Page 114 of What We Knew Then
“I’m still mad at you,” Coach Banks admits. “Believe that. But after hearing them out, I do owe you an apology. I didn’t come out and say it, but I questioned your character. And I had no reason to do that. I believe what you told me. And I’m sorry.”
I clear my throat. “Thank you. I appreciate it.” My voice is as low as it can be without being a whisper.
“We have to have some other conversations, about you and Cora…” His face twists, like he’s uncomfortable but trying to get through it as he glances between the two of us. “But I think you’ve done enough.”
“What does that mean?” I ask, trying to figure out what it is he means.
Oliver laughs and says, “That means I get to beat Great Lakes U with you on the ice tomorrow.” His hand claps me on the back but I can’t move.
I don’t believe it.
Shaking my head, Coach Banks jumps in. “He’s right. Consider your suspension served. I’ll go on record saying we were being cautious with a potential injury that tested out completely fine, and no one will know any of this happened, besides the people in this room.” His face is soft, in an unexpected way.
“I get to play tomorrow?” I try to swallow past the emotion I refuse to let loose, but I’m doing a shit job because my voice cracks.
“Yes. You get to play tomorrow,” Coach Banks confirms with a smile. “You and I will have another conversation, but now, I’ve got dinner with my beautiful wife. Make sure to let your team know.”
The coaches shake hands and then it’s just the four of us. I don’t know what to say.
Oliver fills the silence. “We came a day early, obviously. Want to grab a bite and catch up?”
I nod, too scared to open my mouth.
“Get cleaned up and meet us out front when you’re ready.” The two men look at me and Cora before stepping outside.
And then it’s just me and Cora left.
I don’t even know what to say.
She starts. “Have fun at dinner. You deserve it.” Her eyes are bright, like the pool you want to jump in on a scorching summer day.
Cora reaches for the door and I grab her arm, pulling her into a hug. I breathe in, smelling the lavender of her shampoo. She sort of sinks into me and fuck, I’ve missed her.
She did this for me.
“Thank you. I can’t believe you did this—”
Cora squeezes me and then steps back. “Let’s talk after the game tomorrow. You’ve got family in town and a game to prep for.” Her smile is sweet and honest, one that grounds me.
Family.
The word has never felt right to me. Like something that didn’t work out. But when she says it, it feels like it clicks. Becomes a part of me.
I nod and say, “Okay, I’ll find you after.”
“You better win tomorrow,” she teases with the door half open, and a smirk I want to kiss.
I laugh as she walks out.
Because no matter what… I think I’ve already won.
Chapter 68
CORA
Thearenaisalreadyshaking and its only warm ups. It’s the kind of energy you feel in your bones. Almost seventeen thousand people buzzing with anticipation, the music loud, and the student section already on their feet.
Top two teams in college hockey—a regular season matchup that feels anything but regular.
