A stupid, reckless, but possibly brilliant idea.
Entertainment. Crowds. The spotlight… a voice that deserves to be heard.
I knowexactlyhow to help Laura.
I skate to the exit to catch up to him. “Coach—hold up.”
He stops mid-step and glances back. “Yeah?”
“Actually, there is something.” I skate closer. “The national anthem for Friday’s game. Is it still the instrumental recording?”
“Yeah—” He stops, and I can see him processing my idea without having to be explicit. “Uh, actually, you know what? We’re having technical issues with the audio clip.”
“We are?” I ask with a slow smile forming across my lips.
“Yeah. Might need a live singer.” He tips his chin. “Do you think your girl would be able to help me out?”
“I’m sure she’d love to.”
“Great. Then we’ll set it up.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” he says. “If she freezes up in front of five thousand people, we’re both in trouble.”
“She won’t.” I don’t hesitate. “Give her a stage and a microphone, and she’ll blow everyone away.”
Coach watches me for a beat, then nods. “You’re in deep, huh?”
A humorless laugh slips out. I’ve been in deep with this girl since the fountain incident. “Yeah. I guess I am.”
He raises his clipboard. “Well, then. Let’s help her out. I’ll figure out the logistics. You worry about getting her here.”
“Yes, sir.”
I skate off the ice and head toward the locker room, my mind already racing. This has to work. It has to. It’s the first thing that’s felt right since yesterday.
The second I push open the locker-room door, I hear the thud of someone slamming a locker shut, and right in the middle of all the laughter and shouting is Erik, obviously.
He’s reenacting yesterday’s routine.
Fully. Dramatically.
“—and then an invisible Ice Troll comes at me, but Mr. Nibbles fears NO TROLL.” He executes a high kick that almost takes out a water bottle. “Pow! Bam! Tail swish of justice!”
The team is wheezing. Brooks is barely holding back a smile, while Alex is doubled over.
Erik straightens up proudly. “Honestly, I think the fox suit brings out my athleticism. I might wear it to warm-ups. Maybe even during games. Would really confuse the opposing team, don’t you think?”
Brooks shakes his head. “Man, you’re too comfortable in that thing.”
Erik shrugs. “Some people find their calling early in life. Mine just happens to involve fur.”
“And nutcrackers,” Alex adds, barely able to get it out.
I drop onto the bench and start unlacing my skates, shaking my head. “You’re unhinged.”
“Thank you,” Erik says with a little bow.
