Page 6 of Buzzer Beater

“Time!”

I turned to the kitchen to see Erik strutting around with his hands in the air.

“He’s going to regret that.” Madeline sounded grim.

“Pay up everyone!” Erik sounded a little too cocky for someone full of ricotta and sugar.

Once he got his dues, people trickled into the living room. I glanced at my accomplices and nodded once.

“Hey guys.” I waited until I had everyone’s attention. “I’ve got an idea and before anyone shuts it down, I want you guys to think about how hard we’ve been working.”

Hartman gestured with a sweep of his arm. “Just tell us, Brassard.”

“I think it would be a good idea for all of us to go on vacation.” I held my hands up as half a dozen mouths opened. “It will just be a week or so, and I’ll contact the resort to make sure we can reserve the gym for training every day.”

Hartman looked around the room. I knew he was the key decision maker. If Captain was game, everyone would follow.

Erik shrugged, and Noah was nodding.

Come on Reese. I watched him, waiting for any reaction, but he was looking at Chloe.

“I don’t think we can go with a newborn.” Olli scratched his beard.

Emma rubbed Olli’s shoulder. “It depends on when you’re wanting to go.”

“I was thinking this week.”

Everyone stopped at the same time.

“This week?” Emma asked, confused. “How will we get reservations in time?”

I smiled. “I already made them.”

“What?” A few people shouted at the same time.

I shrugged. “I wanted this for everyone. I reserved six suites.” I waited for them to digest the information. “And I chartered a plane. It leaves tomorrow morning at ten.”

Madeline was laughing but everyone else looked shocked.

I probably should have told the girls earlier, but I didn’t want to hear I was crazy. I just wanted to give everyone a break.

Chloe looked around and nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay?” She was agreeing?

“Yeah, I think that would be a good idea. Reese and I didn’t take a very long honeymoon. It would be nice to get away as a group before the season starts when we don’t have the option.”

I looked around waiting for the others’ reactions. Slowly, more and more people began nodding. I waited for Hartman. He was staring straight ahead. Not giving anything away.

Come on.

He blinked and met my eyes. “Let’s go.”

Cheers erupted and soon everyone was on their feet.

“Well, I guess that means the party is over.” Emma clapped her hands.

Erik turned green and jumped off the couch. “I’m not feeling very good.” Without another word he took off down the hallway.