“That isn’t what I sound like.”
I roll my eyes and skate backward. “You suck.” I wish I could come up with something better on the spot, but my brain feels scrambled from Jack’s arms around my waist.
Oh my god, I need to get it together.I do not want to be the clingy girl who can’t let a hookup simply be just that.
“You’re getting stronger and faster,” he compliments, and I feel a spark of happiness rise in me because the grueling hoursI’m putting in at the gym are paying off. My jumps are cleaner and my spins smooth with more rotations. Slowly but surely, I’m getting back to what—and who—I used to be.
“Just not as fast as you,” I retort, shaking my head at Jack.
“You took some time off, but if it makes you feel better, I’m me. No one’s faster than me.”
If anyone else said it, I’d say they’re a cocky son of a bitch, but after watching his last few games, Jack’s saying it as a fact. “Can I ask you something?”
Jack chuckles, dragging a hand through his hair. “Sure,” he says, flipping around to skate backward next to me.
“Why haven’t you signed a contract to go into the league?”
“Honestly, I wanted to sign right after the draft, but my momma begged me to come here first to get my degree. She never went to college, and always said she regretted it, so it’s her dream for me. Hockey is mine, but I knew if I went right away, I’d miss out on time on the ice where I could get more experience. Coming here to play for Coach B seemed like the best choice for everyone.”
“Why didn’t she go?” I ask, letting curiosity get the better of me.
“She fell in love with the wrong guy, and they got pregnant with me the summer before her freshman year,” he says, his hands reaching to find his necklace hiding beneath his shirt. The necklace I’ve been too chicken to ask about because I feel like if Jack wanted to talk about it, then he would. It would make sense, though, if it belonged to his mom. “The only thing she’s ever wanted for me was an education. It’s the least I can do after everything she has done to make my dream of playing hockey possible.”
For a moment, I’m envious of the relationship he has with his mother. I mean, the way Jack talks about her and the person sheraised him to be goes to show what kind of person and mother she is.
“I bet she’s really proud of you, Jack,” I say, trying to let myself feel two things at once because it’s possible to be happy for someone for having an incredible parent, and be jealous of the relationship at the same time.
The cool air kisses my cheeks, and I veer away from Jack, swinging into a spin on one foot after shifting to the front of my blade. As I rotate, I tuck my arms in as I pull my free leg across my body, and the world around me becomes a blur.
I feel like myself.
“You’re in a good mood today,” Jack comments, smiling at me when I slow and tilt my head.
“What’s not to be happy about? We’re alive and we’re free. Am I not allowed to be in a good mood?”
He pushes his hands into the pockets of his sweats. “It’s just a good look on you.”
I’m not sure what to say to that, so I push off again, skating around the edges of the rink, immensely grateful that I’ve gotten to a place where I can be on the ice again. Jack is leaning against the boards, watching when I come back around.
“What time does your mom’s flight get in today?”
“I’m heading to the airport after Comp II so I can spend some time with her before I have to come back here to warm up,” he says, smiling as he moves to step off the ice. “Are you coming to the game tonight?”
I actually had a lot of fun at the game last Friday, sitting with Ellie and Sara, but it was stressful waiting to see if my dad was going to see me.
“Do you want me to go?” I ask, following after him, grabbing my skate guards off the boards to walk toward the bench he’s taking a seat on.
Jack chuckles, giving me an odd look. “I do, but I’ve been trying not to make you feel like you have to go. I know it’s complicated for you.”
“I mean, it is, but . . .” I trail off, sitting next to him. I’m worried if I go two weekends in a row, I’ll be pushing my luck when it comes to my dad seeing me in the stands.
He nudges my arm with his elbow, smiling at me with those damn dimples that make my brain turn into a pile of mush. “Would it help if I told you Momma wants to sit with you during the game? She keeps asking me during our calls if you’re going, but once she’s here, I’m not going to be able to avoid answering.”
“Really?” I ask, reaching down to undo the laces of my skates as Jack does the same.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t she want to meet you? You’re one of my best friends,” he says, his blue eyes sparkling. “Please, Al? Will you come and wear my jersey?” Jack asks, jutting out his bottom lip in a pout, drawing my attention to his very kissable lips.Nope.I’m not thinking about kissing him, because if I do, then I’ll start thinking about other things with him, and that’s not fair.
I laugh, shaking my head at him as I pull off my skates. “Jack, you’re a grown ass adult. Why are you pouting?”
