“Sockeyes!” we shouted, and I felt the energy flow through the room, even if tempered by nervousness and fear.

“Let’s get on the ice. We have work to do.”

There was a clattering of skates on the floor as we rose as one and filed out the locker room door. No one was speaking. We were all thinking our private thoughts. Without three crucial players on this team, we were in trouble. Everyone knew it. Instead of tucking our tails between our legs, we were fighters, and we wouldn’t go down without a fight.

~~Geneva~~

The practice facility was buzzing with the bad news. The staff briskly went about the business of supporting the team. The equipment staff, along with our normal duties, prepared to receive three new players who would all require uniforms and all the extra stuff. Roy had been here before a million times, and he didn’t miss a beat. We went about our business as usual, even though I saw the worry in my colleagues’ eyes.

No one was talking about the details of last night. There were rumors floating here and there, but the three players involved along with management weren’t giving out details. A press conference was called, in which Coach Gorst and Ethan Parker addressed the media, announced the suspensions as disciplinary action against players who did not uphold the team’s vision of community support and involvement along with moral and ethical concerns. The team admitted there was an incident in a bar the previous night that led to the arrest of the three players and injuries to the public. Mr. Parker stated in no uncertain terms that such behavior would not be tolerated by team management.

With the playoffs looming, we were deep into preparations for the first playoff game, including cleaning and packing equipment after the team concluded an afternoon practice. I’d hoped to see Axel tonight, but the way things were going, I’d be lucky to get a few hours of sleep before loading equipment the following morning. I sorely needed some sleep. Axel and I had burned the sheets the night before and actually sleeping hadn’t been a consideration. Now I was paying for it and pushing my weary body to the limits.

I saw Axel as he was leaving the locker room. He pulled me in a corner and kissed the hell out of me. We engaged in a little making out before I pushed him away.

“I have to get back to work,” I said with reluctance.

“Are you coming over tonight?” His smile was hopeful and sexy and promised all kinds of nasty hot fun. Sadly I had to decline.

“I can’t. We both need our sleep. I have tons more work to do today, and we’ll be up early tomorrow for packing.”

He sighed. “I understand. Tomorrow night then?”

I grinned and leaned into him for one last kiss before I went back to the drudgery of doing endless laundry. “You can count on it.”