between you and me, I’m not a huge fan of our coach,” she adds out of the corner of her mouth. “A lot of the guys dislike him too.”

“Oh?” I step closer. “Bad coaching style?”

“No. That part is fine. This sounds silly, but it’s more of a gut feeling. There are some men where from the moment I’ve met them, I’ve felt I needed to be careful.” She pauses, eyes meeting mine. “He’s one of them.”

“I’m going to put on my assistant coach hat for a minute and tell you that you can make an anonymous report to the NHLPA if you think they should look into his behavior.” I lift an eyebrow. “They can see if there’s the potential for bigger problems.”

“Really? That’s a great idea. Maybe some of my teammates would be willing to chime in too.” Her smile is full of relief. “Thanks for the advice.”

A woman with a headset peeks out from behind the curtain. She holds up her finger, giving us the one minute warning before I need to take the stage. I fan my face with my notecards and exhale another rough scrape of air.

“I’m going to be mortified if I mess up,” I say.

“My friend Piper is the rinkside reporter for the Stars, and she accidentally said penis yesterday during an interview instead of putrid.” Emmy bursts out laughing. “There’s no way you’ll flub your lines like that.”

“That gives me some reassurance. If a professional is allowed to mess up, so am I.” I grin. “Thanks for the confidence boost.”