Page 67 of Shootout
“Do you really think that, or does Jonas?”
He frowned, squinting at me as if trying to decipher my true intentions. “Well, Jonas did bring it up.”
“Did you ever consider Jonas might be jealous of Jessie? She has more talent in her little finger than he ever had in his entire body.”
“We’ll never know that. His career ended before it started with that injury.”
“Yeah, we’ll never know. Have you watched videos of her games? She’s fucking incredible. I bet she could kick my ass on a good day.”
He snorted his disbelief.
“You don’t think so?”
“No, you’re one of the best forwards in the league.”
“On an even playing field, she’d give me a run for my money.”
“What do you consider an even playing field?”
“One that involves skill rather than muscle.”
“I’d love to see that.”
I held my hand out to him, and he stared at it for a long time before taking it.
“You’re on. I can arrange a friendly little competition.”
“How’ll I know you won’t let her win?”
I stared him directly in the eye. “You’re going to have to trust me. She’ll be able to hold her own even if I give her my best.”
“You’re on. Ten K to our favorite charity. I’m betting on her.”
“You’re betting on her?”
“Yeah, because that guarantees you’ll be trying to win that 10K. Besides, my daughter would never forgive me if I sided with the guys.”
“There is that,” I chuckled.
I waited for the right moment when practice was close to done before I laced up my skates and clambered down the bleachers. I leaned against the boards. Jessie was working with the third and fourth lines at one end of the ice.
“Jessie,” I called to her.
She stopped what she was doing and looked my way, surprised I’d shown up as I hadn’t indicated I would. “Banks, you’re here.”
“I am, and I’m ready to be put to work, but first, I have an announcement.” I stepped onto the ice and glided to center ice. All the kids dropped what they were doing to join us. Jonas lagged behind.
“Can this wait?” She studied me warily, not on board with an announcement she knew nothing about. She’d probably chew my ass for this, but she’d get over it. I knew how to channel her anger into something productive.
“Nope. Everyone will want to hear this.” I wanted everyone on this team to witness Jessie’s greatness. Win or lose this little contest I was about to propose, she’d earn their respect because I had absolute certainty she’d hold her own.
I had a scowling Jonas’s attention now, along with all the teenagers on the team.
Jessie eyed me suspiciously, a little unsure of what I had planned. Her frown deepened when Boris gingerly walked onto the ice and stood beside me. We were like two coconspirators, and Jessie had a right to be apprehensive at his obvious inclusion in my little scheme.
I watched her face as I announced my bet with Boris.
I’d miscalculated greatly.
