4

Alex 

Waking up later than usual, I scratch my long beard and look in the mirror.  I’m not so bad, I say to myself.  At 6’4”,  I’m taller than most men and thanks to my hockey background I have a solid foundation of thick muscles.  Those boys had no business calling me ‘Quarter Pounder’ last night, I work out nearly every day.  My hair is starting to turn silver, but the salt and pepper isn't bothering me.  I could use a haircut though.  Going into the playoffs, the team agreed this year to refrain from cutting their hair or beards in a superstitious ritual.  This was the first year I played along, letting my locks go wild. Considering our victory, I guess I’ll be growing it out next year, as well, if we make the playoffs. Seriously, if it grows any longer than this, I'll have to pull it back into a man bun. I guess I should call and schedule that haircut today. 

I grab my phone off my night stand and notice Cameron has called four times since last night.  He’s such a hard working kid. He probably wants keys to the gym so he can work out during off season. Strange, though, I thought the office manager handed out keys last week to the players who requested them after our end of season meeting. 

I check my texts and see he has not only called four times, but he has also texted six. 

8:32 pm “Coach call me” 

8:46 pm “Coach I need to talk” 

9:12 pm “Coach where are you?” 

9:34 pm “Hollar back bro”

9:35 pm “Sorry, I didn't mean that, can you call me tho”

7:42 am “Im up”

I take a quick swig of my coffee and hit the call back button on my phone. He answers almost instantly.  “Thank God, Coach, I need someone to talk to.” 

“What's going on, Cam?” I ask, bracing myself for the worst.  This kid seems to get himself into predicament after predicament.  When you’re the person who never gets away with anything, it's best to just not do anything that could get you in trouble. 

“Can we meet in person? I'll come grab you for breakfast.” 

“Sure, kid. I'll be ready in ten.” 

Cameron picks me up ten minutes later on the dot. I swear the kid must have been parked down the street waiting for me to wake up. I jump in his car and he opens up like my ex-wife’s legs. “I swear, coach, I only fucked her once and now shes claiming she pregnant with my kid.” I take in a slow, deep breath.  Yup, this kid sure has a knack for getting himself into situations. 

“This is bad, isn't it?” We ride in silence for a few minutes then he pulls the car into the local cafe and we grab a table near the front window.

I look across the table and know I better come up with something.  This kid is trusting me to have some wise words of wisdom, but truthfully I'm in just as much shock as he is. I’ve got nothing. I know how this could affect his life, even his career.  He needs to handle this with dignity and discretion in order to prevent a breach of the morality clause in his contract. 

“Okay, so first we’re not going to say the possibility of any child coming into the world is bad, especially if it might be your kid.  But it's sure not ideal, now is it? Why didn't you wrap it up? You boys know better than anyone that there's plenty of girls out there just looking for the free ride that an NHL player can provide.” 

“I always use condoms.  I think I did.  I’m not sure. I  was drinking that night,” he stammers.

“Well, first things first, you need to find out if she's really pregnant. Maybe ask to go to the doctor and confirm the pregnancy.”

“And if she is?”   

“You banged her so you’ll need to show her respect as both someone you chose to sleep with and the possible mother of your child.  If she is pregnant, find out what she wants to do.” 

“She already said she wanted to keep the baby.  But can’t I just ask her to get rid of it or something?  Give her some money or something for an abortion?” 

“No,” I interrupt, “Now you know better than that. Never try to pressure a woman into giving up their child.  It’s her body to choose and anyways, that's the coward's way out.  You didn't get to where you are by being a coward.  You’ll face your responsibilities head on, like the man I have taught you to be.” 

“What if it's not even mine?” 

“Well that's possible too and I think there is no sure way to find out until after the baby is born. I could be wrong, I'm no medical expert,” I say. 

Cameron walks to the counter, orders us some fancy coffees and breakfast sandwiches and we continue to eat in silence. I can tell Cameron is having a hard time getting the food down, although these sandwiches are amazing and I'm wondering why I haven't been here before.  

Even though at one point in my life I wanted a family, I am relieved I never had to go through what he is facing right now.  I was always careful. Even when I was married, both my wives used regular birth control. Hmm I wonder if I'd have been a little more careless if I'd still be alone. What am I even thinking?  I can't let this twenty-three-year old kid’s situation get me off track.  I'm happier than I've ever been.  

“I wish there was more I could say but there's nothing more you can really do.  Try to get your mind off it. Maybe keep yourself busy at the gym.  For God’s sake, don't go out finding any more trouble for yourself. I’ll make an appointment with Maddie from PR for you. We should at least give her a heads up in case that girl shit-talks about you on social media or something. I’d hate to see you lose any of your sponsorships over this.  You need to follow Maddie’s advice.  She’s smart and you don't want this to bite you in the ass, well, any deeper in the ass anyway.” 

I can tell his mind is still racing as we load our full bellies back into his car and pull away from the cafe.