Page 10 of Taking Sides

That is until I realize Whitney is watching us. The weight of her stare makes a flush spread through me, no doubt turning my face red.

On the other end of the ice, Grady blows the whistle. I’m grateful to have something to do, giving Grady my attention instead of smiling or talking to her.

“Gentlemen.” His voice bellows above the noise. “Circle up.”

The kids move to center ice. I follow slowly behind, as do Penn and Whitney.

Grady congratulates the boys on a good week. He praises their efforts and then points out the things they should work on in the remainder of the off-season.

“Anything to add, Coach Whitney?” he asks when he’s done.

The boys are on one knee, facing the head coach, but at his words, they swivel around to look at her.

“Have fun?” she says like it’s a question, and that earns her a round of laughter. It’s their usual dynamic. Grady is tough and focused on hockey, whereas Whitney brings a levity to the team. “We’ll have open ice every Tuesday and Thursday for the rest of the summer for anyone who can make it.”

“That’s right. Thank you for reminding me,” Grady says. “Coach Whitney or I will be here to help you in any way we can.”

“Can you help me with my summer school homework?” someone asks.

“Sure,” Whitney says. “As long as by help you mean answer questions you have and not do it for you.”

The kids all laugh again.

“Let’s thank our guests.” Grady looks to me and Penn. “We really appreciate all your help this week and we look forward to cheering you on this season.”

“Ditto,” Penn says.

I smile and nod. It isn’t enough for how much this week has meant to me, but I hope they feel my gratitude.

“Okay. That’s all,” Grady says with a finality to his tone. “Hit the locker rooms and then we’ll head to my house for some food.”

A round of cheers echoes as the boys stand and skate off the ice.

“Hang up all your gear nicely and double-check you have everything before you leave,” Grady calls after them. “I’m not your maid. If you leave it, it’s going in the trash.”

He shakes his head after them, smiling, then his gaze slides back to me and Penn. He skates toward us. “Seriously, thank you both for coming this week.”

“It was our pleasure,” Penn says.

I nod my agreement a second time.

Grady and Penn shake hands. Whitney catches my eye, expectantly, but I’m too slow to realize she’s waiting for me. Grady extends his hand to me next, and Penn holds his out to Whitney. It makes it so the only natural thing for me to do after Grady and I unclasp is to shake with Whitney.

I’m aware that I should not feel as nervous as I do about shaking a woman’s goddamn hand but here we are.

Her grip is tighter than I imagined. Small, cool fingers slide against my palm and send a chill up my arm.

“We can’t thank you enough,” she says. “The kids will be talking about this week for years.”

I say nothing because . . . of course I don’t. She pulls her hand back, but the tingling sensation remains.

“If you don’t have plans this afternoon, then you’re welcome to join us at my house. A little backyard barbecue and swim,” Grady says.

I give him my best apologetic smile, expecting Penn to make excuses for us.

Instead, he places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes in a way that tells me not to argue as he says, “We’d love to.”

What the hell? Penn wants to go to a barbecue? That’s more surprising than . . . wait a minute. He’s grinning too big and way too excited about socializing, which can only mean one thing . . . he’s doing this for me.