5. Keir

Chapter 5

Keir

M orning comes too quickly. Lachlan is already up, looking like he's been awake for hours, even though it's only 7 AM. He's got that intense look on his face, the one he always wears before a crucial game.

"Ready?" he asks as I walk into the kitchen.

I nod, grabbing a quick bite and a cup of strong coffee to wake myself up properly. We head out to meet Keith at the local café just around the corner from the arena.

Keith is already there when we arrive, sitting in his usual spot by the window, a steaming mug of coffee in front of him. He looks up as we approach and gives us a nod.

"Morning, lads," he greets us with a smile that's all business. "Take a seat."

We sit down and order our coffees and wait for this, whatever it is, to begin.

Keith wastes no time getting into it. "Colin left, and now we need a coach," he states.

"And?" Lachlan snaps, a little more pissed off than I'd like.

"And I have a plan." Keith glares at him, daring him to protest further.

"What is this plan?" I ask. "Emma has been left in the lurch."

"I know," he says. "This is part of the plan."

"What plan?" I'm trying to hold onto my patience.

"The plan where Lachlan takes over as coach while still playing for now and steps down as Captain."

The look Lachlan gives him could light a bonfire on the 5th of November in the pissing down rain and gale force winds. "Oh?" he grits out.

"Yes," Keith replies, sipping his coffee like it's just another day. "Look, Lachlan, you're the best person for the job. The team needs stability and a leader they already respect."

Lachlan's jaw tightens. "And who's going to be Captain then? You can't just leave that role vacant."

Keith leans back, eyes flicking between us, and gives us a cheesy smile that makes my insides curl up. Whatever he has in mind, we are not going to like it. He leans forward conspiratorially. "There's a plan in the works. There has been for some time now, and I'm hoping to lock it down after I'm done talking with you boys."

"Go on," I murmur, feeling a sense of dread.

"I'm not saying anything yet. This meeting was strictly to get you on board with the changes that are going to be taking place. Lachlan, despite your reservations, you need to step up and be there for the team and for Emma. I know you care about her, you as well," he includes me in his steely glare. "I know everything, remember. All-seeing. This is your time to shine, lads. You especially, Lachlan. You are destined for a great career in coaching, and it starts here."

"You are asking a lot."

Keith softens slightly. "I know. I know, I am. But think about your future."

"Low fucking blow," he mutters.

"Look," Keith states. "We know this gig doesn't last forever. Look at me. I blew out my knee at twenty-four. Game over. So we have to make contingencies. It's the way this world works."

"Yeah," I mutter, knowing he's right, but it's the kind of thing that very few of us want to accept. Our time on the ice is limited, and every game could be your last. It's scary as fuck, but it is what it is.

I try to catch Lachlan's eye, but he's staring daggers at Keith. I know he's torn, though. Coaching would be a great step for him, but there's a lot at stake here, not just for him, but for Emma and the whole damn team.

"I'll think about it," Lachlan finally says, his voice quiet but firm. "But don't think I'm agreeing to anything just yet."

Keith nods, satisfied with that for now. "That's all I ask. Now, let's get through today and make sure everyone is on the same page. We have to present a united front for Emma's sake."

Keith looks at his watch and finishes off his coffee. "Right, I'll leave you boys to it. I've got another meeting. We'll catch up later." He stands, clapping a hand on Lachlan's shoulder before moving towards the door.

Lachlan and I sit there, the seconds stretching out like we've got all the time in the world. I finish my coffee in one gulp and look over at him. "So... what do you reckon?"

He doesn't meet my eyes, still staring at the empty mug in his hands. "I don't know, mate. It's a big ask."

"Yeah, it is," I agree, leaning back in my chair. "But Keith's right about one thing — you've got this."

He finally looks up, something shifting in his expression. Determination? Resignation? Maybe both. "Yeah. But all this cloak-and-dagger shit is pissing me off. What do you know?" He glares at me.

I hold my hands up. "I swear, I don't know." But I sure as fuck have an idea after this meeting. And it's not going to go down well if I'm right.

We sit in silence for a bit longer before Lachlan sighs and stands up, pushing his chair back with a screech that makes heads turn. "Right then, let's go get this shitshow started."

When we step outside, the warm morning air hits us as we walk towards the arena, side by side, but each lost in our own thoughts.

"Keir," Lachlan says suddenly as we reach the entrance. "I've got a bad feeling about Keith's plans."

"Me too," I mutter. "Me fucking too."

We exchange a look, but neither of us voices our opinions out of fear of it coming true.

All I know is, this day is about to blow up. Big time.