“Hey.”
“Rory.” His tone is all business, as usual. “I sent over the rest of the contracts this morning.”
On top of being one of Canada’s greatest hockey players, a hall of famer, and a guest commentator on the sports shows, my dad is also my agent. He’s always been my agent. He knows the hockey world inside and out, and it was just easiest this way.
“Yep. I saw them.”
“Good. I spoke with the dietician. She’s going to make some changes to your macros.”
I stare out the window as they load our bags onto the plane. My dad has arranged for the dietician to work with a meal delivery service because getting enough protein is a challenge for me.
“Got it.”
“Are you logging everything you’re eating?”
“Always.”
“No alcohol, no red meat, no sugar, no trans fats,” he lists off.
I think about Hazel’s expression of bliss as she drank her beer the other night and wonder what it would be like to enjoy food like that.
“I remember.”
“Good. If you want to be the best, you need to eat like the best. Food is fuel. Garbage in, garbage out. We need you fast and sharp out there, Rory. You missed that shot in the second period the other night. That could have been yours.”
My dad goes on about all the chances I’ve missed while I half listen. Even if I’m the best in the league, I could be better. Even if I’m the fastest, there’s some young guy in the minors just waiting to take my place. If I even look at sugar, the inflammation will slow me down.
“I’m thinking about taking a trip out there,” he says—he lives in Toronto with his girlfriend. My shoulders hitch more. He did this last year when I played for Calgary. “Maybe stay a few months.”
“A few months?” I frown. “Your girlfriend wouldn’t mind?” She has a job there, but I can’t remember what. I only met her briefly once last year.
There’s a pause on the other end. “We’re not together anymore.”
Of course. There’s something about my dad that makes women leave. Obsession? Relentless competition? Nothing ever being good enough? I don’t want to look too closely, because whatever it is, I’ve inherited it.
I clear my throat. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine.” Another awkward pause.
Does he want to stay for a few months because he’s lonely? Fuck. The thought breaks my heart, and it’s on the tip of my tongue to agree, but this year needs to be different.
Ward made me captain, and I want to make him proud without my dad’s voice in my ear, in my head, telling me how to be. Hanging with the guys at the bar after games? When my dad’s in town, that’s not happening.
And spending time with Hazel? He’d never approve.
“It’s not a good time,” I tell my dad, swallowing past a thick throat. “I, uh. I’m still getting settled into the team.”
“You need someone pushing you, Rory.”
He’s pushed me my entire life, but it’s not working anymore. I don’t feel the same burning desire to be the best like I used to, because no matter what I do, the goal posts always move. How do I tell him that, though? He’d never understand.
“Now that you’re captain, you’re a playmaker,” he continues. “This is the perfect opportunity to look good.”
My gut churns at the idea of choosing plays that benefit me. I make a quick excuse that we’re taking off and hang up, and a second later, Streicher drops into the seat beside me.
“Hey, buddy.” My mood lightens. “Ready for Columbus?”
Their goaltending is shit, but their offense is strong. He’s going to be fielding shots all game.
“I’m ready.” He pulls out his phone. His background is a picture of Pippa and Daisy, their dog.
I wonder if Hazel ever wants a dog. She and Pippa take Daisy on walks in the trails around Vancouver all the time.
McKinnon steps onto the plane, and as he passes, his bag shoves against Streicher’s shoulder with enough force that a normal person would apologize. Instead, McKinnon just keeps walking.
Streicher’s hand tenses and he gives me a sidelong glance. “Heard you’re rooming together.”
Sometimes, the coaches make guys share hotel rooms on the road. “I asked Ward if I could room with you, but he said no. I don’t know whether it’s a curse because I have to see his fucking face when I wake up, or a blessing because I get to fuck with him.”