Those threats from the Ricci family still linger and scare me. I can’t help but glance over my shoulder when I’m alone at night, wondering if someone will jump out of the shadows and grab me. Hurt me.
But the real fear comes from what I can’t see or do anything about.
Zeke is with my mother, and I can’t protect him while he’s not with me.
Maybe bringing him on campus next semester is the best option, because at least I’ll be able to look after him and make sure he’s safe.
Kensley and I arrive early to the Narwhals’ home game. We’re both sporting jerseys for the team and seated in the front row.
I’m doing this for him.
I want Luca to realize how much I truly care about him, and that means attending his games.
At least tonight, there’s no sign of Quinn, and pretty soon, I won’t have to deal with her at all. I look forward to moving in with the boys, and while I know it won’t be easy, at least Nova will be there too.
I spent the week finding out about the daycare on campus and how it’s open to students during class hours, which is great. I signed up Zeke to enroll next semester while I’m in class and studying.
“Go, Ashton!” Kensley shouts as he snatches the puck from the Wolverines.
I glance at her, curious if she’s crushing on him. “Ashton?”
“He’s your boyfriend’s best friend,” she says beside me and stands, shouting and cheering when he knocks another guy into the wall.
Now, she makes me look bad.
Luca catches sight of us, and as quickly as his eyes land on me, they’re back on the ice, following the puck, chasing after it. As swiftly as he snatches it from the Wolverines, they knock it away from him.
It’s a long game, with zero score in the first period and lots of racing back and forth on the ice, chasing the puck.
The buzzer sounds for the end of the first period, and as the guys start skating off the ice toward the locker room, Luca strolls up to the plexiglass and gives me a wave.
“You came,” he says, breathing heavily. He’s covered in sweat and glances at his buddies, a few are waiting for him.
“I wanted to support you,” I say. It’s true, he deserves that much. It sucks knowing his father disapproves of his choice to play hockey. If we’re getting married, I want him to realize that I’ll always support his decisions, no matter what.
“I’m glad you’re here. Maybe you’ll be my good luck charm.” He offers a crooked grin and then hurries off the ice with the rest of teammates waiting around.
“See, aren’t you glad you bought a Narwhals jersey?” Kensley asks, nudging me. “Now you have something to wear at every game.”
“Every game,” I repeat. I hadn’t really thought about attending all of his games, but it would be fun, especially with Zeke. I’d have to get Zeke those cute baby headphones to block out the noise from the crowd, but I’ll bet he’d love to watch Luca play hockey.
The players return onto the ice, and Luca is unstoppable. He manages to steal the puck and races down to the goal without almost anyone on him.
He shoots and scores.
Excitement bubbles through the arena as he turns to look at me.
I’m on my feet clapping and cheering, wanting him to know that I’m his biggest fan.
“Louder,” Kensley chides into my ear. “He can’t hear you.”
She’s probably right, but I feel like I’m already screaming over the crowd.
The Narwhals beat the Wolverines, and as the game ends, Luca skates over to us. “Wait for us. We’ll be done in thirty.”
“Okay, sure.”
He skates to the locker room, and Kensley and I hang out while the fans begin to disperse.
