She nods. Cleo, I understand that you had a big game on Sunday afternoon against Essex College.
You’re probably talking about the hat trick I scored, but that’s a credit to my linemates, Becky Moore and Candace Gillespie, who are on fire. We’re lucky, because our team is peaking at exactly the right time.
Well, that’s great news for fans of the Minks. Do you think you can win the championship this year?
Jesus, Lana, if I say yes, all our opponents will use my quote as motivation. Plus, I don’t want to jinx us. I swallow and reply carefully. There are a lot of good teams out there. But we’ll be working our ass—er, butts off in our playoff drive.
Lana turns to face the camera. Thank you so much, Cleo. The next Monarch Minks home game will be on Saturday against the Saint Bernard Raiders. Tickets are still available.
She and Tim have a brief discussion, then she turns back to me, her on-air persona dropped. We’re all done here. Thanks again.
No problem. Will you feature us again once the playoffs start? I’m not afraid to ask for what the team needs.
Lana looks me over appraisingly.
We’ll have to see. Depends on the schedule and what else is happening. Then she adds, Hockey players are all so humble. It’s very admirable, but not so great for video. Is she criticizing the way I answered? Maybe she heard that I’m a big personality, and instead she got another boring hockey player. Shit. Have I messed things up for the team?
There’s a noise behind us, and we both turn.
It’s Mats. He’s in his dark practice jersey and black helmet, staring at us in surprise. Because why would the two of us be together? Or maybe the contrast between perfect Lana and sweaty old me is making him question his life choices.
Hi, Roy. Lana’s voice is so sugary that I’ve gained five pounds just hearing her. But doesn’t he hate being called Roy?
Hi, Lana. Hi, Cleo. He’s carrying a bucket of pucks with him, because he’s exactly the type of player who would be the first one on the ice. Maybe Lana already knew this about him?
Ugh, I’m not going to twist myself up in paranoid notions. I turn back to her.
Well, if you want more personality, next time, let’s do two players. We play off each other and it can be quite funny.
She thanks me, but she’s preoccupied watching Mats skate around the rink. He does have a beautiful skating stride.
I head to the dressing room to change, but my post-practice high is gone. I feel tense and worried. I shower, change, and head straight home. I don’t even pause to watch Mats practise, because that feels too needy. I’m in a bit of a daze as I finish an assignment and then make something to eat.
Oh my god, Nellie, you’re famous, Jinx exclaims as I’m finishing my supper.
I groan. It’s up already? Monarch social media must have a gazillion volunteers.
Volunteers? They get paid, plus they get course credits, says Woolly. Students battle to get those jobs.
Figures. While our social media is done in her spare time by a freshman on the team and our games get written up by the hard-working C.J., Lana and Tim flounce around with an expense account.
Do I want to see it? I ask as I pull out my phone.
Of course. You’re the one who’s always complaining that we don’t get enough publicity, replies Jinx.
I watch with Becks peering over my shoulder. I look like anyone who just finished an hour of hockey practice: sweaty and red, with that forehead crease from wearing a helmet. I sound more robotic than normal, and my smile looks as awkward as it felt.
Your lip gloss looks good, Becks declares. She must have hi-def vision, since I can barely see it.
It’s not that I look bad; it’s just the glaring contrast between myself and Lana. She looks poised and glowing, while I look like a lobster. I’m finding it tough to understand what Mats’s taste in women is. Super-Lana and I have nothing in common.
Oh my god! You mentioned me! Becks flings an arm around my neck and kisses the side of my head. Thank you.
Well, whatever I lacked in personality, I made up in teamwork.
Once the video is done, I stand up with a sigh. It’s good for the team, right?
Why are you not more excited? Jinx asks.
