Love Game

Chapter Six - Making the Team

"Mallory, calm down." Gabe says as he massages my shoulders as he stands behind me. "You'll make the team, don't worry about it. You've been the hardest worker in camp. They'd be crazy not to keep you."

"What if I don't make it?" I whisper as I tilt my head back to face him. "I don't want to go back home as a failure."

"Listen to me," he turns me around so I can see him face to face as he rests his hands on my arms. "You're not a failure. Not many people could accomplish what you have in such a short time."

"I guess you're right." I mumble, looking down at the floor as we stand outside of the locker room, watching several other rookies come out with a disappointed look written across their faces.

I look up at Gabe and my hands start sweating. I feel my knees start to become weak as my whole entire body shakes. Gabe senses my apprehension and pulls my shaking body into his strong arms.

Today was when the rosters were cut down. Most of the rookies I have connected with have been sent down to Lake Erie or their respective OHL teams. I was next to be called and I couldn't be anymore nervous. I was freaking out. I didn't want to go home; that's why I stayed after practice to work on strengthening my game. Luckily Gabe offered to help me out with anything I was weak at; in exchange for a heated make out session, of course.

"Mallory Hamilton," a voice calls as I slowly pull myself away from Gabe's arms. I look up and I see Coach Roy give a half smile at me. "Follow me, Miss Hamilton."

"Good luck," Gabe whispers before I follow Coach Roy to his office.

Coach and I walk in silence, soon he tells me to take a seat. I sit down as Coach closes the office door, soon taking a seat in front of me behind his desk. I look up and I see him already staring at me, keeping a serious look on his face.

"The suspense is killing me, Coach." I force a laugh, hoping to lighten up the tension in the room.

"I'm sorry, Mallory, but you'll have to wait a little longer. I'm going to tell you how I made up my mind," he replies, hunching over and resting his arms onto the mahogany desk.

"Go ahead, Coach." I state calmly, taking a deep breath after.

"Your speed and play making abilities are unbelievable. You control the puck well, you're not afraid to take a hit or be the one to put that hit on someone else. When you knocked Landeskog on his ass, that showed me how strong you really are. He's not a small guy," he says as he slowly stands up from his chair.

"You got that right." I mumble and laugh, hearing a chuckle escape Coach's lips.

"You have done everything I have told you to," he replies, opening a chest over towards the right of his desk and rests something folded over his arm. "That's why I'm giving you this."

He hands me a folded up burgundy Avalanche jersey. I stand up and I slowly unravel it, showing my last name stitched on the shoulders and the number 27 on the back. My mouth drops as I stare at the jersey. My eyes slowly move up to Coach, seeing him smirk at me before his lips curve into a full smile.

"Welcome to the NHL, Mallory." Coach grins, his dimples showing deep into his cheeks.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I exclaim as I throw my arms around him, catching him by surprise. After a couple seconds, Coach embraces me in his arms and squeezes me tightly.

"You're welcome, Mallory. Now go rest up. Opening Night is a couple days away," he smiles, slowly pulling away from me.

I thank him once again before running out of his office. My eyes scan the area for Gabe, only to see him nowhere in sight. I sigh to myself, hoping he would have stayed to share my excitement. I wanted to get it all out and celebrate. I couldn't wait to tell my family. I bet Karson would be thrilled to hear I made the team, as well.