Page 6 of Flashback for the Forward

He had a good point. While September technically marked the start of the season, in reality, travel teams selected their rosters in May and spent all summer training. Breaking into one now would be difficult.

“You could always grease some palms,” Crew chimed in. “If you know what I mean.”

“No way.” Levi shook his head. “I’m not gonna be the guy who buys his kid a spot. He needs to earn it. Just like all of us did.”

My twin nodded. “Fair. Just hate to see him waste a year.”

Arizona joined the conversation. “He’s picking up the sport at fourteen, and you guys are acting like he’s going pro.”

“I mean, he probably won’t get drafted with the late start,” Levi conceded, “but he’s got raw talent, so it is possible that he could someday sign with a minor league affiliate.”

His wife didn’t seem all too impressed with that option. “Okay, and what do the contracts look like at that level?”

My teammate cringed. “Just shy of six-figures per year on average.”

These days, that was barely enough to live on.

“He fell in love with the game because it’s something the two of you bonded over, but I don’t want to see him throw away his future chasing an unattainable dream.”

Levi geared up to argue, but before he could utter a single word, I said, “She’s right.”

His head swung in my direction. “Dude, you’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I’m on Austin’s side.” I made my position clear. “I get where you’re coming from, I do, but you have to be practical. We were the lucky ones, and while some might argue it had more to do with skill, we know that’s not always how it works. Our parents made sacrifices that other families might not have been able to swing. They shelled out thousands so we could participate in elite tournaments to get exposure, which led to landing agents who spoke to teams on our behalf and drummed up interest going into the draft. A million things needed to go exactly right for us to land where we are today. Most don’t go pro, which is why it’s considered a dream. Doesn’t make sense to steer a kid with good grades off track because you think it would be really fucking cool to see him follow in your footsteps.”

A rumble vibrated through his chest. “Fine.”

“Thank you for being the voice of reason, Cole.” Arizona flashed me a grateful smile.

Maisie’s eyes lit up, and she pushed her way past Crew and me, exclaiming, “You played so good!” We spun around in time to catch her pulling her brother in for a hug, but she quickly reared back, plugging her nose. “Ew, you stink!”

Ah, yes, the infamous hockey stench—a smell unlike any other.

I’d been playing this game for so long, constantly surrounded by nasty, sweaty hockey gear, that it barely even registered anymore.

Levi chuckled, addressing his stepson. “Should have warned you that a post-game shower isn’t a suggestion. It’s mandatory, bud.”

Austin wrinkled his nose. “Dude, there’s literally one shower stall, and it doesn’t have a door. No way am I gonna let my junk hang out for the rest of the team to see.”

My twin couldn’t contain his snicker. “Okay, who’s gonna be the one to tell him?”

“Not it.” I touched my nose.

The teenage boy eyed us critically. “Tell me what?”

With a murderous glare shot in our direction, Levi explained, “If you stick with hockey long enough, you might as well forget about modesty in the locker room.”

It took Austin a minute to put it together, his brows drawing down. But when it hit him exactly what his stepdad was implying, his jaw dropped open. Pointing a finger between the three of us, he asked, “You’ve all seen each other naked?”

Crew rocked back on his heels. “I mean, technically, you’re supposed to avert your eyes, but it’s a little difficult when there are twenty guys walking around letting it all hang out.” A smirk teased onto his lips. “First time you get a European teammate, you’re in for a fun surprise.”

I dragged a hand down my face, groaning.

Levi looked as if he wanted to strangle my brother.

And poor Austin was as confused as ever. “Why? What’s different about a European?”

“Okay.” Arizona clapped her hands. “I think that’s enough penis talk in public for one night, wouldn’t you say, gentlemen?”