Head Games by Cassandra Carr

goaltender in time for their play-off push. Inquiries have apparently been made to the Intimidators’ front office about Scott Schaeffer’s availability.” Kelly’s hand flew over her mouth as she stood there, staring at the television. “We’ll keep you informed as we track down more information on this developing story.” The newscast cut to weather and Kelly swallowed thickly. Traded?
    She’d never even considered the possibility that one of the guys could be traded. They’d both been a part of the team already when she’d really started paying attention to hockey, so it seemed like they’d always been there. It made perfect sense, though. The Intimidators had two great goaltenders, while many teams in the league had none. But their system seemed to work so well! Why would management want to change that?
    Kelly hadn’t even realized she’d stopped dead in the walkway between the restaurant and the kitchen until she heard a throat clearing to her left. One of her bussers was standing there with a full tub of dirty dishes, looking uncomfortable. “I’m sorry,” Kelly answered, her face flaming. She moved to the side to allow him to pass. Kelly found herself glancing up at the television again, even though the newscast had gone on to cover other subjects.
    I need to find out what’s going on with this.
    Sequestering herself in her office, she booted up her laptop and did a search for Scott’s name. Sure enough, the rumor was featured on many of the hockey news sites, as well as several trade rumor websites and blogs. Kelly bit her lip. Would Scott be traded? And, if so, what did that mean for him? For Leo? For her? She wiped her suddenly sweaty palms on her chef’s pants, her stomach roiling.
    Shaking her head to clear it, she went back into the kitchen. “You doing okay, Kel?” Bonnie asked.
    “Yeah, I’m fine.”
    “I saw the story on the news. It’s just a rumor, hon. There are tons of them around the trade deadline. It doesn’t mean anything.”
    “I know.”
    Bonnie put her hand on Kelly’s arm. “You really care about them, don’t you?”
    “Of course I do. They’re my friends.”
    “Yes…” Bonnie replied, giving her a strange look.
    “What?”
    “Nothing.” Removing her hand, Bonnie asked, “What do you need me to do?”
    “Here?” Kelly looked around. “I think we’re all set. Go home.”
    “Are you sure? I can hang out.”
    “No, go. I can handle everything.” Bonnie worked far too many hours as it was, and Kelly was loath to keep her there just to calm her frazzled nerves.
    “I’ll be home if it gets too busy.”
    Kelly waved her off. “We’ll be fine. Go home and relax.”
    She was half expecting the guys to come in that night, but they didn’t. Instead, she slogged her way through a slow dinner shift and supervised her staff as they gave the restaurant a thorough cleaning. Her mood seemed to be having an effect on her employees, too. They were all on edge, and finally she just sent everyone home. When she arrived at her house, there was a message on her answering machine. Scott’s voice came through the speaker, and she couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face.
    Hi, baby. We didn’t want to call you at work and disturb you. Anyway, by now you’ve probably heard the rumor about me being traded. While it’s true I don’t have a no-trade clause, don’t put any stock in rumors—they always come up at this time of year. Just so you know, both Leo and I asked for no-trade clauses when we renegotiated our contracts, but management didn’t go for it, probably because of our ages. Anyway, we’re going out of town for a game, but we’ll be home in a few days and we’ll call then. Take care of yourself, honey. We love you.
    Kelly sat down after listening to the message, rubbing her hand absently over her pounding heart. Just hearing his voice had turned her inside out. How could she handle him being traded and never seeing him again? The thought