Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Alex Waters is a big man—well over six feet, with broad shoulders, a thick head of dark brown hair, gray flirting at the temples. He should be intimidating, but his wide, friendly smile immediately puts me at ease. “We were hoping you’d come out today. Why don’t you lace up and I’ll grab you a temporary jersey. Randy will introduce you to the team.” He brings his fingers to his lips and whistles shrilly.
Randy Ballistic glances over his shoulder, and as soon as he sees me, he gives the players instructions and skates over, wearing the same wide grin as Alex. “Very happy to see you here today, Winter.”
“BJ convinced me it was a good idea.”
“He’s got persuasion down to an art,” his dad says.
“I’ll grab Winter a jersey while you introduce her to the team, eh?” Alex asks.
“Absolutely. Let’s get you on the ice,” BJ’s dad says.
I jam my feet back into my skates, my toes protesting the return to their cramped prison. Alex reappears as I finish lacing up and hands me a jersey. “If you decide you want to play for the team, we’ll get you a number and set you up with new gear.”
“Right, okay. Thank you.” I have a million questions, mainly pertaining to costs and what playing on this team will look like, but for now I table them and give myself permission to enjoy this opportunity. The Hockey Academy’s women’s team is number one in the state, and their captain has broken scoring records this season.
There’s a round of introductions, and I’m grateful everyone’s last name is on their jersey. We spend the first hour running drills, and then we’re divided into two teams so we can scrimmage. Despite my lack of formal training, I keep up with the rest of the players for the most part. And thanks to my lesson from BJ today, I’m more confident in the crease. I manage an assist and a goal for my team, which earns me praise from both sides.
At the end of practice, Coach Waters pulls me aside. “You were great out there, Winter.”
“Thanks. I had so much fun.”
He smiles. “I’m glad to hear that.” He passes me what looks like a coupon. “Once you’re showered and changed, you can join the team in Iced Out, our cafeteria. There’s a buffet. Just give the hostess that ticket because they comp our players. If you decide you want a place on the team, you’ll get an ID card and the coupon won’t be necessary.”
I frown at the paper. “You feed us after practice?”
“It’s all part of the program, which I’ll explain after you’ve had a chance to eat with the team.”
“Right. Okay. Thanks.” I grab my hockey bag and go to the locker room.
Fern Harmer, the team captain, sets me up with an empty cubby. “Girl, you’re all the buzz. Where the heck did you come from, and why haven’t I seen you on the ice before?”
I strip out of my jersey and unfasten my pads. “We just moved to Pearl Lake a couple of months ago. Before that, I played pick-up at the old arena because it was closer to home.”
“Ah, that makes sense. Welcome to the team.” She squeezes my shoulder. “We’re gonna love having you here.”
“Thanks.”
Other players compliment me on my playing on their way to the showers. When I start stuffing my gear back in my hockey bag, Fern holds up a hand. “Just leave it in your cubby. They’ll have it all cleaned for tomorrow’s practice.”
I freeze. “Seriously?”
“Yup. This team functions the same way as college teams, so all your equipment stays at the rink.”
“Right. Okay.” This is all new information for me.
We hit the showers, and I luxuriate in the pounding of water on my back. Each stall has body wash, shampoo, and conditioner that smell like eucalyptus and green tea. My whole life we’ve used whatever was in the clearance section, and we water down the conditioner so it lasts longer.
I don’t want to get used to this if it’s only going to be temporary, but tonight I’ll indulge. After my shower, I slide my underwear up my legs quickly, then pull on my leggings. It’s not about modesty; it’s about hiding my ancient, once-white-now-gray underwear from my teammates. My sports bra is black, so it’s harder to see how ratty it is. Once I’m dressed and my hair is braided, I join Fern and the rest of the team in Iced Out. I hand over my coupon and follow my teammates to the buffet.
For a moment I’m unable to move as I take in the volume of food. There are two types of salad, roasted vegetables and potatoes, chicken breasts, a pasta bar, and an entire dessert bar. Some of the other girls are already picking up plates and filing down the line.