She spits my name just as the buzzer sounds. I look up to the scoreboard and scream out in frustration.
“Fuck!”
We lost the game 3–1. They scored an empty netter but still. This fucking sucks.
Even though we’re advancing to the quarterfinals, there is literally nothing worse than losing to Canada.
The mood in the locker room post game is…not great. A few of my teammates throw their shit into their stalls, yelling out in frustration. But for the most part, it’s pretty damn quiet.
Before the coaches come in, our captain, Steph, stands and makes her way into the middle of the room.
“This fucking sucks. Feel it. Grow from it. And channel this anger into the next game. Remember what this feels like and work your asses off so we never have to feel like this again here in Sweden. Got it?”
We all nod. Steph does a slow circle, making eye contact with each and every one of us.
“Our rivalry with Canada is as great as it is because we’re both phenomenal hockey teams. But you know what they say, it’s hard to beat a team twice. So let’s make sure we don’t let it fucking happen. I want to see them in the gold-medal game. And I want them to know what this feels like.” She smacks her chest, emphasizing her point. “Are you with me?”
Choruses of ‘yeah’ and ‘fuck yeah’ ring out as our coaches walk into the room.
Steph takes her seat and the coaches say pretty much exactly what she did. Don’t let the anger consume us. Use this to fuel our future games. And remember we’re here for a reason. One loss doesn’t have to get in our way.
The team’s mood is slightly better after their speeches. I get undressed as quickly as I can, hoping Luke is still here.
He’s never seen me after a loss. I’m usually in a pretty shitty mood, but knowing I’ll see him makes it a tad less shitty than usual.
The arena was packed, every seat accounted for in the stands. Luke was in his usual spot, a few rows up from the glass. I only glanced up at him once, too focused on the game this afternoon.
After the quickest shower of my life, I throw my hair up into a messy bun and speed walk out of the locker room.
The area is crowded, families all waiting for their athletes to join them. I weave between bodies, my head on a swivel for one person and one person only.
“Charlie.”
His voice soothes the sting of the loss with one simple word. I’m in so much trouble.
Turning, I find him with his teammates Wyatt and Brendan, disappointment sinking in my stomach.
I’m not surprised to see them here, but I was hoping he would be alone postgame so I could fall into his arms after this brutal loss.
“Hey, guys.”
My voice doesn’t hold its usual jubilance and Luke reads me like a book.
“Can you guys give us a minute?”
Wyatt goes to argue but Brendan yanks on his arm before he can get a word out. “Don’t speak. Let’s go.”
The two of them walk off somewhere behind me but I don’t pay attention. My eyes are transfixed on the baby blues that are currently assessing me.
“If I remember correctly, you hate losing just as much as I do.”
I roll back onto the balls of my feet and shrug. “That’s what happens when you give your heart and soul to a game.”
Luke smirks and I’m immediately at ease.
I’m not sure why I’m acting so awkward but the moment he tilts his head gesturing for me to come toward him, I throw myself into his arms.
His arms wrap around my back and he squeezes me tight.
