Chapter 7: Coach

The mall was...fun. My mother in law and I had a really nice time together and now I find myself walking back to my room hopeful that maybe things can finally get better between Adam and his parents.

Once I'm in the room I'm greeted by Adam laying on the bed watching tv.

"Hey Kitty Kat. How was the mall? Better yet how was the mall with my mother?"

I smile at the use if my childhood nickname. Adam is the only person who still calls me that anymore.

"Actually it was really good. I think your mom is truly trying to make things better."

"Wow. I don't know what to say. I mean I hope you are right. And there have been signs of that. But I've been dealing with my parents my whole life and there have been so many times I've been hopeful before. I don't want to get disappointed again."

I move towards the bed and snuggle into Adams open arms.

"I know and I'm worried too. But it feels real. And your mom and I talked a little about your dad's diagnosis. Adam, he really doesn't have long. If things are ever going to get better it has to be now. I think your mom knows that too."

Adams only response was to pull me closer and bury his head against my hair. We sat in comfortable silence, content in each other's arms. Adam finally spoke.

"Guess who I saw at the rink today? Or do you already know?"

"Me? How could I know who you saw at the rink today?"

I can't meet his eyes...he will know I'm lying.

"Somehow miraculously Coach knew I was at the rink this very morning."

"Oh wow how amazing that he just knew! I must have been great to see him."

"Yeah and as he left he said I was very lucky to have such an amazing wife."

"Awe how nice of him to say that."

"Well he is right. No one knows me better than you. Only you would know that seeing Coach was just what I needed. Thank you for calling him and telling him where I was."

He got me. Once Adam had left in the morning I had called Gordon. Adam told me once that he was the first person to ever really believe in him as a person and not just see him as a hockey player. Adam needed that right now. He needed his mentor. He needed his coach. I could tell the minute I walked in just from the way he was lounging on the couch that I had been right.

"Ok you got me and you are welcome. What did Gordon have to say?"

Adam lined up the pucks sporadically around the ice. As much as hockey had caused the rift with his parents it was also his solitude. The smell of the ice, the feel of it beneath his skates had a always brought comfort to him. Adam hoped a few hours here could help clear his mind. He was so lost in shooting and in thought he didn't hear the man come in.

"Good to know league MVPs still find time to practice."

Adam knew that voice and when he turned to face the direction it was coming from he recognized the man immediately.

"Coach Bombay!"

Adam skated over to the boards to hug the first man who ever saw last his talent and saw the shy kid who just wanted to play hockey.

"It's so good to see you coach."

"You too Adam. Although I feel like I see you in sportscenter every day! How many cups is it now?"

"Six but the new season is just around the corner so I have to be ready to go for the seventh."

Gordon laughed.

"You haven't changed. Still live and breath hockey."

Adam shook his head and laughed as well.

"Yes and no. Julie and the kids always come first. But they love hockey as much as me so I get to include them into this part of my life more often than not."

"I don't see them here today..."

Adam bowed his head.

"Julie is back at the hotel and the kids are with Guy and Connie in NY."

Gordon shook his head. Adam got the feeling coach already knew all of this.

"My dad is sick, and Julie and I came out to visit."

"How did that go?"

"About how you would expect. You know my dad and I have never really been on great terms."

Gordon placed his hand on Adams shoulder.

"We fight about the same stuff over and over. It's like everything I've ever done has been wrong and I don't understand that. I have built a good life...a great life. I married my best friend and we have two amazing kids. I have terrific, life long, friends and I get to play the game I love for a living."

"Don't forget how successful you have been in that game and just how respected you are within it. You should be extremely proud of all of it Adam. I know I am extremely proud of you."

"Thanks coach. That means a lot. I don't know if my dad will ever feel that way."

"Don't give up on him yet. I remember how he ran on the ice when you got hurt in our first championship game. That was real Adam. I don't think that part of him is gone."

"I had forgotten about that. I think it was the only time I felt my dad loved me."

"Hold onto that and take whatever time your dad has left to try and recapture that. "

"Thanks coach. I needed that."

"We kind of figured you would"

"We? Whose...Julie.."

"You have an amazing wife Adam."

"Yeah I kind of hit the jackpot there. Are you going to be in town for awhile? I'm sure Julie would love to see you."

"Yeah. I don't need to get back to LA until next month. We will definitely get together. Now you get back to practice young man. That seventh Stanley Cup would be as easy to win as the other 6."

The two man laughed and shared a hug.

"It felt good talking to coach. For the first time I feel hopeful me and dad can work things out."

"I'm so glad Adam. Your mom invited us to dinner tonight. Your brother and his wife will be there too. I told her I would check with you first."

"You are the one who spent the morning with my mother. Shouldn't I be asking you if you are up to spending more time with my family?"

"We came here for your family. I came here for you and your family. However you want to handle this is fine by me."

"You really are amazing. We can leave before dessert if it's to much. But only if you promise we can lie here in bed until we have to go there."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll call your mom."

As I get up from the bed Adam grabs my hand. I turn my head to look at him."

"I love you Julie."

I swear I could look at this man forever.

"I love you too Adam."

I squeeze his hand and head off to grab my cell phone. Oh God please let this trip work. Please let Adam find some sort of peace with his dad.