Page 160 of Cross Check

I grab our empty drinks, putting them in the trash. I toss the pizza box and wipe down the kitchen counters before heading to my bedroom. After a quick shower, I climb in bed and swipe back over to my messages with Amelia.

Me

Are you free for a quick call?

I don’t have to wait long before my phone is ringing with a FaceTime call. I lean against the headboard with an arm behind my head, answering right away.

“Hey,” I say.

“Are you wearing a face mask?” Amelia asks, and I touch my cheek.

“Yup. Gotta keep the skin moisturized now that we’re back to spending time on airplanes.”

“And is that a beard?”

“I love a FaceTime interrogation. I am growing a beard. It’s to raise awareness for men’s mental health this month, but don’t worry. It’s still me under here.”

“For a second I thought you were an imposter.” She props her phone up, leaning back in her chair. “How’s your night?”

“Hannah came over for pizza, and it was nice to catch up with her. She’s been in a tough spot mentally with skating, but now she’s coaching Coach Saunders’s daughter, and I think she’s better. Talking with her made me want to check on you.”

“What do you mean?” Amelia rests her elbow on her desk, and she must be in her home office. There are framed jerseys behind her and a couple of photos on the wall. “I’m fine.”

“The season is young, but your job can’t be easy. You’re in charge of your players’ well-being, but who asks how you’re doing? If there’s anything you need?”

There’s a long pause where Amelia blinks at the camera. She dips her chin and tucks a piece of hair behind her ears. When she lifts her gaze, she bites her bottom lip.

“This is a first for me,” she says, voice soft and low. “I mean, Lainey and Sienna always check in. They know if I’m having a bad day and would drop everything if I asked for help. But I’ve never had someone from my professional life ask how I am.”

“Hannah went a long time without letting me know she was suffering from burnout. Maybe if I had checked in more, I could’ve been more help.” I sigh. “Anyway. Don’t feel pressured to answer. I just wanted you to know there are people who care about you.”

“Today I’m good. We leave for Toronto tomorrow, and then we head over to Los Angeles. I’m feeling confident to start the season.” Amelia pulls her leg to her chest. “I’m also feeling restless.”

“Restless how?”

“I don’t know how to explain it. It’s not unhappiness—I’m more than satisfied with my salary, my role in Denver, and my relationship with Jude and the players on our roster. When I sit in the silence, I swear there’s a whisper in the back of my mind. A voice telling me I need to take a leap. It sounds completely absurd, but I⁠—”

“It’s not absurd. It sounds like your subconscious is too comfortable with where you are right now. It’s ready for more of a challenge. For something new.” I turn on my side and rest my phone against the stack of pillows. “And I think you know what comes next.”

“Being a head coach,” she whispers, and I nod. “I’ve been mulling it over. Weighing the pros and cons. Trying to decide if I’m ready for that step.”

“You’re the only one who can know for sure, but for what it’s worth, I think you’re ready, Lia. I’m not saying that as your friend. I’m saying it as someone who understands the sport and recognizes what you bring to the table.”

“What if I’m dreaming too big?”

“That’s the best part about dreams: If they don’t come true, you get to try again tomorrow. But you’re not dreaming too big.”

“This offseason.” Her voice melts to a wisp of excitement. The husk of determination. Her eyes sparkle, and she sits up. “If I’m still restless in the offseason, I’ll know it’s time to apply to an open position and try.”

“There she is,” I say. “Coach Green, the confident badass.”

“I didn’t know this was the turn our conversation was going to take when I answered your call, but I’m glad it did. You’ve always believed in me, haven’t you?”

“Always. And I hate to break it to you, but I’m not going to stop anytime soon.”

“I wouldn’t want you to.” Amelia smiles, and I can feel it through the screen. Warm, bright. I miss her so fucking much. “Thanks for checking on me. I’m sure there are a dozen people ahead of me on the list, but if you ever need anything or just want to talk, I always want to know how you’re doing.”

“You’d be at the top of the list.” I grin. “I appreciate that, Lia. Are you having a good night in Colorado?”