Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 140742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 704(@200wpm)___ 563(@250wpm)___ 469(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 704(@200wpm)___ 563(@250wpm)___ 469(@300wpm)
45
FINN
“If you do that, you won’t have time to clear the puck!” I shout.
Preseason starts next week, and even though it’s out of town, it’ll be the Owls’ first game ever. Two days later, we’ll be back here and have our inaugural home opener. Growing up, I never thought Fairview would get a professional hockey team. Definitely not while I was still playing. Win or lose, this game will be in the history books, and that’s something the entire team seems to be very aware of. For a group that hasn’t played together before, we’re pretty in sync.
“If you can’t stop there, you need to drop the pass,” Coach P says to Gally, who’s a first-year player.
A lot of these kids are. Hamilton and I are amongst the three oldest players on the team.
“Or I can flip pass,” Gally says, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
He loves trying out fancy passes that are great in practice but may not work during a game.
“That would only work if you’re able to get it to me,” I say and skate back to the cones on the other side. “Let’s go again.”
“Let’s switch up the line,” Coach P says. “Hamilton! Fletcher! Get over here. Gallagher, move to right defense.”
I almost breathe out a sigh of relief. I’ve been trying to keep my opinions to a minimum, since I’m not the coach and Coach P has proven his worth on every team he’s worked for. It’s hard, though. Especially when I know Gally would be a better grinder than wingman. All of our practices flow better when Ham and Dame are my wings. We’re playing against the rest of our teammates, which has also been helpful.
“Jefferson was a swingman in college. He played both positions well,” Coach P says.
I feel my mouth tip up. “Trying to replace me already?”
He laughs. “I’d never dream of it. He’s one to watch though.”
“He definitely has the speed,” I say. “Maybe we should try him at left D.”
Coach nods and writes something down on his pad. We spend the next two hours going over our plays on the ice, and a third watching film of our practice. By the time we finish and hang up our gear for the equipment managers to clean, the sun is already setting.
“I’m assuming you’re going to your mom’s birthday thing,” Hamilton says as we walk to our cars.
“I told her I’d swing by. I don’t want to be there longer than I have to.”
“Are you taking Joss?”
“I’m hoping she goes. She’s not really looking forward to dealing with that group of people.”
“I don’t blame her,” he says. “You know everyone goes to your mom’s birthday parties. Everyone.”
“You mean Gracie?”
“Yep. I can’t imagine that’ll go over well.”
“Fuck Gracie.” I feel myself scowl.
“It’s not really about her. I’m sure you don’t want Joss to feel uncomfortable.”
“Of course not, but she’ll be with me.”
He shrugs. “I’m going to drop by with Ella. Let me know when you head over there, so we can be there at the same time.”
I bump his fist and we go our separate ways. I have to find a way to convince Joss to go with me. It’s not only because her being there will finally get my mother off my back about setting me up with someone. I want her there. I want to be around her all the fucking time.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Josslyn whisper-shouts as we walk toward the country club.
“Who knew orgasms were the way to your heart,” I say.
“Finneas,” she hisses and looks around.
I squeeze her to my side. “You’re so fucking cute.”
“I’ve only spoken to your mother once and it was to tell her about Mallory. I highly doubt she has a good impression of me.”
I stop walking and pull away so she can see my face. “I already told you I don’t care what impression she has of you. You’re mine and if she doesn’t like you, she can fuck right off.”
Her eyes widen. “Finn!”
So fucking cute. I feel my lips tip up as I grab her hand in mine and continue walking.
“I know you don’t have the best relationship with her, but you should speak to her. Maybe invite her to a game?” she suggests quietly.
“That’s not happening.”
“If she brings it up, you should extend an invitation.” She shrugs. “If she doesn’t, then she can fuck right off.”
I chuckle and kiss her temple.
“Is Lucas coming? Are Will and Ella here already?” she asks quietly, as we reach the open doors that lead to the event area.
“They should be here soon.”
“Okay, good.” She takes a deep breath and lets it out, squeezing my hand as we walk inside.
I spot my father right away with a group of his friends. He only spares me a quick look before he focuses on Josslyn, admiring her a little too much for my liking. Because of the small space between the chairs, I’m forced to let go of her hand as we walk over.