Page 134 of The Tryout

I’m still confused at his words, and decide not to speak while I figure out where the fuck I am.

“I’m sorry. I’m in a shitty mood. That’s not your fault.”

“I…it’s okay, Avery. I just don’t understand what the fuck you’re talking about.”

Confident that I’ve figured out the right street, I begin walking again.

“This officially counts as an NHL season for you now.”

“Oh…okay?”

“It means they’re probably not sending you back, baby. Not anytime soon, at least.”

I stop in my tracks.

“They’re not?”

My chest feels tight, my throat thick. In the background, I hear a chant starting on the TV and realize it’s almost midnight there.

A new year.

“Wish I could kiss you, Ave.”

He sniffs, then lets out a long breath.

“Me too, baby.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

AVERY

At practice the next day, I feel a little sluggish, though probably no more so than the rest of the guys. Some are clearly hung over, and others look like they didn’t see their beds at all last night. Still, we have a game the night of the second, so it’s important to get in some reps on the ice.

As practice is wrapping up, Banks skates over to me.

“Hey Lawson, you got a minute after practice? Coach and I would like to talk to you.”

There was a time when this would have stirred up anxiety, worrying about the whats and whys of the conversation. But today, I find I can’t quite muster the concern – it will be good or it won’t, but either way it probably won’t be the top thing on my mind when I leave the rink today.

The meeting takes place in Porter’s office, located just down the hall from Banks’. I haven’t been here yet, though I’ve walked by it a few times on my way to the trainer or video review. As I grab a seat on one side of the desk, Banks gets up to shut the door behind me.

Hm. Maybe this conversation will be at the top of my mind when I leave.

“Well, Lawson, I want to say we’ve been very happy with your performance so far this season. I was certainly…skeptical when you came for your tryout. I think we all sort of thought you were just here as a…favor, you know? But I’ve been happy to be wrong – you’ve really stepped it up and been a valuable member of the team so far this season.”

That sounds…good, right?

“Thank you, Coach.”

Porter looks at Banks before continuing.

“As Cam and I have been looking forward to next year and speaking with the coaches in Minneapolis, we’ve realized that it might be useful to have some more flexibility with our defensive corps.”

I…don’t know what that means. I wonder if he knows what he means. I look at Banks, pleading for him to cut to the chase.

Thankfully, he does.

“We’d like to sign you to a two-way deal.”