Free Goalie Interference (NHL Scorpions) by Nikki Worrell Page A

Responding slowly, she started to tell her about Vlad’s upcoming surgery. “It’s not going to be an issue for much longer. Vlad has to retire.” Zoe was surprised to feel her eyes burning. She believed everything she had told Vlad. He’d had a great career, and was more than likely nearing the end of it anyway, but that didn’t make the fact that it was not by his choice that he had to retire any easier.
    “Wow. I did not see that coming. Is that why he’s been such an asshole lately?”
    Zoe instantly felt angry on Vlad’s behalf. She was now firmly in his corner, and she would defend him. “Maybe asshole isn’t quite fair. He’s been a bit edgy, but he’s had reason to be, okay?” Seeing Lacey smile, Zoe smiled herself. “Yes, I feel defensive of him, happy? It’s not like you didn’t know how I felt about him. Anyway, he’s got a hip disease and is going to need surgery. The longer he waits to have it, the worse it will get. He’ll probably still be able to play again someday, but he’ll never be like he was. He’ll never play professionally again.”
    “Holy cow. How’s he taking that bit of news? I know it was hard for Jody to retire, and he did it by his own choice. Hockey gets in their blood. It’s how they define themselves.”
    “I think he’s taking it okay. He has his moments, of course, but all in all, he seems like to be dealing with it. I think his biggest concern is what he’s going to do afterward. He about broke my heart when he came over yesterday. He had actual tears in his eyes.” Seeing big, tough men like Vlad cry wasn’t something you saw every day.
    “Oh God. That must have been tough to witness. Poor Vlad. Did he tell the team yet? Does Jody know?”
    “He’s talking to the coach today. He hasn’t told Jody yet either. I know it’s asking a lot, but could you please not tell him? I didn’t ask Vlad if it was okay to tell you, although I think he’d assume I would.” Zoe knew that if she asked Lacey to keep quiet, she would.
    “Of course. I won’t say a word.” Lacey grabbed Zoe’s hands. “You know, there is one silver lining here.”
    Zoe smiled. “Yes, I do. I’m not sure Vlad’s even realized that yet, but he sure did a fine job of showing me how he feels last night. Five times to be exact. Well, five times for me. Only three times for him.”
    “Sounds like a hell of a night. I miss those nights. I run so hot and cold lately. Last night I wore poor Jody out, but last week I almost bit his head off for trying to touch me. The man really is a saint.”

 
     
     
    After Vlad talked to the coach, he shot Jody a text asking him if he was done for the day and had time to talk. Jody worked as the head coach for the youth team that the Scorpions’ owner had started. They used the second rink in the same building the Scorpions practiced in, so he knew Jody would be around somewhere.
    Vlad was sitting on the picnic table in the back parking lot when Jody strolled out. “Hey Jody, how are the kids looking?”
    The kids came from all over the area. Some were only able to be there because they were sponsored by the Scorpions’ Wives Club. They were a non-profit organization who helped out anywhere they could, but mostly with children. The youth league gave kids a chance to stay out of trouble while building team skills. They also got the chance to learn life skills, such as hard work and tolerance of others, from great mentors, like Jody. Unfortunately, a lot of the kids didn’t have any of that at home.
    “It’s going pretty well. The kids are great to work with. They’re so enthusiastic, and I think a lot of them are just relieved they have somewhere to go after school.”
    “I’m sure their parents are, too. So listen, I wanted to talk to you about why I’ve been such an asshole lately.”
    Jody stood there, obviously waiting for him to continue. “I figured there was a reason. People don’t change personalities the way you have without one. So,