Face-Off With Fate: A Rink Romance | Book #1 of UM Hockey Series

forty nine

Vincent Thompson☽

I've waited for this moment my entire life.

Who would have thought a random Friday in April would be the day I became a somebody?

The stands were filled with other prospects and their families and friends. The conference tables were set up and each team was settling in.

After last night, Dante broke the news to everybody that he's not going to be here today with the rest of us. He packed up overnight and got ready to fly out this morning.

Nobody really expected that, especially after how hard he's worked to get here.

He told us he'd be back soon, now that he had a plan up his sleeve.

Hopefully, it's back to the NHL, because I'd love to be playing with him again.

"Today's the big day," Thomas shouted as we headed over to our seats. His parents showed up to both of our surprise.

Matt Davis made it clear where he stood with his son's hockey career.

"The first team signing today is the San Jose Sharks, you think they're gonna scoop you up?" Thomas asks as we take our seats.

"I honestly have no clue. I met with so many people at this point, it's all fair game, being free agents and all," I mumble before slouching down into my seat in front of Thomas.

The LA Kings never ended up giving me a new contract. Based on what they saw the first time around, I wasn't surprised.

Once we turned twenty-two, we were officially free agents. This time around, the 'draft' is more so a contract deal and we're signing with new teams if we haven't renewed with our current teams. This allows teams to trade, negotiate new terms, or draft new players overall.

"What's with the tie? You haven't worn that thing since our high school graduation?"

"Scar chose it," I shout at him before the seats next to me are taken.

Just when I thought I've seen enough of him here comes Aidan Montgomery.

Alongside him are his parents and Jenna. Luckily his mom sat down before anyone else could.

"Vin, my man, how's it going," Aidan says as he tries to dab me up. I ignore his initial interaction and pretend to simply not hear him.

"Good luck today buddy, you're gonna need it after that last game."

Our last game was probably the worst I've played all season. I just couldn't handle all the pressure and stress for the first time in my life.

It was just so unlike me. I blame Scarlett for that. She had given me a conscious. A sense of understanding of what is right and what is wrong. I've changed.

Everyone started taking their seats and the San Jose Sharks called up who they would be signing for this year.

The crowd went awfully quiet as we awaited their decision. Their first pick and the first pick overall was Aidan Montgomery.

Exactly what I wanted to hear.

That last game really didn't highlight my strengths. I also had that game where I ended up fighting. It was just a series of bad actions this season.

Nobody wants someone who causes trouble and plays like crap.

Aidan walks on stage and shakes hands proudly with everyone up there. His family cheers along, as does Jenna.

I didn't ask Scarlett to come today. It didn't feel fitting when I felt like this. Thomas didn't bring Kaia either, we just agreed we had to do this on our own.