CHAPTER FOURTravis Travis entered the practice facility through the main entrance, his equipment bag swung over his shoulder. The players typically came in through the back of the building, where the private, gated parking lot was. But he was staying within walking distance, across the street at the hotel, where the rookies that had been called up usually stayed. He did have a truck that was parked at the hotel, but walking off his pent up energy sounded like a better idea. His stomach twisted as though it was the first day of school—even though he had reported to the arena yesterday when he’d got into town. Today would be his first practice here. As he looked around the lobby, excitement filled his chest. He hoped this would be more of a long-term assignment than a one and done. Every

