“Riiight. Friends wake up extra early every morning to buy their friend’s chai lattes.”
“I didn’t realize buying someone tea was such a big deal.”
“For you it is.” He winks. “I ran into your mom and Melissa yesterday. The two seem really excited about the possibility of future developments.”
“Future developments are for the future. For now, just friends.”
“Oh, c’mon Vi. You’re telling me after nearly two decades of pining you two are just going to…stay friends?”
“I forgot how annoying and meddlesome you are.” I roll my eyes, taking a large swig of my iced Coke.
“I think you mean ‘charming’ and ‘caring.’” He snickers.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
“Usually a good book and a rub-n-tug. But let’s say I had a bet going with Bradon on whether you two would get together before or after the New Year. Who do you think would have better odds of winning?”
Bradon was the final member of Mason and Mickey’s trio. He had grown up in Rockport, a town just north of Castle Harbor, and had been one of Mason’s biggest rivals. The two absolutelyhated each other growing up but playing on the same team in college seemed to squash the feud. The three of them were practically inseparable after Mason’s freshman year.
“Dalton Michaelson?—”
“Uh-oh, not my government name.”
“There will be no bets about my relationship status. On second thought, I’ll wager $50 for after New Year’s and happily take your money.”
“Alright then. Keep your secrets. Just remember when it comes time for the wedding, I’m gonna be the best man.”
“Oh please, you—” I’m cut off by the arena lights dimming and a highlight reel coming on the jumbotron.
The game starts off slow. Both teams look sluggish on the ice and the crowd’s only bragging right is that Westchester is leading with attempted shots. Mason leads the team back up the hallway, and as they settle into the bench, I can faintly make out his lips moving. Whatever he says lights a fire under their asses because five minutes into the second period, Jake scores a goal, and the arena erupts. My first impression of Jake wasn’t great, and he still complains about how his tutor is a ‘literal drill sergeant’ but he’s been making progress, and it makes me happy to see him get to play.
Boston College tries their best to retaliate against Jake’s goal, but they mishandle the puck and a few seconds later, Westchester scores again. My eyes are locked on Mason as he screams with excitement from the bench, Coach Jameson patting him on the back in celebration.
We are up 4-0 at the start of the third period, and the BC players are getting agitated. While I’ve spent almost my entire life watching these brutes annihilate each other, I’m still a little shocked at the body checks being dished out. Two of our players are limping for god’s sake. I’m thankful I wasn’t there when Mason was seriously hurt.
A BC player illegally rushes one of our players, knocking him into the boards head-first.
“C’mon ref open your fucking eyes! That was a dirty hit!” The crowd follows my jeer with a round of ‘boos’ as the ref refuses to call a penalty. I can see Mason is equally as upset and Coach Jameson makes a move to talk to the ref. I turn to Mikey to voice my frustrations. “What a rat.”
He's nodding his head and grinning. “I forgot how fun it was sitting next to you during games. All that anger at such a young age. It was as impressive as it was terrifying.”
“It has been a while so I’m a little rusty.”
“Remember when our parents saved up to get tickets to the Bruins Canadiens game and you nearly got us kicked out?”
“Just becauseonesecurity guard gave us a dirty look doesn’t mean we were about to get kicked out.”
“And the drink that was spilled on the Canadiens’ fan?”
“An accident. Obviously. A Coke at TD Garden costs like 20 bucks, why would I intentionally spill it?”
He shakes his head as we turn our attention back to the ice. Westchester answers the hit with a few of their own, and by the end of the game, the players look exhausted as they celebrate their shut-out win.
“Are you coming out for drinks with us?” Mikey asks as we wait for the group in front of us to move out of the aisle.
Mason hadn’t mentioned anything to me. “I don’t want to crash your guys’ night.”
“You’re not crashing, I’m inviting you.”
