Scoring Chance (Utah Fury Hockey Book 9)

by Brittney Mulliner

  I headed into the office and shut the door behind me.

  “You’re right, Amelia.” Madi was the first to speak, which surprised me.

  Kendall agreed. “You brought up a lot that we didn’t consider.”

  Emma agreed. “We haven’t been fair. I’ll admit we were following the lead of the guys, but that’s no excuse. If anything, it makes it worse.”

  I wasn’t sure what to say. The last thing I expected was for them to apologize minutes after I ended my rant. I thought we would all need a few days to cool off.

  “We haven’t been treating Derrek the way we should. Yeah, he’s got some growing up to do, but so does half the team,” Madi said with a shrug. “We might not be able to change the guys’ minds, at least not without work and some patience, but we want you to know that we’ll do better.”

  “I can’t imagine how hard it’s been on him, to be honest,” Emma said with a small voice. She cleared her throat. “We’re a tight knit group, but usually welcome people on the team with open arms. We should have done better.”

  “We’ll lead by example,” Kendall said with a confident nod. “It will probably take some time to get everyone on board, but you can count on us.”

  I looked around the room and relaxed. “Thank you. I’m sorry I went off, but…” I struggled to find the right words. Why had I done it?

  “You like him,” Madi supplied.

  I let out a half-hearted laugh. “Yeah, I think I do.”

  Emma stepped forward, waving us out. “We know. Let’s get back out there.”

  Kendall stopped her and forced us into a group hug. “I love you guys.”

  I smiled, happy to be included. We broke apart and went back to the front of the house. Derrek was talking with Nikolay and Elena, and the second I saw him I knew Madi was right. I took in his tall frame and wide shoulders. His shirt stretched over his chest with his defined arms crossed. He should be imposing, but he was gentle with me. He accepted me and made me feel comfortable enough to me myself. I liked how easy it was to be with him. I liked that we could be blunt and tell each other exactly what we thought. I liked Derrek.

  “Hey, you ready to go?” He held up my coat for me, but I shook my head.

  “Actually, do you mind staying?”

  His eyebrows pulled up and I knew I was confusing him, but he simply smiled. “Okay.”

  Elena watched us with an amused expression, but I chose to ignore her. We walked as a group to the living room. Nikolay leaned up against the back of the sofa with tired eyes.

  “How’s Yula?” I asked, hoping it wasn’t the wrong thing to say.

  His shoulders slumped. “She starts her next course a week from Monday. She’s tired, but trying to stay positive.”

  I hated that his little sister was going through such a horrible thing. Cancer was a monster, but we were all praying she would beat it.

  “When I can I visit?” I was excited to see her. We had fun teasing Nikolay together over video chats, and I couldn’t wait to join forces in person.

  “Hopefully sometime next week.”

  “We can call her now.” Elena offered and I immediately agreed. She pulled out her phone and Yula answered the video call after just a few seconds.

  “Hi Elena.” Her sweet voice sounded more exhausted than the last time I talked to her.

  “I have someone here that wants to say hi.” My sister turned her phone so I was facing the camera.”

  “Amelia!” She smiled and tried to sit up.

  “Hi Yula.” I looked to Nikolay and caught a hint of relief as slowly released a sigh. “I’ve got a new one for you.”

  I started telling her cheesy jokes after our first call to try to make her smile. It was now our thing.

  Here eyes lit up. “Okay.”

  “Knock knock.”

  “Who’s there?”

  Nikolay started shaking his head.

  “Tank.”

  Yula scrunched her nose. “Tank who?”

  “You’re welcome.” I watched as she repeated it and started giggling.

  “That was a good one. I’m going to tell it to the nurses.”

  Nikolay caught my eye and mouthed ‘thank you’. I just smiled. “I’m going to try to come visit you next week. So I’ll see you soon okay?”

  She nodded covered her mouth as she yawned. “Bye, Amelia.”

  “Bye.” I handed the phone back to Elena. A hand rested on my shoulder and I looked up to Derrek.

  “Do you want me to grab you a plate?”

  “I’ll come with you.” Before I walked away, I gave Nikolay a hug. He tensed for a moment before lightly placing his hands on my back. I leaned back and smiled. “She’s going to be okay.”

  I wasn’t capable of making such a promise, but I knew he needed to hear it. His eyes lit up a bit and he didn’t appear as dejected. He took Elena’s hand and they followed behind us to the kitchen.

  11

  Derrek

  Chloe was waiting for us in the team room after practice, and the guys began whispering immediately. I knew from experience that whenever she was down here, we were about to hear something we wouldn’t like.

  “Everyone take a seat.” Coach Romney announced, quieting the murmuring. I found an empty spot next to Malkin and fell into it.

  He shot me a pained look. “What do you think it is?”

  “Nothing good,” I whispered back.

  Chloe scanned us with a knowing smile. She was aware of how anxious she made us. She loved the control, I knew it.

  “As you all know, the Fury Foundation hosts a gala at the beginning of the season every year. This year’s was very successful.”

  “Oh no,” Malkin muttered under his breath.

  He was right. Nothing good could come from this announcement. Tension filled the room as we waited for her to continue. She was drawing it out, toying with us.

  “The foundation chooses not to focus on aiding one organization, instead we spread our resources throughout the community as needs arise. This winter has been particularly harsh and our friends at the local homeless shelters have reached out. They’re nearing crisis status. The rise in rental costs and overall cost of living has left more and more families facing homelessness. The majority of those arriving at the shelters have jobs, but can’t afford to keep up with their bills.”

  The somber news washed over the room. We lived in our own bubble with most of us making at least a million a year. The majority of us had charities and other organizations we helped with, but it was always humbling to be reminded of those in need.

  For the first time since I met her, I saw emotion break crack Chloe’s normally stone exterior. She was the strong one. The backbone that made sure everything got done. This burden weighed heavy on her.

  “What can we do?” I called out.

  Her eyes held mine. “We’re holding another gala.”

  There were a few quiet groans, but no one complained out loud. I nodded and waited for her to explain.

  “I know it’s not everyone’s favorite thing to dress up and schmooze, but it’s the most effective form of fundraising we have. Last September we hit a new record. Just over half a million dollars raised in one night.”

  Coach stepped forward. “It’s not often the shelters reach out to us in need. Chloe has met with the organization leaders and reviewed their request. While we’re not the only group stepping up to help, the majority of the funds will likely come from us.”

  Chloe agreed. “Rather than our normal black tie gala, we’re going to do something a bit more fun. We’re hoping to draw in more people with a lower ticket cost, and a silent auction.”

  Hartman cleared his throat. “We’re not doing one of those date auctions, right?” His voice was laced with panic.

  She chuckled. “No, I’m not that cruel. The auction will consist of things donated by you guys and the team. I’m also reaching out to past players to see if they would be willing to contribute.”

  “What kin
d of donations are we talking?” Reese asked. I was surprised he wasn’t already aware of what was happening. Either Chloe kept this from him, or it was a recent decision.

  “The team has some memorabilia from past seasons and players that will be included. We’re doing some single game and season tickets, too. We’ll provide jerseys, pucks, and sticks for you guys to sign. If you have past jerseys you want to sign and auction off, that would be great. Maybe your first game puck or something.” She shrugged.

  “Can’t we just write a check?” Erik asked.

  She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. I smirked at the sibling standoff. She opened her eyes and forced a smile. “Of course, Erik, but I also want to see some of your personal items there.”

  He rolled his eyes while she glared at him. Erik was one of the top paid guys on the team. Of course, cutting a check would be easier for him, but not all of us had deep pockets. The backup goalie wasn’t exactly a top contract. I made more than enough to pay my bills, but I couldn't write a six figure check like some of the others.

  “Okay, so we’re all on the same page for the auction?” She waited for a few guys to confirm. “Great. Moving on. It will be held two weeks from Saturday, and the theme is Forties Big Band. We’ll all be dressing accordingly.”

  Her tone made it clear that forties attire wasn’t optional. No one even bothered questioning it.

  “It will be held here at the arena. We’ll cover the ice and have a band, dance floor, auction tables, and games set up.” She paused and looked us over. “Any questions?”

  Not a single hand raised. We knew better than to argue or question her. Our fates were sealed. We’d be dressing up and attending the gala, no point in doing anything but accepting it.

  “Thanks, guys. If you have any questions please let me or my assistant, Kristen, know.”

  She walked out and Coach released us. I stood and walked over to Josh and Mikey. They were two of the few single guys on the team, and I wanted to know their plans.

  “Hey are you guys going to get dates?”

  Mikey looked uneasy. “I probably should. I hate going to these things alone.”

  Josh cringed. “But when you bring a girl to a team event like this, they think things are more serious than they are.”

  “That’s why you ask a friend,” Mikey clarified.

  “How many single girls are you friends with?” Josh asked incredulously.

  Mikey shrugged. “A few.”

  “Can’t we band together and go solo?” I offered.

  Josh snorted. “Not if you want to spend the entire night being set up by the Pride. They see a single guy as a challenge. I swear we’re dropping like flies around here lately.”

  He was right. There were only five or six of us remaining.

  “So, we’re all finding dates?” I sighed in defeat.

  They nodded and we headed out to the hall. I could ask Amelia, but what if she said no? We’d hung out a few times, but what if she felt like things were moving too fast. Josh was right, girls tended to think things were more serious than they really were when you brought them to a team event. They thought it was the equivalent of meeting the family or something.

  Amelia would be a safe choice. She knew the guys and the Pride. She would have fun. I doubted she’d get the wrong idea. Except, maybe that wouldn’t be the worst thing.

  I liked her. I liked spending time with her. She took the time to get to know me without letting anyone else’s opinions affect her. But did she see me as anything more than a friend?

  This was a risky move. Part of me wanted to call Nikolay and get his blessing, but that was ridiculous. I didn’t need his permission. If anything, Elena was the one I should be talking to, but again that wasn’t necessary. I was just asking for a date, not her hand in marriage.

  I paced behind my car, hyping myself up. I could do this. It really wasn’t a big deal. It wasn’t even a romantic date, just a fun night out...with a friend. This wouldn’t even be the first time for us. We went to lunch alone, and it was fine. No. Big. Deal.

  I checked the time on my phone and walked inside. Madi told me Amelia would be going on her lunch break at one, so I could talk to her without interrupting her work. I could wait another four hours for her to be off for the day, but my nerves were out of control. If I waited that long I’d have a heart attack.

  “Hi, can I help you?” A man around my age asked from behind the front desk. He was standing, holding a clipboard and wearing a navy polo with the clinic’s name embroidered on the right side of his chest.

  “Yeah, I’m looking for Amelia.”

  His eyes narrowed just slightly, but he recovered quickly. “One moment. Let me see if I can find her.”

  I watched him walk away and laughed to myself. The clinic was a wide open space with equipment and machines scattered throughout. Only one wall had individual offices and rooms. It couldn’t be very difficult to find someone.

  A moment later she walked out of one of the rooms and smiled when she saw me, putting me at ease. She wasn’t upset I showed up here. That was the biggest worry I’d had.

  “Hi Derrek. What are you doing here?” She stopped in front of me, and I fought the urge to wrap my arms around her and pull her into me. The thought surprised me. We weren’t close enough for that, but now that I thought about it the temptation was overwhelming.

  “I was heading home from practice and wanted to see you.”

  Her eyebrows rose just a bit. “Oh yeah?”

  I nodded and looked around. There wasn’t anyone else in the lobby and the few people out on the floor weren’t within hearing distance.

  “Yeah, I found out about an event today, and I wanted to see if you’d like to go with me.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “What event?”

  “The team is hosting a big party thing. It’s forties themed and there will be a band and games and a bunch of other stuff.”

  She looked like she was holding back a laugh. “Sounds interesting.”

  “I’m not explaining it well. All I know is we have to dress up for the theme and try to raise money for the homeless shelter.”

  “Oh, that’s so nice.” Well, at least that part won her over.

  “All the guys are bringing dates, and I’m wondering if you would like to go with me.”

  Her lips quirked up at the corners. “As your date?”

  Crap. What was the right answer? I wanted this to be a date, but what if she didn’t? What if this would ruin what we had?

  I swallowed. “Yes.”

  A wide grin broke out on her face, and she started giggling. “Of course. Thanks for asking.”

  I closed my eyes and almost laughed in relief. She was an expert at driving me crazy. She was playing with me.

  “That was mean.”

  She grabbed my arm and squeezed. “You looked like you were going to faint on me. I had to lighten the mood.”

  I groaned.

  “Madi already told me about the fundraiser. Chloe called this morning to go over some final details.”

  I let out a huff. “You could have said something sooner.”

  She smirked. “I liked watching you squirm.”

  I shook my head and this time, I did give into the urge to pull her into a hug. “You’re mean.” I wrapped one arm around her tiny waist. She felt so small compared to me, but it felt right. Her cheek rested against my chest and I never wanted to move. I was having a hard time keeping my breathing under control.

  She tightened her arms around my waist, making my heart jump. “I wanted to go when Madi told me about it, but I didn't know you were going to ask me. So that’s exciting.”

  I released her and met her gaze. “I’m going to leave before I make an even bigger fool of myself.”

  She chuckled and took a step back. “I can’t wait to see you dressed up. I’m expecting a fedora.”

  Oh great. I hadn’t thought that far ahead yet, but if that’s what she wanted, I could make it hap
pen. “We’ll see.”

  I winked before turning and walking out the doors. That went better than I expected, even with the teasing. It was worth it knowing she agreed to be mine. I mean my date.

  12

  Amelia

  When Elena asked me to pick up dinner from Thai Palace on my way home from work, she failed to mention it was a catering order. I thought it would be a few to-go boxes for the two of us and maybe Nikolay. Oh no. She was hosting a dinner party and didn’t bother to mention it to me.

  I loaded my arms with as much food as I could carry and wobbled to the elevator. I debated using Nikolay’s method of loading everything in one trip, but I couldn’t make it to my car and back without the doors shutting. I stepped out to our floor and banged the boxes against the door.

  Elena swung it open and frowned. “Why didn’t you call me? I would have come down to help.”

  That would have been a good idea, but I was too annoyed with her to think of that. “You can grab the rest. My car is still unlocked.”

  She helped me through the door, then passed me, shutting the door behind her. I set down the heavy box filled with hot trays of food that smelled divine.

  “Need help?” Nikolay walked up from the living room. Our dining room table was pushed off center and a folding one I’d never seen was next to it, forming one long table.

  “How did that get in here?” I nodded in the direction the dining room.

  “I bought it. My table is bigger, but Mama’s resting in my apartment, and I didn't want to bother her tonight. Elena said we could do it here.”

  I nodded. It was good that his mom was taking a break from the hospital for the night. I looked down at the box and back to him. “We should spread these out, I guess?”

  I handed him a tray, and he set it down on the island before taking another one and creating a buffet line.

  “What’s all this for?” I set the empty box down next to the trash can and looked for napkins and utensils.

  “Coach asked a few of us to host a small dinner for different groups of guys from the team.”