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Hunter is still watching.

"Does the Doc know it’s still bothering you this bad?"

"Yes. Kendall checked it this week."

"And?"

"I have another appointment before the next game."

He holds my gaze for a second before picking up his towel. "We need you for the playoffs. You need to keep that shoulder attached until the offseason, then do what you want with it."

"I’d like to be there too."

"You still heading back to Boston after we win the Stanley Cup."

I like his confidence. "The surgeon who did my surgery in college is going to do this one too. Being home to recover and force my dad to start looking at his own health is two birds, one stone."

"He’s still giving you a hard time about retiring and selling the auto shop?"

"Let’s just say that he told me I can take it from his cold dead hands."

"Dramatic, is he?"

"He was raised in a tough part of Boston. He made something of himself. I get what it’s like to build something, and you’re on the cusp of losing it."

"Is this about your dad, or about your hockey career?"

"Maybe both."

"Your dad had a heart attack. He clearly needs to slow down and enjoy retirement. You, on the other hand, you just need surgery this summer, and then you’ll be back to playing better than ever."

"Can you guarantee that?" I ask, but we both know the answer. He can’t… no one can.

His phone dings. "Payton just texted. The girls are waiting for us to head to Oakley’s. You coming out with us?"

"For a beer, sure. I’ll meet you out there."

Hunter leaves while I pack the last of my gear. Theo comes over before I can zip the bag and checks my shoulder again, reminding me about my appointment with Kendall.

After my shower, I pull on my suit pants and sit with the ice pack he gives me. The room is mostly empty now. I can finish getting dressed in a few minutes.

First, I call my dad.

He answers on the fourth ring.

"That kid beat you down the side in the second."

"Hello to you too."

"Once is enough if he scores."

"He didn’t." I settle back in the chair. "Why are you still awake?"

"Because my son was playing."

My dad’s always been my biggest fan. He hasn’t missed a single televised game I’ve been on in my entire career.

"You could record it."