𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 - DEAN PORTMAN

[CHAPTER FOURTEEN]

I've heard of this before but I've never seen it.

It's the Flying "V" led by Jesse Hall.

Hall up to center ice. Hall with it toward the Germany blue line.

Hall-- Shot by Averman. He scores!

The game ended beautifully with USA winning 3-2 against Germany.

With the team back in high spirits and their old coach back they were more than happy to enjoy the surprise Bombay had in store for them.

The team sat on two benches with Eurydice sitting next to Dean on the table with Julie sitting below her.

Bombay brought out a barrel with the help of a old man who they learned his name was Jan.

"I've had a lot of big distractions since I've been here in L.A." Their coach started, bringing out a cardboard cut out of him promoting Hendrix.

"This is a distraction."

The team laughed and started poking fun at the coaches slicked back hair and tux in the picture.

"Nice haircut."

"Looks familiar, I think I know that guy."

"Thought you quit being a lawyer coach."

He lit up a match and threw it into the barrel, picking up the cardboard cutout.

"This is a fire in a barrel."

He picked up the cardboard cutout and threw it into the fire before dusting off his hands.

"This is a distraction in a fire in a barrel. Any questions?"

The team clapped for him, proud that he decided to put them first over endorsements and money. Finally, focusing on being the coach they needed him to be.

"Good job coach." Dean encouraged.

"Alright Coach Bombay!" Eurydice cheered louder making Bombay let out a chuckle.

~

The team went back to their dorms with a renewed spirit and high hopes.

They each broke off into their dorms and freshened up before going to take a nap before dinner.

Eurydice however couldn't seem to sleep. No matter how hard she tried, she just kept tossing and turning and unable to keep her eyes shut. Although her body was begging for rest, her mind was running.

Her last interaction with Dean didn't want to be forgotten. No matter how much she tried to brush it off as just him trying to be a supportive friend, she somehow just couldn't.

She kept wondering if the small touches and glances meant just a little more than she's initially thought.

She though back on their happier moments together and how she felt.

At the time she didn't feel much, she just felt happy and excited that she was getting along with a person she did see as a good teammate. There was nothing more right?

Yet looking back she started feeling a fluttering sensation in her stomach. She wanted to have those moments again. When the softer side of Dean appeared and would joke and fool around with her.

The more she thought about his smile, his little jokes that he'd make to see her laugh and how at times when he was feeling sincere his usual loud and aggressive tone would disappear and be replaced with a soft gentle one which Eurydice realised she enjoyed hearing.