Jay lifted the top of the costume into place, leaving his face visible through Gusher’s open mouth. “You know what? I’m actually excited. I mean, it’s not every day you get to be a professional sports mascot, right? That’s cool to add to my resume.”
I smiled, surprised by his positive attitude. “And you’re not just a sports mascot, you’re debuting this character.”
Tim nodded. “True, true. You’re setting the tone, creating a legend.”
We chuckled, but Jay remained very serious.
“Any big plans for tonight?” I asked.
Jay’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, you’ll see. I’ve been watching a lot of mascot videos. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve—or should I say, up my derrick?”
Tim groaned. “Don’t say that to any woman. Ever. Under any circumstances.”
I giggled. “I’m with Tim on this one, but I like the enthusiasm.” I smiled. “Good luck out there tonight. We’re rooting for you.”
By the time Tim and I made it to our seats, the arena was buzzing with energy. Tim fidgeted in his chair. “I have this weird mix of anticipation and nervousness for Jay,” he said. “And part of me wants him to fall flat because he’s been a jerk.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I feel that. I want this to go well for him, though. I mean, I know he planned for it to be me, but, mostly, I want him to succeed. That’s what’s best for the team.”
Tim nodded, his gaze glued to the doorway where Jay would emerge.
As the lights dimmed, the announcer’s voice roared through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your Texas Wildcatters!”
The team skated out onto the ice to thunderous applause. And then, with a burst of pyrotechnics, Gusher appeared at center ice.
Wow. That was cool. Jay had put a lot of effort into this introduction. I leaned forward, captivated.
“That shit.” Tim whooped. “He’s been holding out on us.”
We cheered as Jay skated around the rink with surprising grace, high-fiving fans and doing tricks with his oversized hockey stick. The crowd ate it up. In fact, he was now receiving more applause than the players had. Always the sportsman, Cormac Bouchard met Jay-as-Gusher center ice and high-fived him.
“We’re going to have some great content for the next couple of days,” I said with a smile.
In a flash it was time for the puck drop, and the game was fast-paced, even more exciting than I’d anticipated. I cheered as Cruz got off a great block and Stolly flashed across the ice for an easy goal. The team really clicked when Jeff wasn’t on the ice.
During breaks in play, Jay took his performance to another level. He challenged fans to dance-offs, led the crowd in cheers, and even attempted a backflip.
“Oh, I can’t look…” I peeked through my fingers.
“He made it. That absolute shit!” Tim yelled, rising to his feet to cheer. “I knew he was a diva. I knew it.”
By the third period, the Wildcatters were up a comfortable 3-0, and the second- and third-line players were gaining valuable minutes, including Jeff, who hogged the puck, created a turnover, and allowed the opposition to score.
The game ended to huge cheers for the team before the arena began chanting, “Gusher! Gusher!”
While the fans celebrated the Wildcatters’ victory, Tim and I made our way down to the locker room. I found Jay still in the Gusher costume, but with the head off, surrounded by players and staff congratulating him on his performance. He was damp with sweat, but his grin was wide.
“Jay!” I called, pushing through the crowd. Tim came with me, beaming like a proud papa. “That was incredible! Where did you learn to do all that?”
He grinned, his face flushed with exertion and excitement. “YouTube, mostly. And a lot of practice in my living room. My neighbors probably think I’m crazy. Or really into martial arts or parkour or something.”
Tim chuckled. “Well, it paid off. The fans loved you out there.”
Jay turned to me and cleared his throat. “ Zaila, I want to thank you. When I lost that bet, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen to me. But this...this was amazing. I’ve never felt anything like it.”
Warmth rushed through me. This was yet another reason I loved my job—the unexpected moments of joy and growth. “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I said. “Because you’ve got about twenty more games.”
Jay’s eyes widened. “Oh, right? I almost forgot about that part.” He chuckled, and I hoped it was because he was excited about the next few months. “Well, if all the nights go like tonight, I’ll be the best-loved mascot in any professional sport.”
