Page 100 of Rookie Moves

“Thanks, Coach.”

“I mean it. Your dedication is to be admired, not just the work you put in to improving yourself, but to look out for your teammates too. You’ve been a valuable member of the team, and I wish you all the best in whatever the future has in store for you.”

A knot of emotion crawls up into my throat, and I quickly blink to ward off the tears that threaten to form.

“That means a lot, Coach. Playing for you has been one of my greatest achievements, and I’ll never forget it.”

Coach Vaughn grins, clapping a hand on my shoulder.

“Make sure to collect your gear before you leave. I’ve had your jersey cleaned, and it’s hanging in your stall for you to take, along with a small token of my appreciation,” he says. “Take care, Becksy.”

With that, he steps around me and makes a beeline toward Liam. I’m watching Liam wrap his arms around Coach with tears falling down his cheeks when I spot Colby weaving through the crowd. His head is tipped down, mouth twisted in a tight smile as he acknowledges those who recognize him.

I’m about to open my mouth to call him over when my dad speaks.

“You won’t be needing any of your hockey equipment, so let your coach know before you leave to donate it or throw it in the trash.”

My head whips toward him in shock.

“What?”

“You heard me. I’ve already told you that you won’t have time to play anymore. There’s a lot to learn, and you’re going to need to learn fast because I’ve got a lot of clients in mind who will be great to add to your portfolio,” he says, and then his phone pings with a notification at the same moment Colby appears beside me.

Ignoring Colby’s presence, my dad continues. “Our driver is here to take us to the airport. Don’t forget the removal company will be with you at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, and a car will pick you up at eleven thirty to take you to the airport.” Then with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, he claps a hand on my shoulder, the same one Coach Vaughn had touched only minutes ago, and lands a painful blow. “I’m so proud to have you at Beckmann Capital Trust Group, where you belong.”

It’s like I’ve forgotten how to breathe as I watch them walk in the direction of the exit.

I’ve desperately wanted to hear those words from my parents for my entire life, but not like this.

Not when it’s wrapped up in ownership. Like a transaction instead of love.

“Was that your parents?” Colby asks, his voice quiet beside me.

“Yeah,” I reply in a whisper.

Colby steps in front of me, breaking my line of sight where I’ve been staring off into the distance. I have to squeeze my eyes shut because I can’t bear to see the sympathy swimming in those hazel eyes.

“What a fucking asshole.”

Swallowing roughly, I open my eyes again and tip my head, motioning for him to follow me. We’re silent as we walk out of the football stadium and into the parking lot, where I left my car.

Tossing my diploma and cap into the back seat, I pull off my gown and throw that in too. Colby watches me with a cautious expression, like I’m a wild animal and he’s gauging how I’ll react.

When I open the door and get in, he slides into the passenger seat.

“Tyler?” he asks, and I hate the hint of fear in his voice.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

Dropping my head forward, I chew on my lip, hard enough for my teeth to break the skin. “I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Colby’s breath hitches, and I flinch like I’ve been slapped.

“What?”

“I need to pack tonight, ready for the removal company to pick it up in the morning, then I’m leaving to catch a flight back to Arizona.”