The Right Side of Tanner (EXCERPT ONLY)

Chapter 4

Tanner

I'm still thinking about Jenna as I walk into the locker room. That little spitfire really made an impression on me. She's playing hard to get, and I find it incredibly alluring. As I step into the locker room, I'm greeted by several friendly faces. A tall blonde guy approaches when he sees me.

He holds out a hand once he's in front of me. "Hey, you must be Tanner. I'm Chase Smith, captain of the Cobras. It's good to have you here, man."

I shake Chase's hand as I say hello. "Good to meet you, cap. Most people just call me T.J."

Chase chuckles. "Alright, T.J., it is! Come on. I'll introduce you to the rest of the team."

I follow Chase to the middle of the room, where he grabs everyone's attention before introducing me. He then goes around the room and tells me the names of each of the other team members and the positions they play. I've learned Chase is our captain and plays center; his roommate Liam Barnett is one of the alternate captains and a left-winger. I haven't met him yet, but Chase says I will after a bit. Right now, Liam is busy with a sponsor doing a photo shoot.

It will take a while to remember all these guys' names. I try to quickly memorize them as Chase points out each guy and tells me their name and position. I can only recall about half of the team by the end of the introductions. The forwards I remember are Chase, Liam, Chuck, Nate, Andre, Patrick, and Joe. The defensemen are Rob, Drew, Dan, Tyler, and several others. And the goalies are the only group I remember in full because there are only three of them- Damien, Mickey, and Parker.

After the introductions are complete, Chase shows me to my locker and gives me a quick run-down of where everything is located in the complex. It's an impressive setup they have here. Part of the main level that isn't taken up by the rink and stands is dedicated to the team- locker room, lounge, gym, conference rooms, equipment room, and medical room. The rest of the main level is made up of concession stands, cafeteria-style seating, and the gift shop. The upper level has access to the upper-level seating, a smaller gift shop, more concession stands, and a restaurant/bar called Slap Shots.

As Chase finishes telling me where everything is located, the team manager, Rusty, walks into the locker room. Following close behind him is the Cobras' head coach, Marc Collins. I've met both of them before, and they look pleased to see me.

Rusty walks over to me and plants a large hand on my shoulder. "T.J. Levine, it's good to have you here!"

I thank Rusty and tell him I'm thrilled to be here. Then, Coach Collins grabs everyone's attention and tells us he has a quick announcement. "Practice has been delayed a little longer for today. There was an issue with a prescheduled event that requires the use of the rink. They need the ice just a little longer. So, in the meantime, you can hit the gym or doctor up your equipment. Just stay off the ice until you've been given the all-clear."

Rusty and Coach Collins make their exit, and I turn to Chase. "So, we can't practice yet? What kind of event would they let take up our rink time?"

Chase smirks. "It's Liam's photoshoot. The company wanted to do the shoot on the ice. So, his rep buttered up Rusty and Collins and got them to approve the rink time for the shoot."

"Damn, they must have balls of steel to ask those two for time on the ice." I've heard Rusty can be a huge dick. I'd like to see the rep that got him to agree to give up ice time for a photo shoot.

Chase laughs. "You have no idea." All of a sudden, I feel like I've been left out of an inside joke. Huh, I wonder what that's about.