Page 49 of False Start
“Blaze!” The team shouts in unison.
The guys all finish grabbing their gear as they start to line up to head out to the ice, while the girls and I stay where we are, waiting for everyone to clear out.
Coach makes his way over to us as the guys file out of the room. “You all set for tonight, ladies?”
Hannah picks up her head, but keeps my hand in hers. “Everything’s set up and ready to go Daddy Davenport,” she teases, and I can’t help but burst into laughter at how his face lights up with a blush.
“I told you to stop calling me that, Hannah.” He chides, but there’s no bite to his tone.
“Please don’t say daddy when you refer to my dad, Han. I might actually throw up.” Emilia pulls away and fakes a gagging motion, making me laugh even harder.
“Oh come on, it’s all in good fun, right, Coach?” Hannah winks at him, and I quietly giggle at her antics.
I’ve noticed that she truly loves to tease and rile up Coach, and by the blush that’s coating his face, it’s definitely working.
“Anyways,” he says as he rolls his eyes and turns his attention toward me. “I came to check in with you Kailyn. Iwanted to see how everything’s been going with this transition.”
I debate if I want to say anything now since we’re gearing up for a game, but decided that me keeping secrets is what got me into this mess in the first place.
“Actually, I’ve been having some issues with you know who,” I look behind me and around the room to make sure that he’s not listening. “He’s still upset about everything, and now it’s gotten to the point that he’s making me a bit uncomfortable.”
I feel both Hannah and Emilia squeeze my hands in silent support.
Coach sighs in frustration, but the softness he looks at me with lets me know it’s not directed towards me. “I had my suspicions he might act like an ass, but I also hoped that the talk Josh and I had with him would help.”
He runs his hands along his face, a tired expression behind them.
“I’m sorry Coach. I should’ve waited till after the game to tell you.”
His hands drop lightning fast as he reaches out and puts his hands on my shoulders. “This is not on you, Kailyn. You have done nothing to deserve feeling uncomfortable because of him. I’m glad you told me now, because it’s my job to look after this team, and that includes every one of you.” He looks at the three of us, sincerity shining in his eyes.
“Thanks, Coach. I hate to add more to your plate.”
He squeezes my shoulders once more before releasing me and taking a step back. “You let me worry about that. For now, I will loop in Coach Johnson and we’ll do our best to keep an eye on things tonight, and then come up with a game plan for moving forward, okay?”
“Okay. Thank you.”
“I promise, we will figure this out. I just need you to trust me.”
“I do.”
“Good. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing and if anything else happens, I don’t care what either of us is doing, you come tell one of us immediately.” He smiles at each of us, then leans over to kiss Emilia on the cheek before turning and walking over towards the large line of players waiting to skate onto the ice.
“I’m proud of you, Kay.” Emilia steps in front of me, and I don’t even think. I wrap my arms around them both for a group hug.
We all burst out in laughter, and it makes me happy to know I’ve found my people.
“Thanks, babe. I’m glad to have you both.”
“Listen, you’re kinda stuck with us now. There’s no returns or exchanges allowed,” Hannah adds.
“Good, because I wasn’t planning on it. And just so you know, you're officially a member of the group, Han. So next wine night you’re coming over,” I say.
“Wait, when was the first wine night? And why wasn’t I invited?” Emilia pulls back and crosses her arms as she pouts at me.
“We haven’t had one yet, but we really need to. I love me a good wine night.”
“As long as there’s a charcuterie board and some chips there, I’m always down,” Hannah adds.
