“Panicking already?” Ledger chirps from the crease. “It’s gonna be a long night.”
First period is fast and brutal.
And the second is worse.
By the time the horn sounds to end the second period, sweat is dripping down my spine and my legs are burning, but we’re tied and the building is still buzzing.
I skate off, chest heaving, and glance into the stands.
Harper’s leaning forward, elbows on her knees, eyes locked on the ice like she’s willing us to win. Connor’s bouncing beside her, talking a mile a minute, probably narrating the game like he’s already a broadcaster.
My chest tightens with a feeling I can’t skate away from.
Those people sitting in those two seats are mine.
They’re here for me.
My family.
And God help me, I’d do anything for either of them.
I duck into the tunnel and head to the locker room where I reach for my phone out of habit. But before I even have a chance to glance at it, I feel the air being sucked out of the room with the shocked comments coming from most of the guys.
“Whoa what the fuck is this?”
“Is this real?”
“Meers, what’s going on?”
“Are you fucking serious, Meers?”
“When were you going to tell us?”
I turn from my locker to see six guys gaping at me from their positions around the room, their phones in their hands. I quickly glance down at my own lighting up and suddenly I can’t breathe as my stomach drops.
Trending on Sports News Network:
“Sources say Anaheim Stars defenseman Harrison Meers may be considering retirement at the end of the season.”
Shit.
My name is everywhere.
Clips. Old interviews. Speculation threads. Armchair GMs arguing about timelines and contracts and legacy like I’m not still sweating in full gear.
“What the hell?” Griffin mutters, scrolling beside me.
Ledger whistles low. “Damn, Meers. If you wanted to steal the spotlight tonight…”
“I didn’t say anything,” I snap, shoving my phone back into my stall.
Barrett peers over. “You didn’t have to. Someone always talks.”
August meets my eyes across the room. He doesn’t joke, nor does he smile. “You okay?” he asks.
I nod once. “Yeah.”
I’m not sure if that’s true.
