Hat Trick 3: Penalty Shot Read Online Free Page A

wouldn’t play again until after my surgery in a few years. But this. Well. Maybe it’s an opportunity.”
    “It would be great to get you out there with us. Have you talked to Scottie yet?”
    He gave me a questioning look. Maybe he wasn’t used to people not saying something when he revealed his trans status. Maybe he thought I’d go down that path first, but I wanted to engage him on his original question first.
    “Us? You’re playing?”
    “I’m a little old to play in youth league,” I said with a chuckle. “My boyfriend and I are coaching the team once Scottie gets it together.”
    This guy was a thinker. His lips were moving slightly, as if he was talking to himself. I watched, not wanting to interrupt his train of thought.
    “Sorry,” he finally said after the silence had stretched on. “Just considering the possibilities.”
    “‘S okay.” When he didn’t immediately respond, I decided to keep the conversation moving this time. “I’ve seen you around, so how come we two hockey players have never officially met?”
    “I didn’t want to bother you.”
    “Why would you be a bother?”
    He shrugged. “I know I make some people uncomfortable. And, I mean, I know your story. You came out while I was in middle school. I thought it was the coolest thing. I knew at least being gay wouldn’t stop me from playing. You’re sorta like a hero. To me anyway.” His slight blush suggested he wished he’d skipped that last part.
    “I’m honored,” I said, giving a slight nod, “but all I really am is a student, hockey player, regular guy.”
    “I think you’re an inspiration to a lot of others, too.”
    “I appreciate that,” I said, and tried to redirect the conversation before he made me blush. “So you gonna give the team a go?”
    “Will they let me play?”
    “I’m sure Scottie will. We’re still looking for people. You’ve got experience and that—”
    “Out of practice experience.”
    “…And that, as I was saying, is crucial. We can coach and teach anyone, but it would be a challenge to have a team full of new players.” Charlene suddenly appeared at my side, meaning my time at the desk was over. “Gimmie one second,” I said and he nodded.
    I gave Charlene the rundown of things to expect during her shift. As she and I talked, the young man drifted over to one of the bulletin boards and snapped a picture of the hockey flyer. I hoped he and Scottie hit it off. We needed all the experienced people we could get.
    “Sorry about that,” I said as I approached the guy, who was reading on his phone. “I’m done with the desk for the day so we can talk more, if you want.”
    “I emailed Scottie,” he said. “The boy must live on email because he got back to me instantly. He seemed excited.”
    I laughed. “Wait until you meet him. Scottie personifies excitement.”
    “It sounds like I’m in. He’s gonna let me know when the first team meeting is.” He paused, his gaze drifting downward. “Will the league let me play?”
    “We’ll have to look at the official league rules,” We sat on one of the nearby benches. “If I had to guess, the rules are going to be vague enough it won’t matter. Honestly, maybe we don’t tell them. If you hadn’t told me I wouldn’t have guessed by your appearance. You’ll be in the same gear as everyone else, so that would make it even harder to tell. I believe there’s a form your parents would need to sign. Will they?”
    “Absolutely. They’ll be thrilled I’m playing again.”
    “They’ll be okay with you playing with,” I paused for a moment considering my words. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I can’t figure out how else to put it…Boys?”
    He laughed, meaning I hadn’t offended him.
    “It’s okay. I know what you mean. Certainly a lot of those boys are going to be stronger, bigger than me. But I think I can hold my own.”
    “Good. Obviously we don’t want you getting hurt.”
    “I can’t believe